WEST COAST NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22240, 3 November 1937, Page 9

WEST COAST NEWS

TIMBER EXPORT TO AUSTRALIA

"Increase Not Very Likely"

OPINION OF WEST COAST SAWMILLER

The opinion that there were not very good prospects for any great increase in the export of New Zealand timber to Australia was expressed yesterday by Mr J. S. Robertson, sawmiller, of Greymouth, who has returned from a tour of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. A demand existed for New Zealand clean timber, but because of the slackness in the New Zealand trade for ordinary building grades, this market could not be fully exploited. Australian builders would use clean red pine for linings and floorings, but would not consider anything else but Australian timber for scantlings, while there was no chance of sending the lower grade rimu to Australia for boxmaking as the American hemlock, which was greatly preferred for the manufacture of boxes, was admitted duty free, and landed at Australian ports for approximately 20s a 100 feet. Again, because of the increase of labour costs, the general opinion among Australian merchants was that a rise in shipping freights was imminent, which further detrimentally affected the New Zealand export trade. There was a trend throughout Australia to inaugurate the 40-hour working week, although he believed it would come gradually. That, he believed, might result in an improvement in the New Zealand exports of timber, which would then be in a better position to compete. With the exception of Brisbane, all the Australian cities appeared prosperous, and building activities in Sydney and Melbourne were brisk. However, it was mostly large structures which were being erected, little timber being used in their construction. Referring to the export of Australian hardwood to New Zealand, Mr Robertson said that there had been more than 2,000,000 feet awaiting shipment from the northern rivers, but there was a shortage of tonnage for that trade. He saw no indication that there would be any great change in that trade, other than the chance that an increase in the shipping freights might bring about a corresponding increase in the price to New Zealand users. Sydney merchants were well stocked with New Zealand timber, but Melbourne could, perhaps, do with additional supplies.

GREYMOUTH WARDEN'S COURT

The following applications were dealt with by the Warden, Mr Raymond Ferner. S.M., at a sitting of the Warden's Court at Greymouth yesterday: Stratford, Blair and Company, Ltd., renewal five year, tramway licence No. 69/20, dated October 5, 1920. Granted. Barrytown Gold Dredging, Ltd., drainage area. 75 acres, Block 9, Waiwhero S.D., 21 years. Objected to by White's Electric Gold Dredging Company (Barrytown), Ltd.—Withdrawn. Barrytown Gold Dredging, Ltd., dam, 13 chains by 11 chains, Block 9, .Waiwhero S.D., 21 years. Objected to by White's Electric Gold Dredging Company (Barrytown). Ltd.—Recommended for Minister's consent. Charles Fisher Gardner, ordinary prospecting licence, six acres three roods eight perches, Block 11, Greymouth S.D.—Granted, subject to existing rights. James Becker and John Joseph Malone, ordinary prospecting licence. 30 acres, Block 11, Mawheranui S.D.— Granted. James Barron, surrender absolutely extended alluvial claim, No. 172/35. Accepted as from October 18. 1937. Arahura Gold Dredging, Ltd.. licence for dam, 100 chains by 70 chains, at Lake Mudgi, Block 4, Kanieri S.D., 21 years. A certificate of abandonment was also sought in respect of dam licence No. 405 (Hokitika), whereof the Piper's Flat Gold Mining Company, Ltd., is the registered holder.—Abandonment of dam licence No. 405 established, certificate of abandonment to issue. Application recommended for Minister's consent. Alfred Edward Morel, water race licence, two miles, two feet by three feet, carrying five heads for mining from an unnamed tributary of the Waipuna river, 21 years.—Granted. Brian Boru Gold Dredging Company, Ltd., surrender absolutely licences for water races, Nos. 7942. 7821, 7822, 7820, and 7834.—Accepted as from July 30, 1937. James Egan, renewal for two years, licence for extended alluvial claim, No. 8561, dated October 15, 1935. Granted. British Developments, Ltd., four ordinary prospecting licences, 100 acres, 95 acres, 90 acres, and 83 acres, Blocks 13 and 14. Mawheraiti S.D.Granted. ' Receiver of Gold Revenue v. Brown's Terrace Consolidated, Ltd., fl) rent; (2) forfeiture of special alluvial claim No. 209/34; (3) costs.—Forfeiture of special alluvial claim decreed. Judgment for plaintiff for rent, £62 7s Id and Court costs, £1 3s.

LAWN TENNIS

ANNUAL REPORT OF SUBASSOCIATION

The usual Easter tournament had been held, and from every point of view had been highly satisfactory, said the annua* report of the Greymouth Lawn Tennis Sub-Association, which was presented to the annual meeting last night. A number of players from other districts had attended, and this had helped to ensure the success of the tournament. It was pleasing to note that the junior events had been so well patronised, and some good tennis had been seen. The standard of tennis among the senior players had been very good. There had been a little trouble again this year in obtaining players to umpire, the bulk of the work falling on a few willing persons. Appreciation was expressed of the work of Mr A. L. McKay, a member of the committee.

CUSTOMS RETURNS AT WESTPORT

Customs returns for the port of Westport for the month of October showed considerable increases in customs and beer duties for October, but the sales tax showed a slight decrease on last year. The figures for the month, with the figures for October, 1938. in parenthesis, are:—Customs £904 16s 4d (£6OB 5s 8d); beer, £414 13s (£2Bl 14s 2d); sales tax, £4lB 0s 8d (£453 19s 9d)).

FIRE BRIGADES

ANNUAL DEMONSTRATIONS AT ROSS

RESULTS IN ALL EVENTS

! The annual demonstration by fire brigades of the West Coast was held at Ross last Saturday in perfect weather, 10 brigades taking part. The arrangements for the demonstration were in the hands of Mr Peebles, secretary, and Captain McKey, of the Ross Brigade. Superintendent J. Daily (Westport) presided at the annual conference of delegates. The meeting decided to allow only one team from each brigade to compete in each event at the annual demonstration, and that the cash prizes in future for each event be £l. , , . The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Motorman J. Grant (Greymouth); vicepresidents. Superintendent Clarke (Denniston), Secretary L. Anderson (Cobden), Deputy-Superintendent Ross (Hokitika); trustee, Deputy-Superin-tendent A. White; secretary, Mr J. G. Walton (re-elected). It was decided to hold the 1938 demonstration at Cobden. The trophies were presented at a banquet held in the Totara Hall, there being an attendance of more than 100 The Mayor of Ross (Mr J. Murdock) welcomed the visitors. It was announced that the Benyon memorial trophy had been won outright by Hokitika, and Secretary Walton was presenting a new cup for the same event. During the evening items were given by Mr W. Payne (Greymouth), Fireman Cook (Cobden), Fireman Aller (Cobden), Fireman Davidson (Hokitika), Deputy-Superintendent White, and Mr J. Jeffries (Ross). The following are the results:— Gilbert Memorial, one-man event! (dry): Denniston, 69 2-ssec (2), 1; | Hokitika, 70 4-ssec (2), 2; Kumara, 71 2-ssec (7), 3. ~ „, , Rose Bowl, two-men coupling: Hokitika, 34 2-ssec, 1; Kumara, 35 3-ssec, 2: Reefton, 40sec, 3. Otira Citizens' Cup, three men: Kumara, 25sec, 1; Otira, 27 3-ssec, 2; Greymouth, 27 4-ssec (1), 3. Powley Memorial Cup, three men disabled: Kumara. 47sec, 1; Hokitika, 47 2-ssec, 2; Reefton, 50 2-ssec, 3. Hislop Trophy, four-men camel hose (motor): Greymouth, 45 4-ssec, 1; Hokitika 47 2-ssec, 2; Kumara, 50 4-ssec 3. Benyon Memorial, four men (hose and standpipe): Hokitika, 38 3-ssec, 1; Reefton, 43 l-ssec, 2; Ross, 44 3-ssec, 3. Thompson Memorial Shield, fourmen motor-pump event: Greymouth, 70 2-ssec, 1; Reefton, 71 3-ssec, 2; Kumara, 93 4-ssec (18), 3. Championship points were gained as °Russell-IwcLeod Shield 'most points in all events): Hokitika 56£, Kumara 55 Greymouth 46, Reefton 445, Denniston 19k, Cobden 18i, Westport 14, Otira 10, Ross 9i, Granity 6i. Grogan Memorial Shield (most points in all events except one-man and fourmen pump events): Hokitika 5151. Kumara 414. Reefton 32, Greymouth 30, Denniston 13J» Westport 12. Ross 9i. Cobden 9, Otira 9. Granity 6£. Reefton won the Clarence McKay Consolation Cup for the team with highest aggregate points, not gaining first prize. . . The Hislop tankard and miniature for the motor events was won by Greymouth.

BOXING AND WRESTLING BOUTS

CONTESTS HELD AT REEFTON

The: Reefton Boxing and Wrestling Association conducted a boxing ai»d wrestling tourney on Saturday night. There was only a fair attendance. The officials were as follows:—Referees, Messrs Griffin and F. Newcombe; seconds, Messrs W. J. Barry and J. Lamplough; announcers, Messrs H. Smith and F. S. Hayes. The boxing bouts resulted as fol°J. Panchurst (3st 12lb) drew with E. Bannon <3st 81b); T. Palmer (6st Isn>) beat E. Williams (6st 121b) on pt. >.ts; R. Chandler (Bst 121b) lost tp J. Griffin (Sst 101b) on points; E. Newcombe. (Sst 101b) drew with K. McKanc (6st lib); D. Reams aOst 101b) beat F. Griffin (10st 101b) on a technical knockoutrA. Bolitho (Sst 121b) beat J, Hodgins (Sst 71b) on points; C. Steel (lOst 41b) drew with T. Chandler (lOst 81b). In the wrestling bouts J. Eklund hrat E Frazer by one fall; A. nann (9st) beat W. Barnett (flst 61b) by a fall in the second round; Burn*i (lOst 51b) drew with Fmlayson; G. Richards (list 101b). beat Croft (Ist) by a fall n the last round: P. drew with J. Richmond Ost 51b). tf. Walker (list lib) beat Blanchfield (list 31b) on points. The referees for the wrestling were Messrs J. Barnes and Callagnan At ?ne"conclusion of the contorts, the Rev Father J. Heavy presented the ttopnies to the winners. 9

PORT OF GREYMOUTH

[THE PRESS Special Service.l

GREYMOUTH. November 2. The Alexander sailed last night with Co The fo wfime°a n S ailed this morning with timber for Port Waikato. She will return on Monday to load for Onehunga The Gael arrived this morning from Hokitika to load general cargo for JaCKson's Bay, and is to sail to-morrow. The Hokitika is expected to lew Wdj lington at noon to-morrow with cargo tor Greymouth and Hokitika. The Tltoki is due on Thursday with cargo from Onehunga. and after discharge will load coal for Nelsort and Tarakohe. The Totara is expected to leave Wellington Vo-morrow night for Greymouth, and will load coal tor Miramar on Friday. The Karepo left Portland at 4 ociocK Yesterday afternoon for Greymouth, and is due at noon on Thursday to load tor Auckland and Portland. The Kalingo is expected to leave Wellington to-morrow with cargo for Greymouth and Hokitika. and will load timber on Friday for Sydney and Newcastle. The KarU Is due on Saturday from Wellington to load coal for return. The Poolta is due on Sunday from Westport, and will load on Monday morning for Auckland. The James Cook is due on November 15 to load timber for Melbourne.

PORT OF WESTPORT

[THE PRESS Special Servlce.J

WESTPORT, November 2. The Karligi will sail from Wellington tomorrow night and is due on Wednesday to load for Auckland and Portland. The Wingatui will sail to-morrow night from Wellington and is due on Wednesday to load for Wellington and Miramar. The Karepo, from Greymouth part loaded, is due to complete at Westport next Monday for Auckland. The Kaimai is due from Gisborne to load next Monday for Lyttelton. Timaru, Dunedin, and Port Chalmers. The Kaitoa is due on Tuesday from Tarakohe to load for the same port. The Rata is due on Tuesday from Napier and will load for Wanganul. The Alexander is expected from Nelson on Wednesday to load for Picton.

More than one and a half inches of rain were recorded at Hokitika on Sunday. The rain was badly needed, as it has been particularly dry and warm for this time of the year. The weather quickly improved, and Monday was fine.