WEST COASTERS IN H.B.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1934, Page 3

WEST COASTERS IN H.B.

FIRST RE-UNION HELD The Foresters’ Hall had a proper West Coast atmosphere last night, when the recently-formed association held virtually its first function, a reunion social and dance. Town and country Coasters were present in force —young, middle-aged, and old. The hall walls were suitably adorned with typical photographs of West Coast scenes, both old and new, such as the Old Kumara road (complete with coach), Bridal Falls (Otira Gorge), various views of the Otira Gorge, a reflection scene on the Mahinapua creek, the 1888 Kumara Borough Council (the Mayor, Mr. H. Burger, being the father of Mr. H. L. Burger, of Drinnevirke), Kelly’s creek, tVestport State School in 1898 (St. 1., of which a pupil was Mr. L. G. Schmidt), and Hawke’s Crag (Buller Gorge). Pride of place was taken by the West. Coast coat of arms: A pick and a shovel, a few chunks of coal, a couple of “gold” nuggets, and a gold miner’s washing dish (as yet unused). Above the display was a photograph of the West Coasters’ “patron saint,” Richard John Seddon. There was also a photo of “Dick” turning the first sod for the Westport-Inangahua railway in 1906. Another photograph -was of St. John’s hockey team (1908). one member being Mr. L. G. Schmidt.

An endeavour had been made to obtain a couple of roots of blackberry—a noted “industry” of the West Coast —but these had not arrived. However, nikau palms and flax bushes were well in evidence. Even the deer’s head that is a permanent part of the Foresters’ Hall decorations was reputed to be that of a West Coast animal. The supper, too, had a West Coast flavour—whitebait fritters. The tables were adorned with beautiful flowers, and the fare was appetising, varied, and plentiful. Mrs E. J. Kiely and a band of helpers were responsible for the fine repast.

After Mr. E. J. Kiely had apologised for the unavoidable absence of their chairman, Mr. P. W. Dorrington, proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem. The roll was called by Mr. W. A. Breach (who acted as announcer), the district of each West Coaster being given as his or her name was announced. Mrs J. S. Beedie contributed a song, “Little Grey Home of the West,” which provoked unstinted applause and commanded as an encore, “An Old Fashioned Town.” Community singing to the music of Mrs F. A. C. Baddeley was universally enjoyed, although the announcing of “Show Me the Way to go Home” was met with cries of protest, owing to the early hour. Mr. C. Webb-Bowen gave some entertaining reminiscences of early days on the West Coast, mentioning the steamers that sometimes carried as many as 20 passengers, and did the trip from Westport to Nelson in 24 hours—fast travelling indeed. Mr. WebbBowen also related an incident concerning early justice, wherein the magistrate gave his verdict according to what the public in Court decided — he asked those who thought the defendant guilty to hold up their hands, and similarly with those whose views were opposite giving his decision according to the majority’s opinion.

The next item was a humorous recitation, “Giggles,” by Mrs C. R. Red-

Ward, which was well received. Mr. Breach announced that Mr. D. T. Glover would give some reminiscences, but Mr. Glover wished to be excused, saying, however, that he had brought along an able substitute —the Mayor (Mr. M. D. Smith), who at that moment appeared in the doorway. THE MAYOR’S STORY.

The Mayor said that he did not know whether he could be accepted into the West Coast community, as he was not born in that district. Nevertheless, he had some claims, as a certain incident would show. After narrating it he would leave the company to judge whether he could be regarded as a true West Coaster. This was the story: “Some years ago the speaker took a Hawke's Bay football team to the West Coast. After re-discovering several places, they arrived at Greymouth, where the representatives of the city met them, and they were conducted to a two-storied hotel of corrugated iron. The sleeping accommodation was not what the footballers were accustomed to —four beds in each room—and the dining-room was squeezed into the kitchen. When Mr. Smith wished to get a breath of fresh air, he found the door locked, the proprietor stating that it was always kept so in case the police might break in. Finally, the team vacated the hotel in disgust and booked in at another. Next evening a public meeting was held and the footballers introduced to the Greymouth people, who, in order to show their true hospitality, gave the manager (Mr. M. D. Smith) the freedom of the city.” Judging by the applause, the gathering unconditionally accepted the Mayor into the West Coast community. Mr. Smith then related an incident concerning an inquest. After hearing the evidence (which clearly showed that deceased had cut his throat) the coroner said to the jury of four that it was obviously a case of felo de se (the legal term for suicide), and the jury retired. They reappeared after a long absence, and the foreman said: “Well, Mr. Coroner, we have heard the evidence and we have heard your remarks. We are quite satisfied that the deceased committed suicide by cutting his throat, but as you say he fell in the sea we bring in a verdict of ‘found drowned’ ’\

Miss Rita Ryan charmingly sang “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” and in her recall number, “An Emblem.” scored a second success. Her mother. Mrs J. Ryan, acted as accompaniste. Another anecdote was told by a Westport man, Mr. T. Gregg. His story concerned a magistrate who was in earshot when a youth in the same hotel was told that he could not get a drink until the “B old magistrate has gone to bed.” The would-be drinker told his companion, and the magistrate was again present. Subsequently he stalked out of the room, remarking, “Well boys, the h old magistrate is going to bed.” Mr. Greggcaused more amusement with a humorous recitation, and then another elocutionary item was contributed by Mrs Redward.

A vocal number, “Serenata,” was given by Miss Eila Ryan, accompanied by Mrs J. Ryan. Insistent requests for an encore were satisfied with “Silver Threads Among the Gold.” and this song, like the previous one, was pleasingly' rendered.

After supper dancing was. indulged i'n. to the lively music of Mr. E. O’Hagan. Mr. A. T. O. Olsen whs a popular M.C. A happy social gathering came to a close a few minutes before midnight with “Auld Lang Syne.”