HOKITIKA NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1918, Page 7

HOKITIKA NOTES.

[Our Own Correspondent.]

SEVERE WEATHER

Some very severe weather has been experienced here this winter, but probably Saturday last was the most wretched day we have had to date. During Friday nTght a heavy frost set in, which eirly on Saturday morning changed to a cold sleety rain, which brought about an unusual and dangerous condition of roads, paths and bridges. Instead of the rain thawing" the frozen ground a contrary effect was brought about, and a slippery icy surface was presented to the traveller. Those who were engaged in their usual occupations of driving horses had an anxious time, and several serious falls were reported, while slips extending up to several feet in length were numerous. One driver expressed the opinion that it was the worst he had experienced for over thirty years. This condition appeared to be Avorse in the country districts, the thaw setting in much quicker in town. About noon a heavy shower of rain and hail set in, which lasted for some time, and left its white effect for some boors after. At Ivokatahi, Koiterangi and Rimn snow fell early in the morning, while all the foothills including Mt. Tuhua were well covered with the white mantle. All live stock are having a particularly hard time owing to the combined effects of wet and cold. When the Otira express arrived nt the Hokitika station on Saturdav night snowballing' was indulged in for a few moments by some of the passengers, the ammunition being obtained from snow that had collected on the roofs of the carriages en route from Otira- There was much laughter, and some shrill notes

fioni the fair sex, .especially when Hie snow stalled to descend their necks: it was observed that the lower the snow descended the higher the notes ascended. iKQTnm JTTT.TT T «

BISHOP JULIUS

His Lordship the Bishop of Chiistchurch conducted services at AIJ Saints Church yesterday morning at 8 o'clock (Holy Communion) and at II o'clock (Confirmation and Choral Eucharist). At the early service there were about TO present and the church was well tilled for the latter service. Owing' to limited time the confirmation service at Kanieri was cancelled and the candidates attended the confirmation service at Hokitika at 11 o'clock. In all twentyl# three candidates were presented \ (seven youths and sixteen young ' ladies) and the ceremony was con- , ducted in His Lordship's usual impressive manner. The Bishop preached an appropriate sermon ' lucidly and graphically, describing the advantages to those who have been confirmed, using as an illustration a simple but plain example. The choir was in full numbers, and their singing was one of the beauties of the ceremony.