WESTPORT NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1927, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) WESTPORT, February 23. Regarding the putting of workers off *he milling staff of Messrs Bryan and Bowater, the firm’s town mill is in future to be utilised to turn out the finished article, the Cape Foulwind mill doing the rough stuff. Although a large number of men have received notice tc quit it is hoped that some may be reemployed. The town mill is to be altered to cope ■with the new conditions, and electrically driven modern machinery installed. As soon as the Government make satisfactory arrangements so that the timber industry may flourish, without the consumer being exploited, all will be well once more.

Although tardy, it is still satisfactory to learn that protective work is being proceeded with at the Overflow and at MePaddin’s, which should tend to keep the Buller River within bounds. An expert in blast-firing is being sent along supervise a big blast at the Cape Foulwind. Methinks if the expert could measure up the quantity to be lifted. Paddy Connell could do the rest.

His Worship the Mayor has received two communications re the Duke and Duchess of York’s visit, from the Secretary of Internal Affairs, Mr. J. Hislop. One is, that, while appreciating the kindness etc., it will be impossible for | the Royal couple to attend a ball. The ball is therefore cut out. The other is, that the strenuous nature of the West Coast trip makes it advisable to have the reception and present the address at 5.45 to 6.15, a whole half hour to be occupied with the ceremony. Might tinReception Committee, not save a lot of trouble to their Royal Highnesses by posting the Address? The children, in the morning, might march past the Club Hotel, and be viewed from there. It would give more time for resting alter the strenuous journey per motor car over the rough roads. The Secretary of the Buller Football Association has received advice that tho Canadian Soccer team will arrive in the Dominion on May 23rd.. and will commence play at Palmerston North on May 25th., playing in all 20 games and returning on August 2nd. Mr. 11. R. Bisliey and Mr. R. Mat thews are in Westport and on Monday night they put up a proposition to the Blanket Society to become agents fo) the sale of a work entitled “Saints and Sinners”. The gentlemen named cannot have had any experience in Westport | as regards the former so must be writing up something they know nothing about. The caricaturist may fare better ami if he does, probably the book may be a seller as we "Westport onia ns dearly Igvc to make fun of people. I feel sorry however, about the title for as for Saints. We “aint got none.’’’ Mr. Snedden (Inspector of Awards' struck Westport on Monday on depart menial business. It is understood that his presence will be needed in Denniston on Thursday next. Miss Peters of Tc Arn House, ha. left on a three weeks ’ holiday. She first visits Christchurch. Mr. G. Head, Master of the 0.P.H., is leaving for Nelson on holiday. Messrs J. 11. Enright and E. Skiltoi* yesterday appeared in Reefton in the Master Grocers’ interests, in the Arbi nation ( ourt proceedings. Mr. W. Croskerv with him. Mr. J. Goodall appeal cd for the Shop Assistants. Mr. i’rime of Christchurch, on behalf of the Em plovers’ Federation, taking the lead for the masters. Mr. J. Al. Robertson find his daughter Connie have gone to Wellington to the Band Contest. Johnny Robertson, besides competing for the cornet champion ship, plays for both. Wanganui and Greymouih Band. As will be seen by the head of this column, the watersiders reckon its upto them to have a ball. As there is to be no Royal Ball the general public shall not be disappointed. The watersiders will pot on a ball which cannot be eclip ,sed. This is the first the watersiders have put on, but the Committee who have charge arc no new hands in respect to these functions. It will be seen by the advertisement that, the prices are right ;'the music is right the M.C. ’s are right, and when patrons see what can be done with stqiper by those in charge, their verdict will be —Right! BULLER PROGRESS LEAGUE. At a meeting of the above, Mr. G. -Martin presided. Hr. J. Hanna received a welcome to the meeting. The absence of Messrs Harkness, Parker, Enright and Wood was apologised for. A letter was read from Hokitika, re tlie Wesx Coast road, stating they were willing to assist in the early completion of the Road. The Manager of 44 The Times” London forwarded a copy of the papei of February 22m1. which appears in London this week. The Progress League Hokitika wrote as to delegates re the "West Coast road. The letter was held over until next meeting. The Town Clerk, Greymouth, forwarded a resolution protesting against the importing of foreign timber. Air. Bryan spoke on this matter for some time, and gave

a very lengthy explanation of the posi-| tion of the sawmilling in New Zealand 1 Mr. J. Bradley moved that the League do all in its power to assist. Mr. Betts' seconded the motion. Mr. Bradley sug-1 gested that they call a public meeting) to deal with the timber industry and, ask Air. Bryan to explain the positioni fully to the public. This was carried. ■ Mr. Hanna asked if anything could be done in getting the concrete culvert I cleaned, out in Stafford Street. Air. Bry ar. said he -would mention the matter toi the Engineer. Air. D. Moloney stated that he was offered two large motor’ cars for members of the League .To goi to Brighton wheuc? they could walk

nine miles and reach the road to Grey. ( The car owners would go down again 1 on the following day and pick the memtbers up for the return to AVestport. It was decided to write to Air. Joseph AleLean (Greymouth) and sec what the’ I Greymouth people could do in providing cars for the members and in aeepetjing a public meeting in Greymouth on I the night the members arrived. ' Air. Betts reported on the Public Works starting in the district and I moved that, the Government’s advice ibe asked on the position in this disI tiict.—Carried. Air. Betts also moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to l Alr. Joseph Au Lean (Greymouth) for ,his good work as to the West Coast I road.

I Air. Betts moved that the Chairman <and himself interview the engineer r< faietailing the road between the WJute I Horse Hill and Fox Fiver. A vote of •I thanks to the Chairman and Air. Hayes j (the acting secretary) brought the meet i ing to a close.