WESTPORT NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1929, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES.

(From 'Our Correspondent.) WESTPORT, February 14. The Shop Assistants’ Unioiv at a meeting on Tuesday night, did not succeed in getting things going in'regard to the Saturday half-holiday petitions, the Secretary reporting that tb e forms fo r signature were available yet. It was explained* that the petitions, with the requisite number of signatures, have to be in the hands of the Town Clerk not later than one month prior to the municipal elections. The Secretary was instructed to write the miners’ Unions asking for a pronouncement as to how far the change would inconvenience the residents in the mining townships. The Shop Assistants’ Union meet again on Sunday morning, when replies may be in, and petitions ready for circulation. The show’s the thing! The A. and P. Show is causing all the talk, and also ail the work. Exhibits exceed 600, so it is said, while juvenile entries exceed 400. Canvassers have received good treatment in town. The Caledonian Society are arranging dances (Highland Fling for ages under 10, 13, and 16 years. Sailor’s Hornpipe, Irish Jig, Seann Trubhais and Sword Dance). Three prizes will be given where there are six or more entries.

Once again the Fire Brigade members were quickly on the spot, and did good work on Sunday, while, without even a “call,” a fire was discovered which members decided should receive immediate attention. Acting upon that impulse, a lead was run out. and soon all traces of the conflagration had been dissipated. It is stated that residents in the vicinity were not thoroughly in accord with the ac'ion taken, as an effort was being made to clean up the rubbish in the back yard. However the chances of fire spreading were dis--sipated. The Labour Party’s Westport Branch are holding a special meeting on Sunday night, to discuss remits which are to come before the conference at Easter.

We of‘en hear that number 13 is unlucky. It was mentioned at a wedding recently, but the bridegroom was No. 1, he being the first of a family of 13, and they are all living and healthy boys and girls, reared and brought up in Westport. That takes some beating! Meh'ion is made of an attempt short ly, by an elderly man, to cross Cook Strait in a canvas boat. Some years back/ say 30, Paddy Connell, of this town, had a canvas boat of similar dimensions, with which at Capo Foulwind h c was in the habit of journeying to the Steeples and gathering crayfish. Upon one occasion, it being declared an open season for killing seals, the Bugaboo (that was the craft’s name) was utilised to go on a killing expedition. Many seals were slaughtered,?and some of the killers were nearly drowned. After that the Bugaboo's trips ceased. If that i? not so, ask Paddy. The Directors’ report and balance sheet of the Westport-Stockton Coal Coy, to be presented to the 23rd annual meeting in Christchurch on February 28‘h,. has been circulated. The report shows an increase in output and an increase in cash receipts. It is. also stated, that the demand for this comuanv’s coal continues to which •n itself is good news for tbe district Ono director has resigned* two others re'ire,, but offer themselves for re-elec-tion.

Mr Sam Paul, mine host of the Club Hotel, is at present an inmate of the Buller District Hospital, where it has been found necessary to cany out a slight operation. His many finends will wish him a rapid recovery.

The Fire Brigatlp arc putting in solid practice for tli e Hokitika Demonstration, and .the only team they are afraid of is that from. No Town. The Brigade held a lengthy meeting on Tuesday evening, when Superintendent F. Morgan prqside/1. The principal business was that of dealing with remits for th c annual conference at Hokitika at the end of the present month. Suh Lieut Vitaglieh will be present at the conference, and will receive his 25 years’ gold star for long'' service. “Vit” is a fireman born and bred, and conies of an old Grey district family. His grandparents were the late Mr and Mrs Davisj of Blaketown. Mr Davis was a well known builder on the Coast. His unclp, Mark Davis, spent many years as a Briga desman in' the Grey. Westporf "and other Brigades.