OMOTO NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 25 July 1922, Page 6

OMOTO NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Residents are taking full advantage of the fine weather prevailing in getting their gardens ready for the com- 1 ing spring, which promises to be an early one. A good deal of interest is being taken in the contributions to tho “Argus’’ under the heading of “For Old Times’. Sake” (by “Old Boy”). He should be able to give us plenty of interesting matter now’ that he has started his jurticlc on the “Onioto Racecourse” which I believe is the most historic spot around Greymouth. In the far-off picturesque days of couching waggons, the Onioto Road boasted three hotels and a tea-garden between Omoto and Kaiata, also the saleyards which were erected at Kuiatn. So far there have been no sensational catches of whitebait in the Grey River, but, if the fine weather continues, the little fish should soon make their appearance in large quantities. Messrs Jacobs and Watson have purchased an engine for sawing purposes, also a motor lorry for delivering firewood. The County Valuation which was completed last month, should not make a very great difference to the farmers in this district. I notice that the County proposes levying the usual rate of 3d in the £ on the capital value, this amount covering general and hospital rates. As the increased hospital rate now amounts to one-third of the County revenue, I suppose tho ratepayers who have gone into the matter will realise that, there are not many ground for complaints. There were a couple of boulders dislodged on the Omoto Road during the last spell of bad weather, but one would have to stretch his imagination to call them slips. The gas lamp which has been installed on the Omoto Road is greatly appreciated by the people in the district although the scrub which prevents the lamp near Mr C. McQueen's residence from shedding its rays along the road has not yet been removed. The work of levelling the site for the new district school has commenced under the supervision of Air G. Bignell, the Board’s Inspector of Works. The gorse at the foot of the Greymouth Quarry Hill is proving a danger to motorists and others by blocking' their view of the road, and, its removal is an urgwit necessity.