WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17750, 30 April 1923, Page 4

WEST COAST NOTES

ROTO MANU FARMERS' UNION. (SPECIAL TO "TOT PEESS.") GREYMOUTH, April 28. At the annual meeting of the RotoMann Branch of the Farmers' Union, officers were elected as follow: —Chairman, Captain F. W. Whitmore; vicechairman, Mr W. Vallance; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. Ball; union delegate, Mr W. Vallance; auditor, Mr Wm. Robertson. Tho finances showed a small credit balance. The secretary was instructed to write again to the railway authorities regarding the blackberrry nuisance on their property. It was decided to endeavour to increase the membership of tho branch by holding meetings and otherwise, in order to get all farmers in the surrounding districts affiliated with' the movement. The following resolutions were passed:—(l) That the Agricultural Department be asked'to send a veterinary surgeon to the district to give a demonstration of speying cows; (2) that in the opinion of the branch a permanent resident veterinary surgeon should be appointed for the West Coast; (3) that this branch favourß the forming of a butter pool. It wos decided to have a meeting at an early date, when the subjects for discussion will be "Taxation" and "The Best Form of Agricultural Bank." Oar Destroyed by Fire. Mr J. Perrin, taxi-driver, last evening had his valuable Hupp, motor-car destroyed by fire. Mr Perrin was returning from Dobson to Greymouth, and when near the Kaiata School had trouble with the carburettor. . On restarting, the engine back-fired, and the car was quickly enveloped in Barnes, becoming a total loss. Mr Perrin had only a small amount of insurance on the car, and his loss is considerable. Builer County Council. The Hon, W. H. Mclntyre, M.L.0., has been nominated by the Millerton Miners'.Union for the Millerton Biding representative on the Buller County Council. Tribute to Mr H. Betts. After 26 years' association with the Inangahua Hospital Board, Mr H. Betts announced his retirement at a meeting of the Board. Regret at his retirement was expressed, and many tributes paid to his work by tho chairman. (Mr M. Fagan) and . members. The following motion -was carried: — "That this Board express its regret at Mr Betts's intention not to seek reelection, • and that a record of his 26 years' valuable services be recorded on the minutes." Obituary. The death of Mr Fred Harrop, of the Auckland, Lands and Survey Department, took place suddenly on Wednesday. The deceased was formerly a resident of Hokitika, where he spent his boyhood and married, being transferred some years ago to Auckland. He was a member of the Hokitika Cricket Club and Dramatic Club. His widow is left with two children, one. daughter being married. Mr Harrop was a well-known bowler.' , \ ■ ■ i