LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1923, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Stevenson’s Hotel, Reel ton, superior accommodation, and booking office for Newman Bros.’ motor services to Westport, Nelsen, and Blenheim. — Advt. “Oh! Lucy! Lucy! Believe me, if all those endearing young charms. . .” “Cut the cuddle out! George. Enhance my appearance with a pair of Chalk’s 25/- two-bar shoes. They’re just Bosca. ’ ’—Advt. The Public Works Department has issued two circulars to its engineers, and to local bodies, drawing attention to the possible risk to New Zealand

by the introduction of Australian wood boring pests through the medium of hardwood timber imported into the country. The methods by which the presence of these destructive insects may be detected are set out, and the importance of immediately burning all loose bark in which they lurk is stressed.—Press Assn. “We seem to be ‘Jonahs,’ ” remarked Mr D. Archer (Buller) at this morning’s meeting of the Highway Council as the gale howled and shrieked and rattled the windows of the Public Works office, in which the meeting took place. “When we had our last meeting, the weather was just like this.” “I think we ought to try Westport next time,” said Mr D. J. Evans (Westland). “We might be more lucky.” “Oh, well, I will have something to say about that later,” said Mr Archer, who no doubt had in mind the suggestion he made later that diffierent arrangements be made as to the time of the Council’s meetings. The Chairman (Mr J. D. ill 4/I mi 4-1 v Cnur 4-»-• T\/l i» -»■» c' t»

— - J —... — jest the seeds of an idea, as he suggested that the Council might meet some time at either extremity of the Number 12 District—in Buller, or in South Westland. The official opening of the Makura Croquet Club took place yesterday afternoon under unfavourable weather conditions. The grounds have been considerably beautified since last season, various varieties of climbing roses having been planted along the inner portion of the new fence, which provides excellent shelter for them. The 'caretaker (Mr Fairhall) had been working strenuously all the week, but owing to the incessant rain was unable to have the lawns playable yesterday. At 2.30 p.ra., however, the Committee and a sprinkling of members met at the pavilion, where Mrs Allan Smith (captain) in a short speech, formally declared the season open, and hoped that members would attend and practise hard, in view of the forthcoming tournament, at which it is expected visitors from other parts of New Zealand will be present. Speaking to a reporter to-day, Mr J. Steer stated that the newspapers during the last few days had given It 1 m nil ll I- I< f n 1» 1 1 m t»/T ~

him quite a lot of publicity as regards his opposition to a reduction in railway charges, but he wished to make the point quite clear that he is not objecting to a reduction in charges as long as they operate generally. For instance, supposing a 20 per cent, reduction is made in any class of goods from Christchurch to Westland, it must apply to the same goods shipped from Westland to Christchurch, ami also for goods consigned from Greymouth to any station. It would be quite unfair competition to have goods railed from Christchurch to Hokitika and Ross or to Reefton at a less rate than the same class could be railed from Greymouth. What would be the position as regards goods railed from Greymouth to Otira or stations on that line? Christchurch merchants would by the preferential rate suggested quote Greymouth out of sight, A false impression of the scope of

the supply of power exists in some parts of the inner area of the Grey Electric Power District, stated the Chairman of the Board, Mr H. F. Doogan, to a reporter to-day. Many people, he said, believed that the power was mainly for the benefit of the residents of Greymouth, which was entirely wrong. “It is only a matter of erecting the necessary poles,” said Mr Doogan, “t ohave the benefit of electricity conveyed to any part of the district, and the Board is very anxious, in view of the poll to be taken shortly, that farmers and other residents of the country districts should obtain first-hand know-

ledge of the advantages of electric power in the farm areas of other districts. Canterbury affords a typical example, and no farmer should visit that province' without asking some of the farmers whose farms are supplied with electric power about the advantages of the scheme.” Regarding Mr J. D. Gillies’ record of the decrease in population (published in another column) some' interesting references were made at this mori@ ing's meeting of the Council of the Number 12 Highway District. Mr Gillies, who is Chairman of the Council, mentioned the falling population of the Coast as a. reason equally as strong as the sparse settlement ami low rating value why the financial

provisions of the Main Highways Act represented a hardship. The closing of ' tin- Brunner Mines, the petering out 1 of the gold mines, the War and vari- > ous causes had contributed to this no . doubt. Air D. J. Evans (Westland) - bad every hope in the future, stating that the Coast was in the transition stage. Mr J. Higgins (Grey) mentioned that many of the townships that had once been thickly populated, such as Maori Gully, No Town and others of the gold-digging era, had now dwindled down to two' and three of a population. “We are progressing to the agricultural era,” said Mr Evans, “but it will be a long Hine before the West Coast is definitely an aericnllural district. It will not be like lhe good old rushes of the pioneering days.”

.The hotel to stay at when in Greymouth is the Royal, close to the Railway Station. First-class dining-room with every attention. Booking office for Newman’s Motor Service.- —Advt.

“It seems a bit too much to send up in smoke,’’ remarked Mr A. E. Manning at a meeting, when suggesting a gigantic fireworks display as a fitting celebration for Hamilton’s forthcoming jubilee. "Anyway, I suppose,” he concluded,, "it’s just as good as spending it on a. dinner.” “I’d much rather spend it on i the roads,” remarked the Mayor.

It is reported from Evanston, Illinois, that several college professors, divinity students, and clergymen are forsaking their calling to take up the occupation of plasterers, since the high rate of wages offered is so enticing ; 104 dollars being paid for a 54-hour week, nominally £2l 13s per week. Professor George Sollick, a well-known civil engineer, and the Rev. Frank Cummins, are amongst those after the lucre.

The Ku Klux Klan in Australia will not be known under that name, but as the Anglo-Saxon Clan (says an exchange). UaptaimChaplin Wilson, ALL. A., who appears to be the sponsor of the movement, declares that it will be entirely constitutional in its methods, and will be in harmony with the Jaw. The clan will enforce its decisions by force of numbers and moral suasion. The identity of members will remain a secret, and, as a whole, the clan will remain- an invisible force. The chin did not intend to resort to physical violence.

Just arrived direct from England a splendid assortment of Tapestry Carpet Squares in all sizes and new designs ; also Velvet Pile Sofa Rugs, 37/6 and 45/-. C. Smith, Ltd., House Furnishers, Greymouth.—Advt. The “British Sporting Club,” which used to conduct a sweepstake in shape of Tattersail’s on English races in Wenduyne and Blackenberghe (Belgium), was raided by the Belgian police on November 32. It is understood (says an exchange) that this organisation has been operating by correspondence in .Australia and Nev/ Zealand, and the Belgian Government advise that money which has been sent for the Cambridgeshire Stakes and Manchester November Handicap, and which has been seized by the Belgian police, will be returned to the investors. Gifts that are always acceptable: — Dainty books and booklets in art paper and fancy art leather covers, beautifully illustrated in black and white and colours, containing the very best of English literature in prose and verse from the best well-known authors. The prices range from 1/3; 2/-, 3/-, 4/-, 5/-, 6/-, 7/-, 8/-, 10/6, 12/6 to 21/- each. The values this year are equal to pre-war at B. Dixon’s, Tainui ‘Street.—Advt.

One of the hardships under which the West Coast centres are labouring was mentioned by Mr D. J. Evans (Westland) at this morning’s meeting of the Number 12 District of the Main Highways Board- He stated that under the State Forest Act many good areas of land were locked up. The West Coast was experiencing the period of transition from the mining to the agricultural age, but it would be a long time before agriculture held sway. The lands locked up are provisional State forests, and yet the roads leading to them, which would be used for transport from the mills that would occupy the areas some day, had to be maintained out of the county’s revenue! “Yes,” said Mr D. Archer (Chairman of the Buller County Council) in a sardonic tone, “but we really put up with that so as to supply the poor farmers in the North Island with timber!” Fancy Art Leather Novelties are still the fashion for Christmas Gifts. The range carried at B. Dixon’s is too large to enumerate in these columns, and the prices are the lowest procurable. Here arc a few of the lines:—Pen wipers 1/-, spectacles IVItVH'Q I /_ crriirl l.rv-x’-nc / nHnTrfnr/

wipers J/-, stud boxes 3/-, shaving and razor outfits 4/6, 5/6, coat hangers 5/6, scissor cases 3/6, 4/6, stationary holders 5/6, 8/6, pipe racks 2/-, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, handkerchief satchels 5/6, 7/6, table centres 10/6, 11/6, 12/6, gents’ tie racks 2/-, 376, 4/6. —Advt. Smile awhile! and while you smile another smiles and soon there’s miles and miles of smiles and life’s worth while because you smile. But you’ll be smiling all the while if you buy your Christmas Gifts at A. E. Kilgour’s his spacious store is stocked with the most unique and latest toys, most varied display of Dolls, Teddy Bears, all sorts of Animals. Celluloid Dolls and Kewpies, Dunlop Balls, a splendid variety of Gents’ and Ladies’ Dressing Cases, Gents’ Brush Sets, Writing Cases, Ladies’ Companion Sets, Ladies’ Sewing Sets, Stylish Bead, Leather, Suede Hand Bags, Manicure Sets, Exclusive Doulton and Crockery Ware, Purses, Hand Mirrors, Baskets,

Tricycles, Prams, etc., ami the prices are the lowest in the Dominion. A. E. Kilgour, for Christinas Presents.— Advt. Good news for the musical public. We (the Bristol Piano Coy., Ltd.) are at last installed in our new premises —location novi door but one to the new Bank ci New Zealand—and are now prepared to cater for ope and all in everything that is best in music. We have large stocks of the famous Collinson pianos, and are selling them at 90 guineas. There is nothing finer on the market at the price. We have supplied them to schools, public

halls, teachers, and the public generally, and in every instance they have given the greatest satisfaction. Please call or write for particulars regarding terms. They are very easy. The Bristol Piano Co., Ltd., Tainui Street, Greymouth.—Advt. Are rats vegetarians? (asks the AVellington Post). A gardener oil the slopes of Mount Victoria is prepared to answer this question in the adirmative. While watering his vegetables the other evening he noticed a rat decamp from among what was once a healthy-looking row of green peas, and he is now satisfied that he has discovered the cause of a number of the leaves ami pods being nipped and eaten away. On Fri-

nay morning the gardener saw another rat leave a dump of lettuce plants (hat had been raised from seed, and move to fresh quarters among the cabbages. Before he could despatch it with a spade the rodent, made off. but the irritated gardener is now convinced that his lettuce and cabbage leaves have not been attacked by snails and slugs, but by rats, and he has now decided not to purchase lime but break-back traps. A complaint of a. similar nature comes from Auckland where a- Remuera resilient stated that rats had attacked his peas in the pod, first carefully she Fling them. The ground between tfxe rows was a. litter of empty shells and, having observed a rat eating his peas, the irate amateur had set traps, and had had lhe satisfaction of catching three of the marauders.

The danger of introducing the pest known as gum tree scale into the Dominion from Australia through the importation of poles for electric power and telephone lines, is the subject of a letter received by the provincial Fanners’ Union from the Conservator of Forests, Mr H. A. Goudie. The provincial executive of the union recommended that all poles be stripped of bark before leaving the Commonwealth. Air Goudie stated that the department recognised the danger, and that he would bring the matter before the Directors for Forestry. We are the appointed West Coast agent for Meccano Toys. Our stocks are now replete with all numbers. Study your boys and purchase Meccano, electric and clock-work motors, from the authorised agent, who has the stock at the lowest price. A. E. Kilgour, West Coast Agent for Meccano Toys.—Advt.

Wheat growers will be pleased to learn that they are to receive a bonus shortly on their sales of wheat last year, in terms of the agreement entered into under the wheat-marketing scheme, states the Tiniava “Herald.” The exact amount of the -bonus cannot be stated yet, but it will probably be about lgd per bushel. A meeting of the Wheat Board will be held in Christchurch to discuss prices for the growing wheat crop. That there is need lor a substantial increase “in price is well establishes, remarks the same journal. . The price of wheat should be at least 6s per bushel, if the grower is to get afiy return for his labour, and if he does not do that it cannot be good for the rest of the community.

- Half a dozen Electric Coney Coat# trimmed with real Skunk Collar having arrived too late for Christchurch Carnival Week have been reduced in price from 85 guineas to 55 guineas by Madame Men ere, the • Furrier, Corner Cashel and Colombo Streets, Christchurch. The reduced price practically only the cost of the collar. Early application should undoubtedly be made. Your money refunded' if goods do not satisfy.—Advt. In future, meetings of the HighwayCouncil will take place in the evening. This is in deference to the inenhbers coming from a distance, to whom day-time meetings occasion much loss of time. Mr D. Archer, Chairman

of the Buller County Council, stated at this morning’s meeting of the Council that if some management were not decided upon he would have to resign, as he had a large herd of cattle and could not spare the time in the summer months especially. Coming to Greymouth for the meetings meant that he lost three days in travelling—one on the journey down, another on the day of the meeting, and another returning home. Even if he returned on the day of the meeting he had to spend one night in Reefton, and while he was away had to pay a man to superintend his work. For that reason the Council decided

in future to meet at night, as this would save the Buller delegate a- day, and also suit the other delegates, whose ordinary avocations claimed them in the day-time. New books and supplies at B. Dixon’s, Tainui Street. “McGlusky the Peacemaker,” by A. G. Hales, 6/r'j “The Last Frontier,” by Curwood, 6/-; “One of the Best,” by Penny, 6/-; “Tappan’s Burro,” by Zane Grey, 6/-; “The Romance of a Rogue,” by Ruby Ayres, 6/-; “Over the Footlights,” by Stephen Leacock, 6/-; “The City of Fire,” by Grace Livingston Hill, 6/-; “Brass Commandments,” by Seltzer, 6/-; “Tang •of Life,” by Knibbs, 6/-; “.Under Handicap,” by Jackson Gregory, 3/6; “Six Foot Four,” by Jackson Gregory, 3/6.; “Lady Fingers,” by Gregory, 3/6; “Their Yesterdays,” by Harold Bell Wright, 3/6. Postage free.— Advt. The disinclination of domestics ■seeking employment to go to the country or even a distant suburb was commented on on Wednesday by the manageress of an employment agency (states the “Auckland Star”). “They won’t go ten minutes away from Queen Street,” she said, ‘“ihey want to be in the heart of the city, close

io the picture shows. They seem afraid that they will be lost in their own country if they get past Karangahape road. lam speaking of New Zealand girls and women, and I am sorry to say that their courage and readiness to" work do not compare with the women who are arriving here from England, These women want work and they will go“ anywhere. ’They are brave enough to come over 12,000 miles of sea, among strangers in a strange land, and when they arrive here they are brave enough to go after the job, wherever it is. And -I may tell you that all I have obtained positions for have filled those positions creditably and well, and I have heard nothing but praise for them.” Pianos on Easy Terms. Visit our Showroom and inspect our up-to-date Music Display. Witton and Witton No. 1 Model, £95; Witton and Witton No. 3 Model, £110; Chas. Begg and Co.’s Oak Model, £115; Chappell and

Co., Ltd., £125; a new poster and Co. Piano Player, £175. Gramophones —The Lyric, £4 10s; a new model, beautiful tone, £5 17s 6d ; the Clara Butt (this is a beautiful machine, fitted with a lid and the latest automatic appliances), £8 15s; the Rexoport, £7 10s; the bating, £l4 10s. Guitars, 77/6, 97/6; Banjo and Case, 59/6; Violins, complete outfits, 55/-, 80/-, 90/-, 120/-, 150/-; Ukelele and X Case, 52/6; Accordeons, two stop, 22/6, three stop 29/6, 39/6, Chromatic 55/-; Boomerang Mouth Organs, 2/- to 12/6. Our terms are the easiest in the Dominion, extending ovex- four years. A. E. Kilgour, Piano, Gramo-

phone an\l Music Warehouse.—Advt.. A meeting of the Committee appointed to carry out arrangements for holding the West Coast Bowling Tournament at Greymouth . was held last evening at Mr J. Ring’s house, there being present Messrs J. Ring (chainnan), F. Blaxall (Westport), A. E. Benjamin (Hokitika), AV. Murray (Westport), AV. Blair, AV. Scott, AV. Cochrane (Greymouth) and D. McKay (secretary). It was, decided to ask the Hokitika Club for the use of their green if more entries were received than could be played in the time on the Greymouth green. The dates fixed for the, tournaipent were Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. February 12, 13, and 14. It, was

also decided that pairs be played on the 12th, rinks on the 13th and finals on the 14th. Mr AV. Murray offered to assist flie secretary on the days of play, and the offer was appreciated and accepted. It was resolved that entries close on Saturday, January 19, at 7 p.m. The secretary was instructed to make application at once to the New Zealand Council for a permit to hold the touxmament on dates mentioned. It was resolved that the secretary approach Mr Blackwood to get his assistance in making the draw and scheme of play. Messrs J. Ring and A. E. Benjamin, together with Mr Blackwood, were appointed a sub-committee to take charge of all entries and arrange different greens and draw fox- play. A vote of thanks to Air Ring closed the meeting.