WESTPORT NEWS.

Grey River Argus, 21 June 1927, Page 7

WESTPORT NEWS.

(Our Own Correspondent.) WESTPORT, June 20. Complaints are becoming numerous from passengers travelling by rail on the Westport-Seddonville line, and local newspapers have taken the trouble to get reasons from the Railway Traffic Manager as to why this is thus. This may appear eminently satisfactory to the Railway Department. If coal pays better than passengers, and if the intention is to continue this process, it would be just as well to acquaint Jack Kilkenny, who would arrange a service by motor ’bus, which would be far more useful than the present railway timetable. On Saturday night last passengers from Granity down who were awaiting the train which is due in Westport at 5.55 p.m., managed to get the Seddonville train which arrives about 6.40 p.m., the ordinary train arriving some time later. Another matter which the coal shipping has nothing to do with, is that, although the mornings were cold enough in all conscience last week, there were no foot warmers placed in any of the 8 a.m. train leaving Westport, except Saturday’s. If the railways continue* this system, what is the use of grousing about people patronising the motors? The Charleston v. Mokihinui football match, which was to have been played at the Point, Mokihinui on Saturday did not eventuate. At the time of starting there were about a dozen spectators on the ground, and they were informed that a message had been received that Charleston wished to be excused. Extreme disappointment was manifest.

The Secretary of the Westport Poultry Club reports real good entries for the Annual Show. Entries closed on Saturday night at 9 o’clock, and the Secretary was kept fairly busy. The late William James Douglas was laid to rest in the Orawaiti Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Amongst those present, besides immediate friends, were the Leader of the Opposition, Mr 11. E. Holland, and the Hon. W. Mclntyre. Mr T. J. Weekes. of the Borough Electrical Staff, left on a fortnight’s annual holiday this morning. Is the name of Albert Edward Bash am likely to have any influence upon his trial for allegedly selling a seditious document 9

I should like to contradict a statement made by the local morning paper when it says:—“The Hospital Board has maie a very wise move in conneeHon with the raising of funds for a Maternity Ward.” The Hospital Board turned the proposition down for twelve months! Mrs R. Patterson, who has since been elected to the Board, and Matron Dumford have resurrected the proposition, and no doubt will bring it to successful fruition. Let us give honour where honour is due. The expected performance of “Mari ettc” will give a start to the many money-making devices which will l>o necessary to raise sufficient for the purpose aimed at. The strong committee, already working, and others who will join in, will leave nothing undone to assure success. The reports of the production “Mariette” which appeared in the Supplement of the Grey River Argus of Saturday, June 11th, will give a vivid idea of its quality. It is expected that the meeting to

morrow night of the Westport General Labourers’ and. Mechanics’ Union, which is now functioning for the New Zealand Workers’ Union, in regard tc Public Works employees will be the liveliest held for some time, as several matters of inetrest will crop up. There was an installation of officers of Druids Lodge at Millerton on Saturday night last. Bro. Dunean, D.P., in stalled the officers for ensuing term. A car load of officers from Westport Lodge journeyed to the Hill to assist. The following were installed: —J. P.A., T. Callaghan; A.D., T. Easton; Vice A., C. Olsen; Secy., W. Davies; Treasurer, J. McKinlay; 1.G., Hannigan; 0.G., E. Daffield; A.D.B.s, H. Marshall and F. Clark; B.V.A.’s, E. Stack and J. Marshall. A social was held afterwards. Pension claims, instead of being dealt with at Westport, are now required to be forwarded to Greymouth. Why it has been found necessary to make this change is not explained. With such a capable and conscientious staff as is stationed at Westport, there should be no occasion to make such a change. Possibly the Member for the District could make inquiries as it detracts

from the status of his electorate. Passengers by the Komata from Wellington were:—Messrs Sang, McKenzie, Sudgen, Clark, Scully, Cerchi, Prince, Ward, O’Connor; Mesdames Cerelii, Gilmour, Perry, and infant; Miss Wilson. Mr Basil Marris, who recently retired from the Government Railway Service at Wellington, where he held a very important position, is visiting Westport as the guest of his sister, Mrs A. A. Wilson. , Mrs Marshall Neill is producing “Soot and the Fairies” on July 14 in aid of the Plunket Society’s Rest Room

Fund. The Victoria Theatre has been engaged for the occasion. .The death took place of the 13-weeks-old son of Mr and Mrs P. C. Bell, at the grandparents’, Mr and Mrs W. Williams, residence. The Nelson hockey teams were both defeated on Saturday, but were well entertained in Westport. The Ramblers Hockey Club extended an invitation to them to attend their dance, which was held at the Friendly Societies’ Hall. The Nelsonites were welcomed by Mr T. Park on behalf of the Buller Hockey Association. He said that on all occasiorfe when teams had gone from Buller to Nelson they Had all spoken in eulogistic terms of the hospitality extended to them. Buller was glad of the opportunity to extend a hearty welcome to the Nelson players and those associated with them. He hoped that the games would uphold the best traditions of the code and that the best team would win. The Manager of the Nelson team, Mr Davidson, thanked the Buller Association for the very warm welcome it had extended,

nd he also thanked the Ramblers Hoekey Club for its invitation to attend ts most enjoyable dance. The visitors from Nelson were high in their praise of the hospitality offered to them in he Buller, and he considered that all hey had said had more than been fulfilled, for they could not have been given a more hearty welcome. Mrs W. Todd, late of the Grand Hotel, arrived in Westport from Richmond. She was accompanied by Miss Lily Phillips and Miss Vene Catchpole, of Wellington. Nurse Walshe left for Nelson to-day. Miss Hennessey has left for Christchurch. Mr W. Eden has returned to Taumaranui after a holiday in Westport. Mr J. Tocker, of Nelson, is at pre sent on holiday in Westport. Mr J. Olliver, of Nelson, is visiting friends at Denniston and Millerton. Mr R. Skilton, who has been spending a holiday in Westport, has returned to the North Island.