LOCAL AND GENERAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 September 1944, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Snow was reported to be falling at Lewis Pass, last evening, but it was not sufficient to cause trouble to motorists. Both the Lewis Pass and Otira Gorge routes to Canterbury are negotiable.

For the first day for some time neither of the Midland expresses, to-day, has more than' the normal complement of five cars. However, the train from Christchurch has a capacity passenger list of 210 passengers, while 103 left Greymouth by this morning’s express.

An indication that Parliament might remain in session until nearly Christmas, or even longer, accorain o to the development of events in Euiope was given by Mr. Fraser, when the House met, yesterday afternoon. The Prime Minister added, however, that he hoped the House mignt adjourn toward the end of October for two, three or four weeks.

The ship-hours lost at Greymouth during August, according to a report presented by the acting-Harbour-master (Captain W. Harle) to a meeting of the Greymouth Harboui Boaid last evening, totalled 484|. The ships losing the most time were the Pakura with 61 hours outside and the Holmlea with 25 hours "lost outside and 36 inside.

When the goods train from Westport to Greymouth was between Mawheraiti and Waimaunga, yesterday, the leading wheels of an LA wagon loaded with coal became derailed about 2.10 p.m., being dragged 100 yards before the tram was brought to a halt. The wagon was restored to the track by 4.50, and no other train services experienced interference.

Though conditions had apparently moderated to some extent, to-day, the Greymouth bar was still unworkable, rough seas running at the entrance. As a result the Karu was tied up for the eighth day with timber for Wellington, accompanied by three colliers, while three other ships were still in the roadstead, including the Kaimiro, there for the fourth day.

At the monthly meeting of the Kotuku 'Women's Institute Mrs_ P. Brereton. presided. The competition, an article made from felt, was won bv Mrs C. Gillman, Mrs J. Radford and Mrs P. Brereton (equal) being second. Best vase of flowers was won by Mrs N. Nestor. It was decided to send two delegates to the W.I. Federation meeting to be held in Greymouth in October. Ten soldiers’ parcels have been despatched recently. Mrs F. Rowse entertained the members. Supper was served by the hostesses.

Mass will be celebrated on. next Sunday, September 17, at Kokiri 8 a.m. and at Te Kinga, 10.15 a.m.— Advt.

An indication that on account of the situation regarding petrol supplies in New Zealand a cut of at least 10 per cent in the consumption of petrol will be required over the whole of the West Coast was given by the Commissioner of Transport, Mr. G. L. Laurenson, to members of the Heavy Traffic Committee at Greymouth yesterday. The District Oil Fuel Controller and traffic inspectors were also present. Mr. Laurenson pointed out that Buller and the West Coast were the heaviest consumers of petrol per vehicle in New Zealand.

A returned soldier from this war will have a toy stand at the flower show in the Columba Hall on Saturday. Three truckloads of toys will be on view ,and orders will be taken for delivery at ’Xmas.—Advt.

A dispute which originated three months ago concerning the class of bunker coal loaded into an intercolonial vessel at Westport, was dealt with yesterday, when seamen and firemen met representatives of the Union Steam Ship Company and coal companies. Mr. C. H. Benney, Under-/ Secretary of Mines, was also present at the meeting. After discussing the position with the companies, representatives of each ship in port appointed delegates, who met in the afternoon to consider proposals. At the conclusion of discussions, the meeting announced that its decision was that no bunker coal be loaded into ships in port until the vessel in dispute was bunkered with a better class of coal.

The patriotic shop to-morrow is being conducted by the residents on the town side of Sawyers Creek, and all are asked to send goods or donations to assist.—Advt.

Reporting progress on the construction of the harbour model to a meeting of the Greymouth Harbour Board last evening, the Engineer (Mr D. S. Kennedy) stated that a start has been made and a quotation for labour only arranged. “The tank will be approximately 33 feet long, 23 feet wide and one foot six inches high, and will be built of local timber. Much detail remains to be done in regard to the tide, wave and river machinery for reproducing the conditions found at the harbour entrance. Some of the parts are fairly intricate to design and manufacture, and being the first in New Zealand there will be certain difficulties to be overcome in obtaining parts.”

The entries of daffodils in the St. Patrick’s Horticultural Society’s flower show, to be held in the Columba Hall on Saturday, are very heavy. Four hundred blooms so far have been entered. Two of the most outstanding blooms in the world. “Beersheba” and “Echo” are strong contenders for the blue ribbon.— Advt.

The Wallsend State mine was idle to-day, following a stopwork meeting which lasted over three hours this morning. The meeting was held as a result of the men being over an hour and a-half late in getting to the surface after work yesterday afternoon. This was causeci by a broken rail in the main shaft, which had to be repaired before the cage could return to the surface. When the men came to the top, no transport was then available to take them to their homes. The cage was in good working order this morning, and work will probably resume to-morrow. The Liverpool State mine, which was idle yesterday on account of a shortage of mining timber, resumed this morning.

When endeavouring to purchase a used car, we invite you to bring your own mechanic to inspect our display. —Central Garage (Bergamini and Cowan), Albert Street. ’Phone 672 (Business) and 817 (private).—Advt.

When purchasing your car, see the Central Garage first. The reliable used car dealers. ’Phones: 67-2 (business) and 817 (private).—Advt.

The Central Garage (Bergamini and, Cowan) have the best range of used cars for the Coast. Call and see them first. ’Phones: 672 (business) and 817 (private).—Advt. A New Suit from White’s with which to begin your Spring Wardrobe would be an extremely wise investment; the selection is extensive and the materials and manufacture are the best that can be obtained. — White’s Fashion Corner.—Advt.