HOKITIKA NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 28 June 1922, Page 8

HOKITIKA NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) Nominations close to-day for the Canterbury Education Board. Hon. J. G. Grimmond is not seeking re-election. He has represented the Coast district with Air Bignell of Greymouth, since the time the Coast districts wore attached to the Cant er-1 bury Board. Nominations for the position close to-morrow, and a contest if necessary will be held next month. Hon. J. Grimmond having expressed his intention not to he nominated for the seat representative of the North West Ward of the Canterbury Education Board. Mr Richard Wild, of Hokitika has been nominated by Messrs •Shannon ami Preston of Hokitika. At the Magistrate's Court. before Messrs W. Jeffries and A. E. Benjamin, Justices, a prohibition order was made, by consent, against a local resi-, dent. The Hospital Board, at a special meeting, acceded to a request by Air W. A. Batson. Master of the Kumara Ohl Peoples’ Home to hold an enquiry into the recent happenings at the home ns a result of which a court ease arose. There were present: Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairmnyi, G. 11. Blank, J. Ritchie, R. Burrell, ami W. Jeffries. Air Batson gave an account of the matter, claiming be had witnesses to bear out his statement and that the evidence given by some of th? witnesses was absolutely untrue. He denied totally, having struck the man, but said he could not account how he had received t/ho black eye. The report of the Doctor received at the last meeting of tne Board was read. The Chairman said ho thought Air Batson had made a grave error in not* reporting the matter to the Board when it happened. Air Burrell said, when the matter was reported to him as local representative, he (Burrell', had not taken it seriously. The Chairman then said that in reporting to Air Burrell, Mr Batson had done what was necessary, but he could not understand why Air Batson had not brought the evidence he had before the Magistrate at the hearing. Mr Batson said he had not though’ it necessary. He had b’’< at the evident*? given, a lot of which was absolutely untrue. Mr Blank said he had the evidence that was published in the paper l>efore him, and he could not see that the whole of the witnesses were biassed. The matter was one that the Board could not interfer<* with. They could i not set up an enquiry in oppos'd ion to the finding of the Alagistrate. He thought that the proper course to take if Mr Batson thought he could b<ar out i the statement he had given the Board would b<’ to apply to have the charge reheard by the Magistrate. Air Jeffries said the only thing Air Batson could do was to apply to the i Alagistrate for a rehearing. The Magistrate had heard the. case and had entered a conviction. If Air Batson ■ had the evidence he says he has then there would be no difficulty. The Board could not hold a white-washing (‘iiquiry, but he thought the Board Avon Id give every assistance to Air Batson in having the matter properly ventilated. They must not forget the Board owed a duty to the old people in the home. He emphasised the seriousness of the matter and further enquired as to the cause of Ireland rec-oiving the black eye to which Air Batson could give no explanation. Air Ritchie supported the suggestion that application should be made for a rehearing at the same, time expressing his appreciation of the services rendered to the Board oy the Alaster of the Home, who had done good work in the past. Mr Jeffries stressed the point that at the enjuiry Air Batson had not called rebutting evidence. That was the proper time. Air Batson said he was so taken by surprise at the evidence given that he had been unable to do so. After a general further discussion Air Jeffries moved that Air Batson take the necessary steps to secure a rehearing of the case and that the meeting stand adjourned until the result of Hu 1 application is known. Seconded by Air Blank and carried. | FIRE BOARD. ! At the annual meeting the following members were present:- —Hon H. S. Alichel (Chairman), Alessrs J. J. , Brei'ze, .1. 11. Wilson and H. Al. Coulson. Hon 11. L. Alicbel was re-elected chairman. Inspector Hugo’s report was received. I ft was decided to support the Christ- ■ church Board in urging that heavier penalties be imposed on persons con- . xieted of giving false larms.. | The Knnieri Electric. Ltd., forward- [ ed estimate of cost of heating and lighting watchman’s tower. —Accepted. The Treasurer’s statement showed a credit balance of £97/16/7. Supt Braddon, in his report, com- : plained the Princess Theatre lessees were committing breaches of the bylaws by blocking the means of egress at the theatre, and also tiering up the barriers, and reducing the width of the lanes, by placing seats thereon. He referred to one aleged breach over which it was decided to take legal action, but the solicitor had informed | him that the Superintendent could not | take action. He did not blame the pro- | prietors. Air Breeze asked what was i the duty of firemen in attendance at each show. Air Braddon said the firemen Avere there to be in rcadinossj jin case a fire broke out, He eonsidj ered that the Borough Inspector shojfl

sco the regulations -wore carried out. The Board took a serious view :>f the breaches and resolved to take steps to see that they were stopped, and all future offenders punished. The superintendent adversely reported on fire escapes at the Opera House, and it was decided to have his recommendations carried out. The Superintendent also reporter that several indicators required paint ing and others renewing, and the firr [stations needed repairing. The estimates for the coming ye.T [were read by the Secretary and a.opt 1 ed, and th: usual accounts were pass ■ed for paj inent, including a £5 bonu: |to the Secretary. I Sympathetic reference was made t< Mr Geo Dryidson (Deputy-Superintcnd ent), who s ill in the hospital. i The eliai'nian, in congratulating tin Brigade on its efficiency, said no fin for 16 yeas, had spread beyond tin house ’'''Ran, while th. V 0 t