LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Grey River Argus, 3 May 1922, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Customs duties in Greymouth during last month amounted to £2,408/16/9. Beer duty totalled £92/16/0. Last month there were 22 births in the Grey tlistrict, and six marriages were solemnised, while there were 11 deaths. AVc have much pleasure in acknowledging the sum of £-1/4/0, donated by the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Greymouth to the Russian famine Fund. At the annual meeting of Seddonville householders, held in the schoolroom, the following committee was elected:—Messrs Johnston, re-elected chairman, Jas. Black, secretary, and T. Cornwall treasurer. A motion was passed at the meeting strongly pro Testing against any form of economy in our education system. Mr W. Macfarlane (late of the Royal Hotel) has taken over the Albion Hotel, Greymouth. Mr Macfarlane hopes by catering for the public with his usual thoroughness, to merit a fair share of patronage. The dining room will be under the personal supervision of Mrs Macfarlane.—Actet. In the recent local examination in engineering the following were successful: —J. T. D. McLean, Greymouth (3rd class marine); C. T. S. Henderson, Greymouth, (3rd class marine). 11. K. 11 Long, Blackball (river engineering); William Henry Banks, Waiuta (winding, steam); James B. Cooper, Capleton (winding, steam); J. H. Medhurst, Omoto (2nd class stationary) and ,L. Loach, Paroa (2nd class stationary). As the overland express was rounding a curve on the Otira side of Ru Ru last evening, a young man attempted to walk through a second class carriage. A sudden lurch of the train threw him against the side and his elbow went through the window. A general scatter from the vicinity of the broken glass took place; and when an indignant guard demanded the name of the culprit, everyone sat dumb. Meanwhile the culprit had hurriedly sought a compartment where all windows were intact. Westland Hospital Board, on receipt of an invitation to- attend a, sanatorium conference-, decided it could neither attend nor guarantee Uhiy. sum towards erectiiiio- a. sanatorium. The Canterbury Board is, however, no longer disposed to welcome sanatorium case from locnli'bios.| that J fuse to keep themselves in this respect, so that it is to be hoped something will be done soon, on a- general scale to meet the mena-cct of consumption, about which Dr Blackmore sounds a timely warning. The weekly meeting of the St. Columba Club last night proved decidedly interesting, the attendance was large and members seemed to find an unusual amount of pleasure and enjoyment in discussing the affairs of the club—some members even hurling canards.” It was decided that a Glee Club be formed and judging from the enthusastic acceptance of this idea success is assured. It was also decided to hold a social evening and dance in aid of the Russian Relief Fund. The balancesheet was read and proved that the club’s finances were in a very satisfactory condition. A question box proved fruitful of fine and varied oratory. Now the cold weather is set in it will pay you to secure one of The Mayfair stylish overcoats. On Monday, May Ist, we are holding a Stupendous Sale of all kinds of Gents Overcoats in gaberdine, Tweeds, Canvas, Oilskin etc., ranging from 32/6 to 75/-. Do not miss this opportunity, our loss is your gain. The Mayfair Men and Boys Wear Specialists, Mawera Quay, Greymouth, ’phone 276. —Advt.

For the four weeks up to March 4tn last the total railway revenue on Westland section for all classes of traffic for the period was £14,833/0/2, compared with £16,066/8/11. The passenger figures (those for the corresponding period of 1921 appearing in parentheses were:—Passengers carried: First class 3235 (3429); second class 29,030 (25,176); totals 32,265 (28,605. Season tickets 1903 (1011). Total revenue £3631/17/10 (£3605/12/2. The numbers of stock carried were: —Cattle 250 221), sheep 11,694 (8794); pigs 28 (nil). Totals 11,972 (9015). Timber carried amounted to 7784 tons (7334); minerals 25,956 tons (26,010); other goods 3058 tons (2586). Totals 36,798 tons (36,530).

Heavy stocks must be reduced to simplify stocktaking. Hero at the beginning of winter all new goods come right down to end of the season’s low sale prices. You will have to act quickly. This great sale for three weeks only commencing Friday, May sth.—McGruer and Co., Greymouth, Reefton and Hokitika.—Advt.

For the week ended April 29, tho Westport Coal Company shipped 3702 ! tons 10 cwt. of coal and 11 tons ol coke. At Nelson on Friday, Henry xibbeid was convicted and fined £5 and costs £1- 15s for using dynamite to catch Tish. The Gazette notifies that in response to an application, the Stockton Coal Mino Deputies and Foremen’s Industrial Union of Ngakawau, is having its registration under the Arbitration Act cancelled next month. The high bank rate in New Zealand, which practically reaches 71 pe cent, as against tho Bank of England rate of 4 per cent has created a very strong feeling an local business circles that a reduction, is due. The Post and Telegraph Board of Appeal has disallowed the appeal of J. T. Evans against his dismissal from, the service, on account of the divulgonce of thq “Springbok telegram’’ in September last.. Gibbs RoLablo Motor Serv’ce— Travellers going to Westport, Nelson, Jllcmheim or Wellington, should call upon us and book through this reliable service and obtain the fullest information and satisfaction every time, is- the verdict of all those who | have travelled with our guidance. Mark Sprot and Co., agents. Phone 119. Advt. Great stocktaking sale commences on Friday Afay 3rd. A benefit of astounding bargains in every department. A visit of inspection will prove to you the bona fide, nature of the reductions. Look out for the big price list in this newspaper. McGruer and Co., Greymouth, Reef ton, and Hokitika. —Advt. The Kohinoor Euchre and Dance will be held in the Druids’ Hall on. Thursday evening, when the arrangements for the entertainment, will meet with the approval of all patrons. Points for the season ’s euchre prizes will be taken from this tourney. Prices of admission arc:—Gentlemen, 2/6, Ladies 1/6, euchre 1/-. That house-flies travel distances of nearly 100 miles has been proved by observation made by the United States of America National Bureau of Entomology. Of a number of flies marked with red chalk and released at the Rebecca Light shoal, off the coast of Florida, some were found in Cuba, 95 miles away, and others at Key West, 46 miles distant. In Local Government Board tests in 1919, a fly powdered with chalk was found to have flown 1709 yards within 48 hours—the longest record flight. The fine Dennis charabanc which brought Stanley McKay’s Pantomime Company from Christchurch to Greymouth has come in for quite a lot of admiration since it put up in Steer’s Garage. The vehicle is comfortably upholstered, is roomy and carries a load of 25 persons with ease. The charabanc is the property of the Kaikoura Motor Company, Ltd. (White Star Line), and is driven by Mr Hughie Parker, of whose capabilities the members of the pantomime party speak in the most eulogistic terms. It is interesting to note that the manager of the Pantomime Company, Mr McDonald, was a Colonel in the Highland Light Infantry which fought in the Great War. Colonel McDonald bears the evidence of war service, lie having been wounded in the check, lost an eye, and had a German bayonet in his side. The Pantomime Company arc full of appreciative praise for the manner In which Mr McDonald set himself the task of arranging all matters in connection with the present tour. With a view to encouraging the formation of a branch of the R.S.A. at Otira the Greymouth Branch last evening decided to communicate with several Otira residents suggesting that a meeting be convened for Wednesday next, May 10, at which Messrs A. 11. McKanc and H. Trowland will address the men on R.S.A. matters. Encouraging reports have lately been received from that district regarding the formation of a branch and the local branch is “striking the iron while it is hot.” The May Day Euchre and Dance held last evening at the Druids’ Hall was quite a success. A throng of euchre players filled the lower part of the Hall. The prizes were awarded as follows:—lst ladies to Aliss Cochrane; 2nd to Airs Jackson. The gentlemen’s prizes were won by Mr Murray Ist; and Air Fisher 2nd. The dance portion of the Hall was well-filled with dancers and the music was supplied by Aliss Watson, while Air J. Hill had charge of the floor. The next euchre and dance will be held on Afay 15, so come along and have a good night’s fun! Great disappointment was expressed at the different organisations not holding a demonstration on Alay Day. It is notified by advertisement in Office Amendment Act 1921-1922 camo tion two to elevon of tho Public Trust this issue that the Provisions of Secinto operation us from Alay Ist, 1922, and that as from that date the title of Local Deputy Trustee has been abolished and that of District Public Trustee established. The District controlled by tho District Public Trustee for Greymouth, Air T. R. Saywell, is all that area comprising the Counties of Buller, Inangahua, Grey and Westland. The District of Greymouth in- ( cludoe the part-time office at Hokitika and the agencies at Westport and Reefton.

The Christchurch “Press” Russian Famine Relief Fund has reached over £750. It is estimated that 6,000,000 tons of traffic were diverted from the British railways to motor transport on highwavs in 1921. The North-Western and Afidland Railway group nre now promoting a Bill in Parliament empowering the companies to engage in the carriage of good by road. A cable message from Sydney last evening stated that there had been no further tidings regarding the barque Alanurewa, which had been missing for four weeks, but which has been located. Heligoland, the once proud German Gibraltar of the North Sea, has been j granted a garrison of seven men. The British have granted the Germans the privilege of erecting and maintaining a meteorological station on the island for the purpose of reporting the weather in the North Sea. The London butter market was on Alonday reported firm. There is more demand for salted than unsalted. On April 29 New Zealand salted butter had advanced to 188/- per cwt, the same rate as that quoted for Danish. On April 27, choicest New Zealand butter was quoted at from 182/- to 186; on April 21 it was quoted at from ISO/to 184/-. There are no fewer than eight teams, from all parts of the West Coast, competing at the Fire Brigade’s Demonj stration at Reefton on Saturday next. There promises to be some excellent contests. The Reefton Brigade arc leaving no stone unturned to meet the conveniences of all visitors, and there will doubtless be a large influx to the northern town for the competitions. The New Zealand tour of the Springboks realised a. net profit of £7170 17s I 2d. The gross gate receipts amounted to some £25,000, and the net gate receipts of £1,0193 3s 2d. The other expenses were some £lO,OOO, leaving a. net profit, as stated auove. In ad--1 dition a sum of about £5OO is expected from the New South Wales Union as a. balance to be added to the netprofit. Air W. E. Rawson (Native Trustee) who attended a conference on Alonday in connection with the Native leases in this district stated yesterday that in his remarks he did not mean to insinuate that the local branch of the Public Trust Office had not carried out its duties in the past, for he had nothing but praise for the work accomplished by this department. He wishes that no erroneous construction be placed on the report of his reference to this subject. Says “The Katipo” (organ of the P. and T. Association) :—'llie Government is under oath to uphold and maintain the constitution of Now Zealand. That constitution gives to all citizens (no limitation whatsoever) the full right of association with other people for any lawful purpose. The Alliance of Labour is a lawful combination of national unions of worklevs. If, then, the Government gives way to the pressure put upon it by opponents of the Alhance, and takes away by process of intiinrdation and victimisation any of the right of P. and T. workers as free citizens, then to that extent and degree they will he breaking the oath they promised to hold sacred when they assumed tMr portfolios. The first adaptation of the wireless telephone to a train enables passengers on the Berlin-Hamburg express to talk to other telephone subscribers as easily as though seated in their offices. Tn recognition of “an extraordinary engineering achievement with great public service,” the American Society of Afechanical Engineers has conferred the highest honour it can bestow —its gold medal —on Hjalmar C. Carlson, a sheet metal worker, of Worcester (Afass.). During the war the War Department was worried by the problem of getting out in sufficient quantity drawn steel “booster casings.” A booster casing gets its name from being a casing for the “booster,” or primary detonating charge in a shell. Carlson’s invention made it possible to turn out 50,000,000 shells with a capital expenditure of only £40,000, and the employment of only 300 men, when large manufacturers, each with a staff of many hundreds of men, were occupied in France in producing the same quantity of shells in the same period of time. The Treasurer of the Grey River Hospital acknowledges the sum of £2l 1/6 from Chinese residents. The following were the subscribers: Jip Chong Tong £2 2/-, John Leo £1 1/-, Luc Wee £1 1/1, Gee Guy £1 1/-, Wong Quing £l, Joe Lee Tack 10/6, Chin Chun 10/-, Shim Chong 10/-, Gear Joak 10/-, Sing Lee 10/-, Lucy Chee 10/-, Luey King 10/-, Back Hong 10/-, Luey Woo 10/-, Chow Mann 7/6, Lai Shang 7/6, Dye Slice 76, Chow Fong 6/- Chow Get 5/-, Chow Young Gow 5/-, Chow Ken Yow 5/1, Dye Shing 5/-, Fore Dye 5/-, Chow Ken Young 5/-, Shear Lim 5/-, Sue Gee 5/- Long Gee 5/-, Gore Ying 5/-, Lue Fore 5/-, Kong Fong 5/-, Jing Shay 5/-, Yip Hong 5/-, Hoar Quark 5/-, Lue Law 5/-, Yip ALay 5/-, Lie On 5/-, Sue Fee 5/-, Young Yook 5/-, Jon Fon 5/-, Chow Horn 5/-, Lan Jing 5/-, Young Quey 5/-, Wong Qucy 5/-, Wong Yun Hing 5/-, Chin Jam 5/-, Sue Sun 4/-, Len Geo 3/-, Saw Lip 3/-, ATou Hing 3/-, Kern You 3/-, Ying Gee 3/-, Wong Gow 2/6, Wong King 2/6, Yip Shee 2/6, .Chow Jack 2/6, Yip War 2/6, Chow Wee 2/6, See Tie 2/6, You Joy 2/-, Sue