WESTPORT NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 1 September 1927, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) WESTPORT, August 31. The Buller L.R.C. meeting takes place on Saturday next at 2 pm., at the Labour Party’s Room, Henley Slreet. Important business is awaiting attention, and it therefore behoves delegates giving it consideration. Quite an interesting article was made of the interview with Mr Keown, of Barrytown, upon his recent trip to the Queensland cotton fields. Incidentally, “prickly pear” was mentioned, and an idea given as to what a pest it had become. Recently also, a local contemporary, writing upon the same pest, gave the information that the cochineal insect was being successfully employed in its eradication, but. the very latest cure comes from New York, under date of August ?3th. Condensed, the information claims that rapid and effective means of destroying prickly pear and other, Australian insect and weed pests are being demonstrated successfully on the farms of a New York millionaire, who is not financially interested in the invention. Farmers call the invention “rad:o ploughing,” since an electric plough is used. The inventor calls it “electroculture, ” and insists that it will not only destroy pests, but will make fertilisers unnecessary. The inventor’s name 'is Hamilton Rowe, and it Is claimed that the plough used is no dearer to operate than the ordinary tractor plough. Mr Rowe says ? ”’My machine fuses nitrogen, oxygen and carbon with the moisture in the soil, producing carbonate ammonia, on which substance nature sustains all plant life. He also states that he has received offers from fertiliser firms, seeking 1o buy his invention, to keep* it off the market, as it will make fertilisers as obsolete and as old-fashion-ed as the grain flail.

Mr Alf Ridsdale had a very irate customer the other clay, and it was all about a postage stamp. “Well.” said the lady, “I put the stamp upon a very important letter and posted it. It has not been received. I want you to know that I shall buy my stamps elsewhere if this occurs again.” The Sisters of Compassion offer their sincerest thanks to all who in any way contributed to the recent collection made in Reef ton and West fort districts in aid of their charitable works in Wellington, work undenominational m character and of untold benefit to the very neediest people o.f the Dominion.

A branch meeting of the A.S.R.S. was held on Monday night in life Labour Rooms, Henley Street, Mi - G. Chaplin presiding. As usual, there was a lot of correspondence. The members were disappointed" over the Railway Board’s refusal of an increase of Is per day, but it is expected that more Will be heard of this matter when the .President, Mr Churchouse, and General Secretary, Mr Mcllvride, come to address the meeting here on Wednesday, September 21st, in the Friendly Society Hall. The Chairman asked that all members do their bit in making the meeting a success, and urged all members to be present to hear the National Officers speak. The next meeting of the Labour Day Sports Committee takes place on [Monday evening next at 7 pan., in the iLabour Party’s Room, Henley Street. All delegates arc expected to be presnt. Miss McCready, of the Technical High School teaching staff, is visiting Christchurch. Mr G. Smart, delegate for Westland to Railway Officers’ Institute, arrived yesterday to address the First Division mon of the local railways. Mis Chamberlain and family, of Reefton, where Mr Chamberlain has disposed of his watchmaking and jewellery business, have conic permanently to reside in Westport. .

Mr G. Avery, who is engaged at r the Alexander Reefs, ‘Waiuta, arrived ■ yesterday to attend a meeting of share- ( holders in the Britannia Mining Coy. , Alf Easton, formerly a member of the Old Boys Rugby team, Westport, ■ has been selected in the Otago B reps, , to play against Canterbury. Mr and Mrs West Holder arrived last evening from Taumaranui, on a , Mrs Larsen, Mrs Wilson and Airs Anderson, of Christchurch, who were recent visitors here, have returned home. Mr J. Bodgcr won the box or chocolates raffled in connection with the guessing competition run in aid of the .Maternity Ward. Mr Palmer, of Spring Grove, has left here for Greymouth. Mr and Mrs Caldwell left yesterday for Reefton. Mr and Mrs Scandrett returned last evening from Invercargill. Mr I). Bryan, who has been attending a timber conference, has returned. Mr Jenkins. Harbour Works Engineer, is visiting Christchurch. Mr Callaghan, Mrs Gibson, Mr darker and Mr and Mrs Granville (Ngakawau) are visiting Greymouth. Mrs Martin, who arrived yesterday from Nelson, is visiting Gramty. Mr T. McNabb, after visiting Westport, has returned to Pangatotara. Mrs and Miss Jenkins left for Wakefield this morning. Mr and Mrs F. S. Hayes have gone to Ariki, where they will spend term holiday*. . Despite the fact that the Flunky Ball on Thursday evening is -a children's ball, the latter part of the I evening will be devoted to vhe en <r tainment of th adults. The children I are be'ing well catered for tuv. ever) thing possible is being dene to nuiae the dance a huge success. The proceeds are in aiil of a very "01 •. object, the Plunket Society, and it. assured of Westport’s support. who have promised cakes, etc, n’ asked to leave them at the 1 heat Royal early on Thursday. At a meeting of the Buller Hug League, Mr Webster’s resignation wa* received with regret, and Mr_ W. Me Namara was appointed in his playIt was decided to play the final ox the Williamson Cup between Donne.ton and Granity on Victoria bqua“ Saturday next, 3rd September >• Davis’s application for transfer fr-m Westport io Denniston Clubs was rn- | fU Mr'Sherlock, Buller 7Prosentntiye I footballer, sustained an injury V. v foot vesterdav through a railway ‘sleeper falling on it. This may ) eI vent him from taking part

match against the Coast. At St Canice’s card tournament, last evening, euchre prizes were won as follow■> Ladies, Mrs Curtis 1, Mrs Moloney 2. Gents, Mr Hennessey 1, Mr MeGrecvy 2. The 45’s was won by Mr Thurlow. The following Rugby fixtures are sot down for Saturday next, September 3rd:—Senior: Kokihinui v. Stars at the Trotting Track at 2.45 p.m.; referee, Mr 11. Casey. Albion Cap: Westport v. Ohl Boys at the Trolling Track at 2.45 p.m.; referee, Mr W. Mutton. Thirds: Stars v. Westport at the Trotting Track at 1.15 p.m. School v. 01'1 Boys at the Trotting Track at 1.15 p.m.j Mr Ei Fox, referee.