WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18569, 19 December 1925, Page 24

WEST COAST NOTES

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. GREYMOUTH, December 18. Captain Kobert G. Leach, who lias been the guest of Mr and Mrs H. G. Carter (Kamaka), returned to "Wellington thi3 morning. Mrs J. T. Martin and Miss M. Martin (Palmcrston Xorth) arrived to-day. and arc the guests of Mrs Martin's mother, Mrs E Reid (Greymoufli). Miss Mvrtle Smith, of the Kumara State School teaching staff, left this morning for Christchurch on vacation. Miss N. Kelly, headmistress of the Kaiata school, was met by the pnpils yesterday and presented with a handsome .silver teapot. Mr J. Stewart, of the "Railway staff, Kaiata, left by this morning's express for Christchurch. en route to Canada on six months' holiday. Mr IT. H. Allison, and Mrs Allison, will leave by to-morrow's express for Eangiorn. Mr and Mrs B. Neiper will leave on Tuesdav for Auckland. Mr J. B." Ilutton, Director of the Grey Technical School, will leave on Monday next for Xapier. Mesdames F. Boustridge and Wlutuig, of Blackball, will leave for Auckland on Monday next. . Miss W. Lilburn, of. the Grey Mam School staff, will leave for Auckland tomorrow. Miss M. Martin, daughter of the Rev. J y. Martin, will leave for Auckland on Tuesdav. She will be aceompumed bv Mrs Lvnn, of Hokitika. 'Mrs .T. Collogan and Miss i. Coilogan returned this evening from an extended holidav in the North Island. The death occurred to-day of Mrs Tonga Blackadder, of Marnia, aged thirty-four years. Sho leaves a family of seven children, the youngest being a few weeks old. Deceased was the eldest daughter of Mr John Williams, Fern Flat, "Waitaim, and was a native of the Inangahua district. The funeral of the late Mr Ldward Spark, who was accidentally killed at Cobdcn quarry, took place this -afternoon at Karoro Cemetery. The cortege included representatives ot the Greymouth Harbour Board and members of the quarry staff. Archdeacon Canconducted the service. Mr H E. Holland. M.P., advised the Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) by telegram last evening that owing to the illness of Mrs Holland he would not be able to visit Greymouth to-day. He has requested Mr J. Ryall, a member of the Grev County Council, to act as his representative at the Vice-Regal functions.

Railway Matters. The Ckristehurch express arrived in Greymouth at 5.5 this evening Passengers were spared the trouble Of transferring at the site of the washout between Aickens and Otira. lnc carriages were taken right through, but engines are not yet permitted to cross the repaired section of the line, there arc between five and six thousand tons of coods awaiting transport at tins end, and a start will be made tins (■veiling to rail the goods across. It is estimated that twentv-two goods trains will bfijequired to relieve the congestion. Blackball Beer Supply. The Blackball ferry service, which was established for the purpose ot transporting the necessities' of life to the population of the mining: township until tho- bridge was repaired,- was tho subject of a deputation representing the Blackball and Boa hotclkccpcrs, who waited on Mr J. \V. Hannan (Grey Countv chairman) yesterday., the spokesman of the deputation stated that the marooned hotelkeepers were worthy of more consideration, as they were the biggest ratepayers, excepting the Blackball Mine Co., and urged that beer be included in the schedule of food supplies. The deputation's request was agreed to. VThe restocking of hotel cellars commenced to-day. The Weather. Since the arrival of the Vice-Regal party in Greymouth there has been a marked improvement in the weather. The dense fog which enveloped the coastal line for forty-eight hours lifted this morning, and for the hrst time this month the West Coast is being favoured with a ffne day. Following heavy inland rains and the abnormal height of wate/n Lake Brunner, there is a strong run in the Grey river to-day. Vice-Eegal Visit. The Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson and suite, accompanied by the Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) and a representative body of citizens, left by car this morning for the James mine, Barrytown, and Punakaiki. Their Excellencies and party were conducted over the various working places ot the mine by the general manager of State Mines,'Mr I. James, and shots were fired at the face by their Excellencies. The cars left the/mine shortly after noon, and proceeded to Barrytown, where lunch was partaken of, . after which the journey to Punakaiki was continued, the blow-holes being inspected and a visit made to the beautiful Pororari beach. Afternoon tea was provided at the bungalow of Mrs Warnes. The partv returned to Greymouth this evening, "ami expressed themselves as delighted with the scenery. Their Excellencies were the guests of honour at a civic reception at the Town Hall this evening. Hotel Fire. The Progress Junction Hotel, near Beef ton, which was' destroyed b.v lire on Wednesday evening, was owned by Air G Loughnan, but at present the particulars of insurance are unavailable. Mr Chandler, the lessee and Mrs Chandler and family, and a boarder, lost all their personal effects.