HOKITIKA

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 November 1923, Page 3

HOKITIKA

(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, November 6. The funeral of the late Mrs Eva France took place on Saturday morning last, and was attended by a large number of friends. The Rev. A. C. Purchas conducted the funeral service. The funeral of the late M. Walsh took place on Saturday afternoon, and was also well attended. The Rev. Dr Kennedy celebrated requiem mass in the morning and conducted the service in the afternoon. The funeral of the late Mrs James Millner took place on Sunday afternoon, when there was a large attendajte'e. The Rev. Dr Kennedy conducted the funeral rites at St. Mary’s Church and the graveside. There were many iloral tokens of sympathy. The Municipal Band played a very pleasing programme on the sea beach on Sunday afternoon, under the conductorship of Mr C. B. Ross. Before the National Anthem was played, Mr Pilkington (of the Beautifying Association) mounted a stump, thanked the band for its efforts, and said they were leading the efforts to make the beach popular. He appealed to the citizens, of whom there was a large crowd present, to assist the association in their efforts to improve the beach and make it a place of beauty. The band members were afterwards kindly invited by Mr and Mrs D. Dowell to the Rendezvous, where they were entertained by their hosts. This thoughtful action was much appreciated by the band members. The buildings for the Exhibition are well advanced, and now having the roof on, bad weather will not interfere with the progress. Work on the front of the main entrance is now proceeding. The buildings (or rather the bandstand) was unofficially opened on Sunday afteroon, when the band had a “try out” of the stand. As a result, some recommendations are to be made. The local band is in for a busy time during the Exhibition season. They have offered their services gratis throughout the Exhibition, to be called on at the pleasure of the Exhibition Committee. At the last quarterly meeting of the Methodist Church trustees in Hokitika, the Rev. J. F. Jack received a most cordial and unanimous invitation to remain in charge of the circuit another year, which will be the fourth year. It is the lot of but few to celebrate their diamond wedding, and fewer still to be hale and hearty and keen of intellect at the time, but that happy lot has fallen to Mr and Mrs W. A. Thompson, of Hokitika, who yesterday celebrated their diamond wedding. Mr and Mrs Thompson were married at Bishopstone, Wiltshire, England, on November 5, 1863, Mr Thompson at the age of 22, Mrs Thompson being five months his junior. They left for New Zealand shortly after and landed at Lyttelton. In 1865 they came to the Coast and made their home in Hokitika, where they have lived ever since. Mr Thompson for many years conducted the carrying business now taken over by his son, Mr F. W. Thompson. Mr Thompson is still in harness, as he acts as clerk for both his sons. Mr H. Thompson (monumental mason) and Mi’ F. W. Thompson, while Mrs Thompson still undertakes her household duties. Mr Thompson formerly took an active part in local politics, and is known as “the s father” of the

Westland Racing Club. The family consists of Mrs J. B. Ward and Miss F. W. Thompson, and Messrs Frank and Henry Thompson (all of Hokitika), and there' are nine grandchildren. Yesterday their home was visited by scores of friends, congratulating them on the anniversary, and expressing the wish that they may be spared many years more of health and happiness. Mr Thompson was one of the original members of the Hokitika Bowling Club. — SCHOOL COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Hokitika School Committee was held last evening. Present: Rev. A. C. Purchas (chairman), Messrs G. Heinz, W. H. Shannon, D. Stevenson, W. E. Richards and S. J. Preston (hon. secretary). The Hokitika Beautifying Association wrote conveying a vote of thanks to the school children and the Rector for assisting to clean up the sea beach. — Received. Mr A. Lawn wrote, stating that the fee for children at the swimming baths this season is 2/6 each. —Considered satisfactory. The Secretary of the Education Board of Governors wrote re subsidy towards High School teacher. —Received. Mr H. Finch, secretary of the Arahura Road School wrote enclosing £1 11/6 towards dental clinic. The Humphrey School Committee forwarded £2 for the same object. The Upper Kokatahi School forwarded £2 2/ for the same object.—Received with thanks. ' The Supervisor of the Technical Department wrote stating a report was being obtained re painting the Technical School buildings.—Received. The Inspector’s report was read and received. Mr Shannon stated that the U„" , er Kokatahi people were very pleased with the work of Miss Boyle and the dental clinic generally. The Rector reported on having taken the elder boys to the beach one afternoon after the examination to help i clean it up. His action had been taken exception to by some. Had he known before he would not have taken the step. 'The rubbish on the beach is not dumped by carters, but thrown there out of the backyards.—lt was resolved that the action of the Rector be approved. The Rector reported the average attendance as 396; roll number 425. The Inspector’s examination was very satisfactory. Portion of the rear fence had been blown down. Results of pupil teachers’ examination show that Miss E. Dale and Miss E. Ferguson .had obtained a full D certificate and Mr A .Aitken a partial pass-. The Rector’s residence required attention. It was resolved that the matter of repairs to the Rector’s residence be referred to the Board. Mr Heinz moved that prizes be again given this year, and that the Rector be requested to organise an entertainment, and that a meting of the teachers and committee be held to arrange the matter. Mr Heinz, on behalf of the Visiting Committee, reported on requirements at the school. < Mr Coyle’s offer for supplying gravel was accepted. Several accounts were passed for pavment. Messrs Lloyd and Mackay were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. Mr Heinz referred to the matter of the annual .picnic, and moved that it be held, providing the public assist in • the management. He suggested that ■ the proposed excursion to the Otira - tunnel be the annual excursion.— Seconded by Mr Preston and carried.