HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 28 March 1928, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(From Our Own Correspond nt.) | HOKITIKA. March 27. It now appears probable that the proposal to provide an artesian water supply locally will be jettisoned. The existing installation is not really so bad as certain folk made out. Mr Holmes, of B. W. Holmes and Son, Wellington, has been inspecting the borough water works, and he returned to Wellington to-day. He met the Water Works Committee of the Borough Council yesterday, and discussed various details. Mr Holmes is to supply a detailed report from Wellington. During his stay he made a close examination of the main supply race from Lake Kanieri to the reservoir. Mr Holmes is not in favour of scrapping the pipe line. He believes that about three parts of it is good. Some distance from the lake, over level country, it is bad, and should be replaced with new pipes, preferably concrete. The Tucker Flat section has given so much trouble, and it is one section that, needs to be replaced, probably with spun steel pipes. The wooden pipes taken out could be rebound by a simple process, and used to advantage along the line. The reservoir will require probably a new container within the present 'walls. The suggestions indicate the total cost will be much below what was mentioned prior to the investigation, but this is a matter which will not be finalised till the complete report is to hand. The report is not likely to favour a pumping scheme. The Mayor (Mr Perry) and other members of the Water Works Committee, consider the general position fairly satisfactory. j It is hoped that the recent rains will enable the timber output from Westland to be increased, but it is stated that some of the concerns with plenty of capital have set out to “ cruel the wicket” for the smaller mills. Mr B. Wilson, Director of the Tourist Department, went South yesterday and will spend a couple of days at the tourist resorts at the Glaciers. Mr Wilson is expected back on Thursday. He was met on arrival here yesterday ' by officials of the Tourist Association, including the President, Mr G. A. Perry, and the Vice-President, Dr Teichelmann.. On Wednesday afternoon there w’ill be motor boat races on the Hokitika Biver, which should prove an attraction if the weather is fine. A start is being made this week with the work of finishing off the interior of St Mary’s Church. The Borough staff arc employed in extending the water mains along Gibson Quay, from Davey Street to Jolly Street, and it is understood that the water mains will be extended into other parts of the town where required. On Monday evening the Hibernian Society tendered the Druids Lodge a social at St Mary’s Clubroom, and the gathering proved a most enjoyable one. There was a numerous assemblage, despite wet weather. The first part of the evening was devoted to cards, in which there was spirited competition, and after about an hour’s play the visitors proved to be the victors by the narrow margin of two points. Supper was then served, and the customary toasts were honoured. Several members of both societies rendered musical items and recitations, which were much appreciated by the “listeners in.” After supper “Auld Lang Syne” was sung, and concluded a very enjoyable evening, which it is hoped will be the forerunner of many such gatherings during the winter months. Below Waiho Gorge, at Doherty’s Creek, the Wcheka mail car met with an accident yesterday in effecting a crossing. Ordinarily the bed of this creek is wide and ’ shallow, but the heavy rains over the week-end had deepened the main channel. The car was returning at the time to Waiho without passengers, and as it w’as crossing the stream, engine trouble developed, and the car was caught in the midwaters through the breaking of a part. Unfortunately, while repairs were in hand, and there was no mechanical means of hauling the car to safety, the flood came down rapidly, and the heavy rain continuing, the waters continued to rise. Eventually the flood overwhelmed the car, which was overturned, and ultimately was left with its wheels uppermost. It was damaged considerably, and will be the subject for an adjustment of insurance. A relief car was sent in the late afternoon. and the mail service was continued to-day without interruption.