WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 2 April 1932, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Farewell. WESTPORT, April jl. Prior to his departure to take up the position of stationmaster in charge of the Nelson district, the members of the local Railway staff and representatives of the business community met to say farewell to Mr R. Marshall, who for a considerable number of years has been a very popular officer and who lately acted as relieving stationmaster at Westport. Mr Rasmussen. in asking Mr Marshall to accept a handsome suitcase as a mark of the high esteem in which he has been held by the railway staff and business community, referred in complimentary terms to the departing guest’s sterling worth as an officer of the Department. Other speakers were Messrs Bryan, Fauzelow, Slee, Gillespie, Huddlestone, Williams and Riembal, who also congratulated Mr Rasmussen on his appointment. Mr Marshall suitably replied and said he would always retain very pleasant recollections of his association with the railway staff at Westport.

Westport R.F.C. There was a big assembly at the annual meeting of the Westport Rugby Club, held last night, at the Labour Rooms. Mr McNally occupied the

chair. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing twelve months: Patron. Mr 11. E. Holland, M.P.; President, Mr J. McNally; Vice-Presidents, Messrs J. Jeffreys, G. Gothard, G. Hayes, C. Cressey, J. Daily and G. Powell; Club Captain, Mr D. Knight; Secretary, Mr A. Ridsdalc; AssistantSecretary, Mr J. Easton; Hon. Auditors, Messrs McLaughlin and Prout; Trustees, Messrs V. Caldwell, J. Easton and the Secretary; Delegate to 8.R.U., Mr J. Easton. The proposed alteration of the scrum formation was discussed and the delegate to the B.R.U. was instructed to vote in favour of the retention of the 2-3-2 method. It was also agreed to favour the formation of a town and country section. A vote of appreciation of the services rendered by the Secretary and one of thanks to the Chairman concluded a very successful meeting. Larry O’More.

The repeat performance of the Irish drama “Larry O’More,” at St. Canice’s Chib Rooms last night attracted a very appreciative audience. The amateurs again acquitted themselves creditably and the various members were well received. Mr O ’Shea, the Irish baritone, was in great voice, and responded to numerous encores. His rendition of “Danny Boy” was the tit-bit of the evening. At the conclusion of the performance the artists were hospitably entertained by the Ladies’ Committee.

The effort of the local morning con temporary to belittle the performance of our cricketers in the game versus Coast was not marked by the best of sportsmanship. The test served a useful purpose in helping the district to realise its respective strengths and should I saw weakness in both the departments of the game. In meeting such formidable opposition I think Buller did very well under the circumstances, though the visitors won comfortably. It must be remembered that the district was not fully representative of its batting prowess, being without the services of such capable performers as the Teichert Bros, and Erie Smith. The “News” has conveniently overlooked the fact that at the conclusion of the Coast innings Rod Griffiths, the Buller skipper, had an average of nine wickets for 39 runs and if Mike Gilbert was capable of such a performance it is difficult to understand why he was not given on ever. This comment is not intended to take from the merit of Coast vic tory as I have already said this game proved not a little instructive in more than one direction.

Shipping. The Komata experienced beautiful conditions on her last trip from Wellington, and arrived at 4.15 yesterday after completing the journey in web under average time. She leaves on the return to Wellington this evening at S o’clock, with passengers and cargo.

Rugby. Preparations for the football season are going on apace and most of the clubs have held their annual meetings. The alteration of the 2-3-2 scrum is not generally expected to be adopt-

ed and most of the clubs have already signified their intention to oppose any move in that direction. The Victoria Square, which is the popular venue, is in splendid playing condition, and reflects credit on the caretaker, Mr Bentley. If the zeal at present exhibited is any criterion to work upon the forthcoming season should bo a very successful one and everything points to interesting competition in the different grades. The Seddon Shield fixtures will to an extent shadow club

football, but this drawback will be small compared with the importance of retaining the trophy. Personal. Mr and Mrs Coulter, who were recently married at ’Christchurch, are spending their honeymoon in Westport. Mrs Coulter is a relative of Sister Zita, of the local Convent. Mr Hatton, of the Public Works Department, who is at present enjoying a three months’ holiday prior to retirement, arrived in Westport yesterday and accompanied by his wife left this morning for Auckland, where they will permanently reside. Mr Joyce, who has two sons in the priesthood, arrived from Christchurch yesterday ou a visit to his sister, Sister Zita, at the Westport Convent. Mrs Falla, wife of Mr W. Falla, J.P., was a visitor to Westport yesterday. Mr Jack Lucas left yesterday for Grey mouth races, with Travis Thorn, where the well-performed Travis Axworthy colt will appear in both trotting events. Messrs Prout and Burroughs left last night with Fair Go and Booster for Greymouth races. The horses will also fulfil engagements at the Reefton meeting. The following passengers arrived by the Komata yesterday: Messrs Moynihan, Maxwell, Sowerby, Marris, Mesdames Harder, Issell, Parkhurst, Sowerby, Misses Harder, Parkhouse and Lamb. Mr and Mrs R. Deanes and family, Millerton, paid a business visit to Westport y est erday. Have you seen Jeff’s new Bowser? — Advt.

Andy Phillips is now at the Sergeant’s Hill Hotel, where a welcome awaits all. —Advt.