HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1927, Page 8

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Mr. A. Clausen was conveyed to the Westland Hospital suffering from tin result of an accident which happened to him while engaged at work oh the Taipo Bridge, Christchurch Road. Clau sen was in the act of throwing down a piece of old timber from the top structure of the bridge, when a projecting nail came into contact with his clothes and he was thrown heavily to the ground, sustaining severe injuries to his feet. Dr. Booth rendered prompt assistance, and an X-Ray examination disclosed a broken bone in one foot, whilst the other foot was considerably bruised. On Saturday evening Messrs Mclntosh and Evans, on behalf of the West land Progress League waited on representatives of the Telegraph Department from headquarters. with regard tt 'bringing the continuous telephone service into use here. The matter was discussed in all its bearings and some alternatives considered. Eventually it was considered the best procedure was to make another effort towards securing the required number of signatures from present subscribers, and it is likely .1 further attempt to that end will be made subseqeunt to the matter being again discussed by the League. Tt was pointed out that towns of a smaller population than Hokitika had the contin uous telephone service, and it was found to be of great utility for general purposes. The fact that the telephone is available on Sundays or on all holi days when ordinarily there are very restricted hours) is considered of special value in connection with the continuous service, whilst as a means of communicating fire alarm signals through the night to all parts of the town, renders it of inealcuable value at times.

With the assistance of the local mem bers of the Automobile Club, an out ing was arranged on Saturday for old pioneers of the district. Over 30 availed themselves of the opportunity and had a very enjoyable time. The party motored to Upper Kokatahi where camp was pitched at the junction of the Styx river. The weather was all that could be desired, and the outing was a very pleasant refresher for the old people. A record was taken of eight of the party, their ages being SO, 82, 83, 83. S 3, Bi> 02' and and 96. a total of 666 years an average practically of 86 years. .These outings are so pleasurable and enjoyable for the old people that no doubt the Automobile Club will continue this practice next and subsequent years. H is a very fitting recognition of the life end work of the old people. The first of its type in New Zealand, the' new suspension girder traffic bridge over the Waiho River, near the Franz Jrsef GJacier, has been completed, and was last week inspected by officials oi the Public Works Department. The Department designed the bridge and the plans were carried out in England. Th? work was begun about 11 months ago. but the delay in receipt of the material delayed its completion. The bridge is 3C9 feet in length with a track of 12 feet, and is built to carry a load of 2G tons.

It is hinged in the centre and at each end to allow for expansion and con traction caused by the extremes of tern perature. The days at Waiho are often very hot, and the nights very cold. On Saturday last, it is stated the side of the bridge in the sunshine expanded three-sixteenths of an each. Considerable difficulty was met with luring the construction of the brand one of the initial problems was the task of keeping dry the excavations made for the concrete foundations. During the night water from the river fill cd them up, and the dewatering pro cess every morning was a long process. Finally the idea of a water-wheel was evolved and ptit into operation. It wan qn the job all night, and kept the excavations dry. The wooden water-wheel, its work completed, still lies on the river bank. The now bridge is an important link in the connection of the Far South to civilisation, and has brought the beautiful Fox Glacier. 17 miles south of Waiho, a step nearer the trail of the tourists. The road to the Fox Glacier is now passable for cars, al thought it is necessary to adopt the go slow policy at several places on route. Widening operations are in progress on the road, and next season should see great number of visitors to the Fox Gia ci er. On Monday 168 sheep and 127 cattle were offered at Arahura sale. Competi tion was slow, except for ox beef. Jeff ries and Co. sold.—On account Mr. T. Elcoek 65 wether hoggets at 24s 9d. On account Messrs Perry and Co. 4 bul locks at £lO 15s; 2 ditto at £lO 10s, 2 ditto at £ll 2s 6d, 2 ditto at £lO ss. 2 ditto at £lO, 2 ditto at £9 17s 6d, 2 ditto at £lO, 2 ditto at £lO 17s 6d, 1 ditto at. £9, 1 heifer at £9, 1 vealer at £5 2s <5l. On account of a client 2 cows at £5 12s 6d, 1 cow at £6. On account W. Graham, 2 bullocks at £9 ss. 2 steers at £7 5s 2 cows at £5 15s, 1 heifer £7 12s 6d, 3 ditto at £7, 2 ditto at £< 15s 2 ditto at £6 ss, 1 ditto at £B, 3 dit to at £4 15s, 1 ditto at £4 12s 6d, 3 steers at £2 10s. On account Mr. P. Olsen 2 bullocks at £ll 2s 6d, 3 ditto al £lO ss, 2 ditto at £8 10s, 3 ditto fit £1 17s 6d, 2 heifers at £5 15s, 2 'ditto a £5, 1 stag at £3 10s, 1 ditto at £2 ss, 2 heifers at £5.

Houston and Co. sold: —For a client 28 fat wethers at 27s 9d, 20 fat lambs at 19s Gd, 55 at 20s. On account of C. Donovan 1 bullock at £l2, 1 at £l2 ss, 1 at £ll 10s, 1 at £ll 12s Gd, 3 heifets at £8 17s Gd, 2 at £9 ss, 2 at £8 I7s 6d, 1 cow at £8 7s Gd, 2 at £7 5s 1 heifer at. £7 15s, 2 at. £8 15s, 1 at £9 7s Gd, 1 at £9, 1 bullock at £9, 1 at £l, 1 at £lO 1 at £lO 7s 6d. On account of R. Ritchie 3 heifers at 6 17s Gd, 2 cows at £6 ss, 3 at £6, 12 at £7 7s Gd. On account of W. Bond 2 cows and 2 light heifers at £3. On account of W. Hamilton I cow at £6 2s Gd, On account of W. Thompsoi 1 cow at £4 15s. 1 stag at £2 12s O' I store cow at 30. On account of D McNicol 3 store cows at £2 ss.