REEFTON NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1927, Page 8

REEFTON NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent). In the Inangahua district the weather is at present very' wintrified. There is a lot of snow up Mamia way, the Rahu saddle having a couple of feet of it still. There have been several frosts, and on Monday 26 degrees iof frost was registered. This caused many water pipes to burst. Mr R, Wilson is on a visit to Reef ton. Mr Harcourt Werry has left to take up an appointment at Wellington. On Friday evening the Old Boys of the District Hogh School entertained Mr Harcourt Werry, prior to his departure for Wellington, and presented him with a handsome wristlet watch. Mr L. Harrie, who has for some considerable time filled the position or Deputy at the Reeftcn Coal Company’s Mine, leaves shortly to reside at Dobson, He was entertained by his fallow miners on Saturday evening, ani was presented with a handsome travelling rug. Mr J. Baird, in making the presentation, referred to his 1 sterling qualities both as a miner and citizen. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs N. Bolitho Duggafa, Harrie and W. Clark, and a monologue by Mr Manson.

Mr 11. Watkinson (District Engineer) and Mr Matheson (Public Works Overseer) visited Reefton on Monday in connection with the estiuiates for the coming year. Soma fdw months back, the Melbourne Hotel, tea rooms, and sections adjoining on the south side of Broadway, were purchased by Dr Conlon. He at once set to work and had the old buildings demolished and a new tea rooms and commodious motor garage have been erected upon the old site, and are nearing completion. The motor garage is a very fine structure, with lofty Walls and concrete floor, and is replete with every modern convenience for the carrying on of an up to date motor business. Two bowser pumps are being erected alongside the premises, an.d when the finishing touches are applied, these buildings will be an ornament to that portion of the 'town, and should have A tendency to make 'fbr a brighter and more progressive Reefton. Mr J. Osborne, who has been in business as a motor mechanic for some years in Shiel Street, moved into these new premises on Monday last, and no doubt will bo pleased to welcome all his old patrons, as well as the new ones, when they visit him at his new business site. The funeral of the late James Roxborough took place on Monday afternoon at the Suburban Cemetery. Many old residents attended to pay their last tribute to the deceased’s memory. Rev. W. J. Bloyce officiated. Mr Jas. Roxborough, of Hokitika, who was hero on the sad occasion of the death of his father, left for Hokitika on Monday evening’s train. SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC. A public meeting was held at the District High School on Monday evenling, to make arrangements for the formation of a dental clinic in Rcefton, there being present: Messrs W. B. Auld (chair), D. Panckhurst, J. Pattersen, Rev C. Robinson, A. Absalom, A. M. Carroll, P. H. Instone, A, E. Merry, AV. Newton, J. Pearce, R. Silcock, C. Mori, G. Mclnroe, Harris, I. Pattersen. Messrs Mclnroe repres-en-cd Ikamatua; Harris, Mawhcraiti; and Silcock, Rotokohu. About fifteen ladies were also present. The Chairman said he was pleased to see such a good attendance, and specially welcomed the representatives from the country schools, and spoke of the benefits to be obtained by the establishment of a Dental Clinic in the He said it was mainly - a question of funds, and they hoped for the’ wholehearted support of the surrounding districts. He read an apology from Mr T. McMahon (Cronadun), and A. Doig (Blackwater), W. Redden (Big River), J. McEwan (Waiuta). , He then read a brief outline of the requirements that, qwould be wanted .Tor the establishment of the clinic, and said the probable cost would be £73 6s S'd, as estimated by the Education Board.

Rev Mr Pattersen moved, seconded by Mr W. Newton, that a Dental Clinic be established at Reefton without further delay, and steps taken to raise funds :required. Mr Jas. Pattersen said ho to point out to the meeting that they would not have to pay the salary of the dentist required. Mr Isaac Pattersen said there should be no hesitation in carrying the resolution, as we have no permanent dentist in the district, and the children are suffering in consequence. The motion was carried; Mr Mclnroe asked what would bo the probable l cost to the country schools. Mr Mori said they would only have to pay the dentist’s fare to the school; or they could come to the surgery at Reefton for treatment. Mr Merry said the dentist’s visit the outside schools and inspect the children, and then they come to the surgery for thb treatment required, Mr Mclnroe was anxious to know what the levy would be per school, so that he could, inform the Ikamatua School Committee. •« < . Mr J. Pattersen suggested building a room on to the science room. Mr Panckhurst said it could not be done, as it would interfere with the ventilation of the science room. Tn reply to Mr Silcock, the Chairman said it would be necessary to find transport charges to the country schools from the nearest railway station, which would not cost a great deal, in most 'cases. There were 676 children in the district, and the dentist should be here permanently. Mr Silcock asked if the dental officer would have to be provided wtih a residence rent free. The Chairman said he did not think so, only the surgery had to be provided free of cost to the Department, also heating, lighting, laundry and cleaning. Mr Instonc said he thought most, or nearly all, of the work from the country children would be done in Reefton. The Chairman said he thought the

best way to raise the funds was by Sending out a subscription list. Mr Isaac Pattersen also'spoke in similar strain, 1 Mr Harris said there may oe some schools that would not donate any thing. Mr Jas. Pattersen pointed out that the Committee are responsible for the payment of all fees for the elder children. The Chairman said he would try and get all the information possi ilc for the Country School Committees. Mr Mori read a letter pointing out that the senior pupils would, not be treated where there is a Berman nt local dentist practising. Mr Robinson pointed out that cnce the ‘children ' commenced in' the Dental Clinic they would be carried on right through their school days in the -clinic, irrespective of their age. Mr I. Pattersen thought a telegram should be sent to the Member for the District and the Minister for Education on the matter. He then moved that telegrams be sent to both these gentlemen, Messrs Holland and Hudson. Seconded by Mr Instone, ana carried. Mr Mclnroe moved that lists be eir L culated throughout the district at once, -Seconded by Mr Panckhurst. and carried. A vote of thanks to the Chair concluded the meeting.