WEST COAST NEWS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21727, 9 March 1936, Page 5

WEST COAST NEWS

GREYMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

(SPECIAL TO THE PRESS.)

GREYMOUTH, March 7.

The Mayor (Mr W. Meldrum) presided at the monthly meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council. The Minister in charge of the Police Department advised that the replacement of the Greymouth police station would receive consideration when the next estimates were being prepared. The West Coast Cricket Association was granted the use of the Recreation Ground for April 11 and 12 to play Christchurch teams, subject to the approval of the reserves committee. The general manager of railways advised that warning devices could not be erected at the Herbert and Albert street crossings. In response to a request from the West Coast United Aero Club, it was decided to make a gift of £5 5s to the fund for the benefit of the dependents of Squadron Leader McGregor. It was agreed that the petrol tax received by the council next year, and for any further period necessary, should be set aside to keep the mam highway, Omoto road, Tainui and High streets, in first-class ordeh It was said that the petrol tax amounted to some £IOOO or £llOO. The town clerk was instructed to approach the Treasury to advance the loan for the Cobden water supply, and that, if necessary, he should proceed to Wellington to see what could be done by personal-interviews to raise the loan of £BOOO. Cr. J. B. Kent gave notice of motion that the council institute a compulsory superannuation scheme for its employees. The following recommendations ' of the finance committee were adopted:— That consideration of a request from the Greymouth ‘ Fire Board that three or four inch pipes be installed at various points along that section of Cqbden lagoon which runs parallel with Nelson quay for fire-fighting purposes, be held over until after March 31; that the proprietors of picture theatres be advised that it will be necessary for them to appoint a trained fireman to attend at public entertainments in theatres; that an application from J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, Ltd., to screen pictures in the Regent Theatre on Anzac Day be not granted; that Mr R. G. Cooper, caretaker of reserves, attend a conference of chairmen of reserves committees and superintendents of reserves, etc., to be held in Auckland; that instructions be given to the borough's representatives on the Greymouth Fire Board that, as Cobden is part of the Greymouth borough, it must receive the same attention as Greymouth. The librarian’s report, as follows, was adopted:—Books issued, 1953; tickets issued, 41; books placed on shelves 23 It was resolved that the Mayor and the engineer should ask the Public Works Engineer and Mr A. J. McDowall, president of the West Coast United Aero Club, when the aerodrome under construction at Blaketown would be ready for use. The engineer (Mr A. J. Fairmaid) reported that‘eight single men and seven married men are employed in the borough tmder the No. 5 scheme, in addition to a number of miners granted relief because of intermittent work at the mines. Last month the council issued is building permits, of a total value of £s43B. County Connell

At the monthly meeting of the Grey County Council Cr. J. W. Hannan presided.

The Main Highways Board forwarded authorities for the following works:—Lawson’s creek bridge, £32 17s 9d; Coal creek bridge, £52 10s; Punakaiki-Grey, £260 (free) and £574 (free); Ngahere-Haupiri, £3BO. A deputation of carters on the Grey-mouth-Barrytown road, comprising Messrs N. Mouat and J. Dunn, waited on the council with reference to the classification of the road, and permits granted to exceed the four and a half ton maximum, about which they alleged discrimination. The council discussion on the matter was taken in commltteee.

The proposal for a compulsory national health insurance scheme was supported. It was decided to write to the Tourist Department saying that the West Coast was not getting fair treatment with overseas tours .and citing the case of the Empire farmers, who had visited all provinces in the Dominion with the exception of the West Coast. The Lands and Survey ‘Department advised that the members of the Blackball Domain Board had resigned, and requested that the council convene a meeting for the purpose of electing a new board. A suggestion was made that the member for the Blackball riding should be nominated as an ex officio member of the board.

The repairs to the jetty at Moana (Lake Brunner), it was said, would cost about £6O, and the council agreed to find one-third of the cost, not exceeding £2O, on the condition that the Public Works Department found the remainder.

The treasurer (Mr M, Keating) submitted a statement showing that the receipts for the period, April 1, 1935, to March 5, 1936, were £65,274 4s 3d, and the annual estimates were £69,173.

Workers’ Union

Following an address by Mr R. Eddy, organiser for the New Zealand Workers’ Union, the workers on the Greymouth aerodrome resolved to enrol with the organisation. Mr J. Fisher was elected president of the branch and Mr W. Wallwork secretary. The motion to join the union was carried unanimously.

Aero Club

At a meeting of the executive of the Greymouth Aero Club, presided over by Mr F. A, Kitchingham, the club blazer, as suggested by Mr J, Brailsford, was approved, •. Messrs J. Buchanan and H. Greenaway were elected as new members. A gift of £5 5s was made to the McGregor Fund, and constituent clubs were asked to make grants. It was reported that tenders are to be called soon for the building of the club’s hangar on the aerodrome. Final details were left to a sub-committee. At a meeting of the carnival committee it was decided that the carnival should be held on March 21, and that Mr Skinner, of the Canterbury Aero Club, should be approached to give a series of exhibition parachute jumps at the carnival, the landing to be made in Victoria Park. Obituary

The death occurred suddenly yesterday morning, at the residence of his sister, Mrs J. Kelly, Awatuna, of Mr William Thomson, a native of Arahura, aged 58 years. Mr Thomson was formerly engaged in sawmilling on the West Coast, but had lived in retirement for several years, lately residing at Camerons. He is survived by six brothers, Messrs Robert Thomson (Poerua), George Thomson (Cobden), Hugh Thomson (Taumarunui), James Thomson (Camerons), Richard Thomson (Ruatapu), and Frank Thomson (Mananui), and three sisters, Mesdames J. Kelly (Awatuna), D. Bone, and D. R. Dowell (both of Hokitika). Croquet The Makura Croquet Club’s handicap, doubles were won by Mesdames cey and Moss after a keenly contested* game with Mesdames McKay and R. Smith. Motor Accident An accident occurred at the bend on Blackball Hill, a motor-car driven by Mr S. Becker, of Ahaura, going over the edge and falling about 30 feet before being held up by a tree. The car was badly damaged, but Mr Becker and the other occupants escaped with a shaking.

Gold Prospecting

A meeting of the Grey County Mining Executive was held last evening, with Mr J. W. Hannan presiding.

In bis report the engineer (Mr S. W. S. Strong) said that the following men

were on subsidy:—General prospectors 180, men on contract on development areas 89, on other areas 10, youths 16; total 316. Gold sales were* 570z Odwt, from 69, men, for the month of January, the regional shortage of water accounting for the small return. The engineer and the supervisors reported on the work being . carried out by the various parties and on the development areas. The engineer said, that it was expected the work on the Rivetview cage would be finished in a few days. . The meeting discussed the allocation of ground to men on contract in reefing area, and it was decided that each case should be dealt with on itsmerits. Export Figures During the four-weekly period ended February 29 coal exported from the port of Greymouth amounted to 7078 tons, as compared with 11,431 tons in the corresponding period of last year. The total was made up as follows, comparisons with last year being shown in parenthesis:—State mines, 2360 tons (3744); Blackball, 488 tons (1198); Rapahoe, 907 (1247); Paparoa, 493 (1070); Dobson, 762 tons (1134); Wallsend, 940 (1149); Briandale, .91 (83); other mines, 1035 (1806). During the same period timber exported amounted to 1,766,291 super, feet, as compared with 1,710,703 super, feet, an increase of 55,587 super, feet. Boxing The Greymouth Boxing Association has received advice that Clarrie Rayner and Billy Aitken have both accepted the terms for a bout in. the Town Hall on Easter Saturday night. Bowls. The West Coast Bowling. Centre, ,at its meeting this week, received advice from the Hon. P. C. Webb that the land for a bowling green in Cobden had been referred to the Public Works Department, with instructions to have a lease drawn up, subject to the present lessee being compensated for improvements. Abbut the green it was decided that if required the centre should favourably consider giving financial assistance The chairman (Mr A. E. Benjamin) reported that a handsome cup _ for inter-centre games between West Coast and Buller had -been received, and it was decided that the return game with Buller should be played at Westport on March 22, if suitable to Buller Centre. Sugar Shortage Pending the arrival of a shipment from Auckland, which has been delayed, there is a shortage of sugar m Greymouth at the present time. The majority of the retailers, however, have sufficient on hand, or have obtained sufficient from other centres, to fill the usual household orders. Personal The Rev. Brother Oswald, director of the Marist Brothers’ School, has left for Napier to attend the ordination of his brother. _ . Mr A. L. Cowie, Goods Branch, Railways Department, will leave on Monday on transfer to Ashburton. Mr E. J. Turner, of the Post and Telegraph Department, left last evening on transfer to Dunedin. Miss Mary McSherry, of Pahiatua, arrived to-day on a visit to Greymouth. Miss Moira McSherry returned to-day from a holiday visit to N Dr. ? T "Fletcher Telford left to-day on return to Christchurch. Mrs J. Hassall left to-day on a visit to Christchurch. HOKITIKA MAGISTRATE’S COURT (SPXCXiL TO THB PRESS.) HOKITIKA. March 7. At the fortnightly sitting of the Magistrate’s Court at Hokitika, Mr H. Morgan, S.M., presided. Two men, who were charged with being found on licensed premises after hours, one at the. Railway Hotel and one at the Dunedin Hotel, were each fined 20s. , For using an unlicensed motor-car W. J. Singer was fined costs 13s Edward H. Shirley, charged with having employed an unlicensed motor-driver, was fined 10s. Patrick Power and Herbert Williams were each fined 7s 6d, with costs 20s 6d, for having cycled on the foocwas fined £2, with costs 20s 6d, and had his license suspended until April 1, on a charge of having driven at a dangerous speed at an intersection. * . A man was fined 5s for having been found drunk in Cass square. McGregor Fund The Hokitika Aero Club has opened subscription lists for gifts for the fund which is being raised to assist the dependents of Squadron Leader M. C. McGregor. Squadron Leader McGregor was the first airman to come to the West Coast and was the first pilot to land on the Hokitika aerodrome, and it is recognised that he gave considerable help in advancing the interests of the Hokitika Club. Redwing Aeroplane Makes Flight For the first time for many months Mr H. T. Parry’s Redwing aeroplane made a flight over the town yesterday. The owner has given the machine a very thorough overhaul and has snared no efforts to turn out a first-class job. He is very pleased with the test flight and estimates an increased cruising speed of several miles an hour as the result, of careful attention to the finishing of the wing surface. Westland Acclimatisation Society The council of the Westland Acclimatisation Society met last evening, Dr. E. Teichelmann presiding. A letter was received from the Grey District Society* requesting the society’s co-operation in efforts to have urgent amendments made in the opossum regulations, in order that acclimatisation societies should have restored to them a definite share of opossum royalties. After discussion it was decided to support the Grey Society, and ask the member for the district for his co-operation. It was decided to protest to the Tourist Department against the exclusion of the West Coast from the itinerary arranged for the British and South African farmers who are touring the Dominion, and to request that future parties of tourists should have the West Coast included in their itinerary. A proposal that the Grey Society’s ranger patrol this district on two days of each week was received. Mr D, J, Evans gave notice of his intention to move at the* annual meeting that the annual meeting discuss the prevalence of sawdust in the rivers, with a view to having the regulations amended. Appearance of German Owls At the meeting of the Westland Acclimatisation Society last evening, Mr A. C. Armstrong exhibited a German owl which was shot in the Hokitika district. This is the first evidence of the presence in the district of this destructive pest It was said that a large number of the birds had been observed ,in the locality * and that already fewer small birds, particularly fantails, were to be seen. Competitions Suspended At a small meeting of the Westland Competitions Society it was decided to suspend operations for a time, and the meeting adjourned sine die, to be comjpned again when it was thought opportune. Hokitika Sports Club The following were elected by the recently-formed Hokitika Sports Club: Patron, Mr R. H. Ford: president. Mr J. Taylor; vice-presidents, Messrs D. Dowell, H. Kortegast, and R. Collett; secretaries, Messrs D. Breeze and G. Adamson; committee, Messrs R. Lynn, E. Heenan, J. Davem, G. Walton, and W* Stopforth.

■ . ■ — : REEFTON k 4,

MAGISTRATE’S COURT (SPSCtU. TO IU FUH.I REEFTON, March 8. Mr H. Morgan, SML, presided at a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court/Judg-. xnent for plaintiff by cjafault was given in each of the following cases:— ■J. M. Latham v. Jack McDonald, £2B 18s 4d; Henry Leggoe v. William Prendergast, £4 13s sd. . Assessment Court Mr H. Morgan presided at a sitting of the Assessment Court, when objections to valuations of mining properties for rating purposes were dispose# of as follows: —P. W. Bowey, no appearance of objector, valuation sustained; F. W. Bowey and J. Sutherland, no appearance of objectors, valuation sustained; Blackwater Mines, Ltd., unimproved value reduced to £37,500; Consolidated Gold Fields of N.Z., Ltd., unimproved value reduced to £500; E. W. Spencer, assessment struck off valuation list by consent Five other objections were adjourned to March 19. Warden’s Court A sitting of the Warden’s Court was held before Mr H. Morgan as Warden. The following applications were dealt with: —W. S. Clark, for a special' quartz claim over 91 acres in blocks 11. and VI., Waitahu S.D.; Adjourned to 19.3.36, pending Minister’s consent to extension of time being given. Murray Creek Gold Mining Company, Ltd., reduction of rent on four special claim licenses: Withdrawn. A., O. Beyers, ordinary prospecting license over 50 acres in block XII., Inangahua S.D.: Granted. V A. Pratt and V. A. Parker, eight ordinary prospecting licenses over 800 acres in block XII., Mawheraiti S.D.: All granted. N. A. Wallis, six ordinary prospecting licenses over 660. acres in ', block XII., Inangahua S.D.: All granted. J. Hargreaves, ordinary prospecting license over 35 acres in block VUL, Mawheraiti S.D.: Granted. L. M. Scott, renewal of special site license No. 6106 for a term of five years: Objected to by W.. S. Clark. Adjourned sine die, seven days’ notice to be given by either side. S. J. Loughnan and T. C. Irving, ordinary prospecting license over 100 acres in. block VI., Waitahu S.D.: Recommended. / W, Osborn, coal lease over five acres in block H., Waitahu S.D.: Recommended. R. F. A, Fellows, ordinary prospecting license over two acres in block XII.. Mawheraiti S.D.: Recommended. Consolidated Gold Fields of N.Z., Ltd., surrender absolute of two ordinary prospecting licenses: Accepted. G. E.. D. Seale, surrender absolute of ordinary prospecting license. No. 8309: Accepted. Boatmans Hydraulic, Ltd., leave to register deed of assignment after prescribed period elapsed: Granted on payment of fine, 2s. V A. R. Perry, extension of time for hearing application No. 285/35: Recommended. Consolidated Gold Fields of New Zealand, Ltd., two applications for extension of time for hearing applications for prospecting licenses: Bom recommended. C. M. Morris, certificate of protection for a period of 14 days covering two claim licenses: Granted. Obituaries The death took place at her residence, Bridge street, Reefton, of Mrs Ellen Nevin, wife of Mr Charles Nevin, secretary of the Inangahua Hospital Board. Mrs Nevin, who was a native of Blue Spur, Hokitika; was 63 years of age, and had resided in Reefton for a long period. She had been In ill-health for some time.

Mrs Nevln is survived bylher husband, one bfother, Mr J. Dwyer CW&Juta), and four sisters, Mesdames Hi;W. Gebbie (Eeefton), Bradley (Nelson). Smith (Sefton), and .Miss Eva Dwyer (Greyxnouth) • ” A very bid resident of the district, a Chinese, Ah Lou, better kno#n as Doctor Charlie, died sin the £|seftpn Hospital op He:.-.-was a peculiar, man, seldom speaking to. any" one. It is, sai&that he wasi;n:poUMK than in Chiba before coming to.New Zealand;*’ 7 ' V ,’'V Railway Traffic Resumed The railway traffic to and from'Ree£ ton has now been resumed, the line having been repaired sufficiently to allow trains to pass over the damaged portion of the track. Splendid work by the breakdown gang-allowed Friday evening’s train to reach Eeefton, and yesterday trains are funning Ip nor-' mal time-table. The derailment of the train had an effect on the Ihangahua Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show, many visitors not being able h> come to Eeefton, and exhibitors and judges were held up lor some tinle. ... 1 . V- j- ■ • . BLACKBALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (spxcm. to tbb raxss.) BLACKBALL. March 8. Miss Agnes Stops, a distinguished English visitor and lecturer, addressed a representative gathering of institute members at the Ngahere Hall. Mrs E. Mulcare, president of Ngahere Women’s Institute, welcomed Miss Stops, who was accompanied by Mrs Blake, Fed? ©ration secretary, *and Mrs Meed, Federation voluntary organiser. In an interesting talk, Miss Stops spoke of the' various aspects of the work of the Women’s Institute and kindred organisations .in*other countries. stressing particularly the need for helpful co-operation of special interest to women. Miss Stops had pic'turea in water-colours of many of the places she had visited. Chief interest, however, centred round the' exhibition of varied and unusual arts and crafts which Miss Stops had brought Representatives of the institutes,; who joined in thanking Miss Stops, were Mrs Hutchinson (Blackball), Mrs Dalziel (Nelson Creek), Mrs Paul (Ahaura), Mrs Johnstone (TaylorviUe). School Committee Meeting Mr R. Neilson, chairman, presided over the monthly meeting of the Blackball School Committee.. The headmaster (Mr C. Kibblewhite) reported that Mrs R. Henderson and Mr H. Hart had begun duties at the school. There were 197 pupils on the fqlL The attendance had been adversely affectedby a slight epidemic of whooping cough. Returned Soldiers’Association A recent meeting of the Blackball branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association was presided over by. Mr S.' Nuttall. .There was a fair attendance of members. It was decided to send to Greymouth branch a remit advocating the inclusion of former Imperial soldiers. Institute Meeting The monthly meeting of the Black-, ball branch of the New Zealand Women’s Institute was-held in the Druids’. Hall. Mrs Hutchinson presided. One new member was welcomed. An invltationkfrom the Ngahere branch to attend itthlrthday party on March 26 was acccipted. ’ Members were urged to attend the forthcoming meet-; Ing at Ngahere, when Miss Stops would address a group meeting. It was decided to confer with neighbour- - ing, branches before forwarding, nominations for the West Coast Federation. After some discussion it . was'decided that the election of officers and presentation of the balance-sheet should be

is' The results of the School ; 7§ Yaapd*, Porter .1, R. Richdale 2, 3> % r .a*;,* f4r Ifcvj. 3. Giris; -K'' Coghlan 1. 2, m. OTfcheaarsr corobe 3. Girls: \LCrpiiwSm<3, JO’Flaherty 2, L Oeaver ifc v 100 Yards, boys, under ISiyeoMk Woods 1, % 100 Yards, boys mote than IS W^BaSet^hW? Three-legged .Baca, der—R. Bartlett and 7. GOroy XIX Coxall and B. Wells X Girts:*?. BJbtwirth and L Cleave* X'P.O«4rw* J. Day X ’ ; . Three-legged Rhce,' boys under XS years—Eckluqd and CShoy ningtan afid Crompton '% r'GlStc Cochrane and E. Read !, MLoekington and J. CYFlaherty-2. . 400 Yards Relay Race—Convent (P. Yards Relay Race, under 14 yearsr-Reefton <J. Crook, IfcKenzfeh, J. Cochrane, £. Read 1, Conyent 2. Wheelbarrow Race. boy&opqu A. McKenzie and C. Ttox 1, McPherson; and Heslop 2. , : Pick-a-back Race, under 10-years G. and B. Newcombe 1, Coghlan and Gerald 2. ' • Pick-a-back Race, open—Bell and Barnett 1. Ecklund and O'Shea & ‘ Wheelbarrow Race, - girls, open--J. Cochrane and P. Perry 1. XL Read and N. Bierwirth 2, J. Day and P. Cook 3. * Pick-a-back gijrls,: open-J. Cochrane and B. McKenzie I, P. Parry and N. BoUtbQ.2. . .. / . Crab Race, boys—C. Tox X Stevishson 2, D 1 Coxal! 3. Boars, oners Loughnan 1, McPherson 2* Onaherty 6, ♦ •/ , Belay Race—Barnett’s team 1, BelTs team 2.