HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1928, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, March 20. I At present there is a smoky haze all over the district, as a result of scrub and bush fires in the back country. The Elsie, which brought a load of dairy produce from Okura on Sunday evening, sailed last night for Milford Sound with a load of plant and material for the erection of the new tourist hostel. The tourist traffic continues and service cars, full of tourists, are still to be seen going and coming from the South Westland Glaciers. This year’s tourist traffic is easily a record. On Saturday last, in a tennis match at Kanieri, the Kokatalii Club defeated Kanieri by 17 sets, 117 games, to 7 sets, 73 games. At the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, at 4.30 there was a. representative gathering to farewell Mr W. Craw (Stationmaster), who has been transferred to Greymouth. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided. The Chairman eulogised Mr Craw’s services during his term of office, enlarging on the courteous way in which the public had been served by the Stationmaster and staff. lion 11. L. Michel, M.L.C., Mr R. Wild, Mr J. Cameron, and Mr D. P. Stuart endorsed and supplemented the remarks, praising Mr Craw’s services On behalf of the commercial and business people, Mr Perry handed Mr Craw a cheque, extending also the good wishes of the community for his future in the Department and best wishes for the health and happiness of his wife ami family. Mr Craw acknowledged the kind remarks made, and said he regretted leaving Hokitika, where he and his wife had spent a happy time. He v. uuld always have pleasant memories of the place and the people, and wished Westland every success in the future. Mr Craw leaves for Greymouth on Saturday.

This morning, about 6 o’clock, a fire destroyed the residence of Mr James Cuttance, of Koitcrangi. Mr Cuttance, on rising, lit a fire in the kitchen, and went across to liis sister’s residence (Mrs Enoch Harris), a short distance away. When he returned, a few minutes later, he found the place on fire, and a boarder at the house was endeavouring to put it out. There was practically a shortage of water, and in spite of their efforts the building was destroyed. The fire apparently ran up the side of the fireplace and had a good hold. Practically everything was lost, beyond a few personal belongings. The house was a four-roomed one, with wash-house and outhouse attached. Mr Cuttance had his hand badly burned in his efforts to put out the fire. WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD. At the meeting of the Board there were present Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman), G. Davidson, T. W. Duff. E. A. Wells, R. Meharry, W. Jeffries and L. If. Morel. Apologies were received from Messrs Heinz, Spiers and Heenan. The Secretary reported as to the result of the decision of the Magistrate in a recent case in which the Board was nonsuited. Mr Jeffries said the position as given by the Magistrate was an astounding one. It was an anomalous position that the Board had to get the consent of the Minister to sue; that they had to have a written contract with a patient to give a legal standing. Mr Duff endorsed the remarks of Mr Jeffries. After discussion, the Chairman moved that the Board write to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Health and the Hospital Boards’ Association on the subject. Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried.

The Hon Secretaries, Hospital Fund Committee, forwarded £419 2s 2d, amounts of collections made.—Received. The Chairman moved that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to the nurses, jointsecretaries, and Messrs Jeffries and Davidson, for their magnificent effort. Seconded by Mr Davidson and carried.

The Superintendent reported that on Ist February there were 21 males, 12 females—total 39. in the institution. Admitted during February 9 males, 14 females—23. Total treated 36 males, 26 females —62. Discharged cured 11 males, 14 females; relieved, 1 male, 1 female; died, 2 males, 1 female; total discharged.. 14 males, 16 females—3o. Remaining in hospital, 29th February. 22 males, 10 females —32. In hospital for over two months, 13 males, 5 females —18. —Received.

The House Committee, per Mr Davidson, reported on a number of matters for attention. Two new probationers had taken up their duties. —Received. Accounts amounting to £7OO 6s lOd were passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts £1219 8s 4d, payments £978 10s sd, credit balance £603 18s.—Received. It was resolved that the staff at the hospital be advised that all authority for expenditure should conic from the Board or the Chairman of the House Committee.

The next meeting of the Board was fixed for April 4th.