HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 June 1940, Page 10

HOKITIKA NOTES

[OUB OWN COBBESPONDEKT.] HOKITIKA, June 28. Mr W. H. Stopforth presided over a meeting of business people in the Westland County Chambers last evening. Several apologies were received.

The chairman stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of discussing and bringing into operation schemes for the raising of the money necessary to achieve or pass the West Coast quota for the patriotic fqnd. Mr G. W. Thompson outlined the efforts of the Hokitika Patriotic Committee. Mr A. H. Lawn outlined a scheme suggested by the Businessmen’s Association Executive, to hold a radio session at Hokitika on the lines of those held in the cities and preceded by a children’s session. On the motion of Mr James, this suggestion was approved, and Mr Lawn authorised to make the necessary arrangements. It was decided to approach the Greymouth committee with a view to getting their co-operation in making this a Coast effort.

Mr H. Kortegast said that many people were not doing their duty. If every one thought of what they could give instead of what they had given, the money would soon be in hand. He thought the list published should be of non-donors instead of donors.

Other suggestions included the raffling of a motor-car, and an auction night. It was decided to ask the Municipal Band and Fire Brigade to co-operate on the packet and auction nights. After discussion, the following committee was elected to organise activities, with the power to call on any willing and suitable business people to assist in carrying them out —Messrs E. Rankin, H. Kortegast, Friedlander, H. Preston, K. W. Reece and the secretary, W. J. Richards. The following donations were made in the room:—Robert Ford, case of ale; H. Kortegast, case of mixed wines and cordials; H. Preston, birthday cake; C. Caliari, suite of furniture; Miss Tomlinson, quantity of gold; Mr A. Parkhill, groceries value £l/1/-; anonymous, £5 for guessing competition; anonymous, £2/10/goods; Mr G. Sutherland, £2/10/wdrth of goods; Mr A. W. Yarrall, £5 worth of goods; Mr E. W. Heenan, one dozen packets; Mr K. Reece, one dozen packets; Mrs A. H. Lawn, packets value £1; W. J. Bruce, electrical appliance value £1; W. E. Richards, goods; H.B. Clothing Factory, goods; W. ft. Stopforth, goods. It was resolved that offers of old jewellery be solicited.

/ VALEDICTORY < Mr. R. G.‘ Millen, manager of the Hokitika branch of the Bank of New who leaves on Satur-1 day for Oamaru, was met by several' business men to bid him a farewell. Mr. G. A. Perry (Mayor) presided, and expressed .regret at Mr. Millen’s . departure. He referred to Mr. Millien’s helpfulness as bank manager, ahd his good citizenship. He congratulated him bn his promotion to

fOamaru and wished him and Mrs. I Millen and family health and hap- ' piness in the future. Mr. D. J. Evans regretted Mr. Millen’s departure and spoke of his good work as President of the Hokitika branch of the R.S.A. He also referred .to Mrs. Millen’s assistance to the Association.

. Mr. W. A. Stopforth, as chairman of the Businessmen’s Association referred to Mr. Millen’s courtesy at all times, both in his official capacity and as a citizen.

The Mayor presented Mr. Millen with a fine rug and a cheque for Mrs. Millen to purchase something to remind her of her sojourn in Hokitika. Mr. Millen, in returning . thanks, said he felt that he did not deserve all the good things said of him. He quoted what he termed Mr. Sam Preston’s philosophy, “when a person is ordered to Hokitika he weeps, and when he leaves he weeps.” That had been his own experience. His two children, born in Hokitika, would always be reminders of Hokitika and the West Coast. He would convey to Mrs. Millen the kindly sentiments expressed and on her behalf and his own he thanked those present for their kind expressions and gifts. He then introduced Mr. Mitchell, his successor.