WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 20 February 1932, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) WESTPORT. February 19. At. a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Technical High School, Mr J. G. Harkness presided and those pre. sent were: Mrs Bird, Messrs G- H. Gothard, A. Taylor, D. Mumm, J. Snodgrass, H. Todd, and C. Bell. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Messrs Robertson and Parfitt. In the course, of his report, the Director mentioned that the school resumed on Tuesday February 2nd with an actual at tendance of 115. The roll number had now increased to 129 (79 boys and 50 girls). The courses taken are as follows: Professional 41, Commercial 48, Industrial 40. There are 36 new first year entrants and four pupils have transferred from other schools. With only four teachers besides the Director to take these, organisation is very difficult, and it says much for the ability and energy of the staff that the examination results have been so good. For Public Service 10 sat and 7 passed. Joan Anderson being 39 for New Zealand. The only Westport successes at the Public Service Shorthand-Typists’ examination were the five girls who were pupils of the school. Eleven pupils gained Pitman’s Certificates for Theory or Speed. In the Training College Entrance examination, Eugene Bird and Kathleen Lutton gained full passes and I). MeWha a partial pass. Four pupils gained Higher Leaving Certificates and for Matriculation, seven sat and six passed. The result called for more than passing notice as 27 candidates sat and only eight passed, six of whom were pupils of the. Technical School; which meant that the School had 85 per cent, of passes, and the rest of the district, 10 per cent. Manual training classes were commenced without delay at Westport, Millerton and Denniston, under the same conditions as last year. The report went on to refer to the evening school, grounds and buildings, secondhand books grants, sports and finance. The report was as satisfactory, the Chairman remarking that the teachers and pupils deserve to be congratulated on the examination results and a motion was moved in that direction by Mr Mumm and was supported by Mr Gothard. The motion was carried. Th« Department advised that the granting of subsidies in transportation of pupils was not now permissable. The Department also urged economy in use of school books and suggested exchange where, they were no longer required by former pupils and also that some local effort should be made where children may be short of food. Accounts totalling £52 16s lid were passed for payment. The Director mentioned that the allowance for incidentals would this year be only £550 compared with £867 in 1930. Messrs Henley and Hunter were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month.

Af a meeting of the N.Z. Natives’ Association, Mr Geo. Snow announced that the, Prime Minister had agreed that the Economic Commission would consider the views of the Association at its sittings, and suggested the following remits should be forwarded: —To abolish as an expensive superfluity the Legislative Council and reduce the number of electorates for the House of Rep esentatives. (2) To make drastic reductions in the salaries of the more highly-paid officials. (3) Take drastic measures to prevent New Zealand monies going to foreign sweeps Or failing that to legalise sweeps on similar lines to Tattersails under Government control in New Zealand. (4) Encouragement of gold and coal production and a heavy duty on imported motorcars and petrol from foreign countries. (5) Heavier taxation on motor lorries where running in competition wPh New Zealand Railways. (6) Consideration be given to a reduction in the rate of interest on mortgages and bank overdrafts. The remits were discussed at length and the only one on which unanimity was not evident was the abolition of the Upper House, but the opinion was expressed that tire country was over-governed and that the number of Boards, Councils, etc., should be vastlv reduced. The chief source on which local residents rely for their supply of firewood is the large quantity which is brought down the Buller River by flood waters, and deposited on the North Beach, and the distance some of if travels is indicated by the recent discovery of a silver pine gate post, in a splendid state of preservation, on which the follow-

ing lettering appeared: “Alex Mcßae, Black’s Point, 1892.”

The following passengers arrived from Wellington by the Komata yesterday: Messrs W. T. Sloe, Neighbours, Lander, Lander junr., Master Aitken, Mrs Sherlock. Misses Ryan and Parker.

The following players have been chosen to reprerent the Westport Tennis Club in a series of games with the Millerton representatives on the former’s courts to-morrow (Sunday):—C. F. Schadick, H. Lockey, J. J. Comerford, P. Smith, C. Walker, H. Greenwood; Mrs Walker, Mrs Miss Goldie and Miss Eggers. A team of Westport athletes are tomorrow (Saturday) taking part in the contests for ttye Maher Cup at Blenheim. A considerable number of supporters accompanied the athletes, amongst whom are: Messrs Dey, J. Collier, J. Powell. A. Jorgensen, and M. Porman.

Mr Hardie Managing Director, of the Westport Stockton Coal Company, is on an official visit to the colliery.

Mr George Snow, President of the Natives’ Association, prior to his departure for Little Wanganui, where he will in future reside, was made the recipient of a beautiful case of pipes, as an appreciation of rhe valueci services he rendered to the Association, since its inception. Mr E. Samuels occupied the chair. Mr Snow in acknowledging the presentation said he would continue to take a keen interest in the affairs of the Association, and it was a source of satisfaction to learn that the little he had done had been appreciated.

The final of the four-oar contests for the Lynx Shields, was a great race, and in which a considerable amount of interest was centred. The crew stroked by Jones was generally expected to win. The race was a brilliont one, and was enjoyel by a big gathering, which occupied vantage points on the wharf. Jones’ four drew the outside position A good start was effected, and the boats kept together until more than half the journey was covered. Jones’ crew improved their position and secur. ed a slight lead, but Friend’s four took some shaking off and the race was in doubt up to 40 yards from the post. The latter rowed gamely, but failed after strenuous efforts to reach the winners, by half a canvas which enabled the favourites to snatch a narrow victory on the post. The winners gave an impressive display and, deserved their success. The victors were Jones (stroke), Rollersoil, Grec n and Buxton. The competition for the Gothard Cup, Henley Cup and Intermediate Fours will be rowed before March 20th, and the crews chosen to represent the K.R.C. at the Nelson and Pieton regattas will afterwards be announced.

After experiencing beautiful summerlike weather all the week, the conditions were the reverse this morning, and are anything but promising for the A. and P. Show which opened today. • | I V-l I On Friday, February 26th, at 11 a.m., there will be an auction sale of farm lands and the European Hotel, Charleston, which is well situated on the Coastal Road. The land comprises nearly 200 acres of choice river flat country of the best description at the foot of lomestone hills, all in grass, fenced and subdivided. Particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained at the office of the auctioneers, Messrs Hansen and Co., Westport, or Mr A. A. Wilson, solicitor for the mortgagee. Have you seen Jeff’s new Bowser!— Advt. Andy Phillips Is now at the 8«r geant’* Hill Hotel, where a welcome awaits all-—Advt. Morgan's Pictures The sensational mystery romance “Dracula,” will be presented again today at the Victoria Theatre at 2.30 p.m. A strange, weird picture that outdoes all previous mysteries of the screen. Bela Lugosi plays the role of “Dracula” with an excellent supporting cast, including Helen Chandler as the heroine* This picture is more suitable for adults. Supports include comedy, and “Strange As It Seems.” Popular prices 2/3 and 1/6. TO-NIGHT (SATURDAY) AND MONDAY. Peter B. Kyne’s adventurous romance of the South Seas, “Never the Twain Shall Meet.” is the MetroGoldwyn all talkie for screening at the Victoria Theatre to-night (Saturday) and Monday. “I Will Show You What Love Means.” He had always been a sane young business man—until this beautiful little savage entered his life. Those who love romance with a dash of adventure will undoubtedly be fascinated with this picture, more suitable for adult audiences. Featured players are Leslie Howard, Conchita Montenegro, C. Aubrey Smith, Clyde Cook. Excellent supports. Popular pricec 2/3 and 1/6. THEATRE ROYAL. This (Saturday) evening only R.K.O. present a vibrant story of the West “Not for Publication,” featuring Ralph Ince, Rex Lease, and Jola Mendez. Politics and press at death grips, a great dam building project in process of construction and a lovo romance interwoven. Two-reel comedy is support.