WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 July 1926, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.)

WESTPORT, July 21. It is said that there is very little glow th of grass just now, but there apparently must be some, or the lawn of a certain Borough Council officer would not have required mowing on a recent Sunday.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the General Labourers’ and Mechanics Union was held in the Labour Party’s committee room on Tuesday evening, Mr. R. Weekes presiding over a fair assemblage. The chief business of the evening was the opening of the ballot papers and getting- a return of the otes cast for affiliation with, the New Zealand Labour Party. The proposition was declared carried. There was only on© vote recorded against the proposal. The Secretary was instructed to communicate with the executive of the New Zealand Workers’ Union upon the position existing witß the Public Works employees at Te Kuha, with a view of a better organisation taking place. An appeal for help for an incapacitated worker (a coach builder with a strained heart) w a s responded to. The secretary reported that the special effort to re-verify some old members, had been very successful. Owing to the prevalence of influenza the attendance was small, and it was resolved that the nomination and election of officers be postponed until next meeting, August 17th. Three delegates were elected to represent the Union on the Labour Day sports-committee, a meeting of which is to he called shortly. The Secretary reported that he had deliver ed or posted a ballot paper to every member of the Union and replies had been received from as far away as Wellington. Ono member (a roadman) sent a letter along, stating his pleasure at being able to record a vote for linking up an industrial union with the political party. After ac counts had been passed for payment, the meeting was brought to a close, the President thanking members for their attendance.

At the St. Clanice’s card tourney- on Tuesday there was a large gathering, and prizes at euchre were won by Miss M. Griffin 1, Mrs Thurlow 2 ; Mr R. Hansby 1, Mr. R- Wilson 2. The winner of the 45’s competition was Mrs A. Craddock. Tenders were received as follows for asphalting at the District Hospi tai:—Stephen Sherlock, £93 10s; Arthur Vincent, £75; G. S. Snow £76; .1. McGreevy £7l for 700 square yards. The yardage was 800 at 2s a yard, according t-o Mr. Watts’ estimate. The Chairman stated the lowest tender would be about £Bl in view of the estimate. Mr. Vincent’s tender was accepted. The Hospital Board is arranging foi a conference of the Hibernians Druids, Oddfellows and Foresters regarding a hospital benefit scheme for their members.

Dr. Baraclough, of Dunedin, has been appointed medical officer for Karamea is succession to Dr. James Simpson,

Sister Sylvia Bradley, who. spent her holidays with her parents at West pprt, left yesterday on return t o Wellington. Mr. R. T. Watson has returned from a visit to Wellington in connection with the flotation of Westport Charming Creek Coal Mining Company. Captain and Mrs Earl have left for Grey mouth on a visit. Mrs Bert Hayes, of Auckland, is visiting her mother, Mrs Doyle, o! Queen Street. Mrs Hayes is accompanied by her two daughters. “Observer’’ used to write a budget of things we ought to know, in Saturday morning’s paper. As he apparently is resting, it may not be out of place to suggest a few things that th© average reader ought to know. For instance, if all the match boxes ef Westport were stacked, one upon another they’d probably fall over. Also ’ you cannot eat sardines without first removing the tin. Likewise, when it is 10 o'clock by th e town clock, it is five minutes past 9.55. Also likewise, that the “Argus” editor would prefer correspondent to write in invisible ink.

The reason given why the would-be purchaser of the two hoppers did not carry out the plan was Tiecause the Government Inspector had condemned them, making it impossible for any one to utilise them afterwards.

When the sinking of th e hoppers took place there was intense excitement. The engineer went on one hopper the donkeyman went aboard the other. After the sea cocks had been opened, they got back on to the tug to await, the final plunge. In one hour the donkeyman’s hopper sank to the bottom, but it took_two hours and forty-five minutes before the other hopper gave up the ghost.