WESTPORT NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 11 April 1927, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent). WESTPORT, April 10. What might be considered a fresh sign of the uplift of Westport is imminent. The Commercial Bank is taking over those premises next to Te Are House for a branch office. Mr Remmington, whose residence is in Christchurch, is now expected in Westport to finalise matters. There is no better sign of the financial position of a town than when a number of financial institutions arc competing for its business. A branch of the bank is also to be established at Granity. This is not merely a Hash in the pan. Those connected with the institution have been investigating for some considerable time, and it should impress the people of Westport that their town is on the rise, when the position appears satis fa<tory to the financiers. Where thb question might affect the workers mo immediately is in respect to the Ad 1 vances Department, and the workers’ requirements for building homes for themselves. The working class have found it difficult to obtain advances, primarily because the margin of safety has been considered too risky. With an improved financial prospect, the workers- should receive more consideration in that direction, and it is a matter to which the workers will have to pay immediate attention. The demand for living accommodation is on the increase and the worker wih soon be at the mercy of the landlord, and his tenancy will be rather shaky. For some considerable time now, the tenant has been “on a good wicket, ’ but with an increased demand and the supply short, the inevitable result will follow. Workers would do well to tackle this matter at once.

The Engineer of the National Portland Cement Company is reported to have stated that the conditions for the production of cement and the tests made in the article itself are unequalled in any part of the world. In reply to His Worship the Mayor’s telegram of protest to Hon. Mr Anderson (Minister of Marine), against, the embargo placed upon the gathering of drift wood on the beach, His Worship to-day received a wire that the matter would be enquired into. The acceptances for the different events of the Fire Brigade Athletic Association’s sports arc closing Monday, with the Secretary, Mr Les. McKendry, Box S 3, West port. It is stated there is a proposal to establish here a gymnasium for both men and women. There are many young men and women who would enter whole-heartedly into such a project, and it is to be hoped that it will soon be under way. The employment continues in Buller, and there are 27 men registered as out of work, including seven new cases of last week. The outlook for the winter is therefore bad. Thursday night’s card tournament at the Friendly Societies Hall had the usual large attendance. Winners at euchre were: Ladies. Mrs Collins Ist. Mrs Champion 2; Gentlemen, Mr Thur low Ist, Mr Tointon 2nd. Mrs G. Radford was the winner at forty-fives. Air Parfitt has given notice of motion to move at the next meeting of the school committee, “That the com mittec consider the question of supply ing school boks and school requisites Io children at cost price.” Miss Nellie Erskine, who is to be married shortly to Mr A. Phillips, was tendered a complimentary social by the teachers of St. John’s Sunday School in St. John’s Hall. Rev. J. A. Jermyn in a eulogistic speech, wished Miss Er ski no e v ery success in her marriage, and presented her with a beautiful salad bowl on behalf of the teachers and numerous other gifts on behalf of many friends present. Air . Carter replied for the recipient. The singing of

“ For She’s a .Jolly Good Fellow” a i* l c three cheers for Miss Erskine con- 8 eluded a very pleasant function. A large number of friends of Air an< Airs Willson, Sergeant’s Hill, gathered in tin* Hill Hall, on Thursday evening, when a well-tilled wallet was presented to the honoured couple. Among those present, was Air IL E. Holland, ‘ ALP., who spoke highly of the hospital 1 iiy and generosity of both Air and Airs 1 Willson. Mr J. H. Powell (County ] Chairman) also spoke in a eulogistic . strain. The presentation was made by Mr Ted Jenkins, and Air Willson suitably responded. Later dancing was indulged in. The f< 'lowing passengers arrived in West port, by the Komat a last trip: — Messrs Junes, Lcaruipnt, Simpson. Dogless, Austin, Duncan, Pollock (2), Cooper (3), Sawyer, Cameron, Brown, Linnev, ('. Brown, Larsen, Johnston, Allan ami child: Alesdamcs Cooper Duncan, Pulsford and child, Borlaso, Al arris, Nord. McHerron; Misses Cooper, Naisbett, Phillips. A party of officials of the Westpo r 5 Stockton Coal Company from Christ church, have been paying a visit to tho Company’s mine at Ngakawau Air Cottrell and Air and Airs Hopkins arrived in Westport from Timari | and paid a visit to Seddonville duriiq the past week. Air Walter Leach, supervisor of the Westport main mine, Granity, has re turned to Westport. Nurse Anderson, who has been visit ing the schools in the district, has lef for Greymouth. Miss L. Naisbitt, who has been on an extended holiday tour of both Islands, has returned to Westport.

Mr Fogarty, of Greymouth, left here on his return home yesterday. Air E. B. h’immington, of Christ church, lias arrived in Westport. A couple of our townsmen, having little to do and plenty of time to -Jo it in, took a trip up the To Kuha railway line. Coming upon some chaps packing sleepers, one of the pair began whistling the “Dead March” to the tune, of the strokes of the beater. The navvy stood it for awhile, then he turn ed to the whistler and said: “Say mate, whistle “ Gor Save” and we’ll knock off!” CIETIES’ DISPENSARY. The annual meeting of the above wa held in the Lodgeroom on Thursday [night, and despite the inclemency tho weather a fair number of members

and shareholders was present. Lie. I*. W. Beirne oceup.ed the chair. The balance sheet, Chairman’s, Manager *s and Treasurer's reports were received and dealt with. A number of members spoke of the advancement that had been made during the year. The gross receipts had increased by 5 per cent., anil the expenditure showed a decrease of 5 per cent., while the Lodge dues showed an increase of ~i per cent. Prescriptions per member showed a decrease, which is a healthy sign, while prescriptions to the public show an increase of 25 per cent., which proves that the dispensary is proving the great benefit that it was intended to. The Chairman and members paid warm tribute to the management of the firm. Since the balance sheet was issued, the gross receipts for January showed an increase of 35 per cent, for February 15 per cent., and for March

25 per cent., so that a general advancement is being made, and the outlook for the dispensary is indeed on a satis factory basis. A hearty vote of thanks was accordcd to the Manager for his successful efforts, being carried with applause, and a hearty vote of thanks was also accorded to the Chairman for the vain able assistance ho has given to the

dispensary during the year. This was followed by a meeting of the Boarf o Management, when Bro. H. GemraiU was duly elected Chairman for the en suing year. Bro Beirne, the retiring Chairman, was accorded a hear y io of thanks and appreciation for his 'three years’ efficient oversight, and thmeeting closed.