HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 December 1934, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent)

HOKITIKA, December 28.

The Gael arrived yesterday afternoon from South Westland ports. Comment is heard on all sides as to the exceptionally warm weather, with the temperature in the vicinity of 80 degrees. Occasional banks of clouds suggest rain, but it proves a vain hope. The trotting track at the racecourse is so dusty that it has been decided to hold the trotting events at to-morrow ’s races on the grass track.

The Telegraph Office here is to be re-opened between 7 and B'p.m. each day until Thursday next. Landowners in the country are making clearances of scrub during the dry weather, and there are numerous fires in evidence, with a very smoky landscape.

The Soldiers’ Hall held a good assemblage last evening when a social evening was tendered to the visiting pioneers and friends. The Women’s Institute gave a reproduction of All Nations night, which had been successfully given at the beginning of the month. The performance was on very enjoyable lines. The accompanists were Miss Daly, Mrs Knights and Mr Guy. At the conclusion of the programme, supper was served, and dancing took place, music being provided by ’Renn Bennett ’s dance band, and Mr F, W. Ashley being in charge of the gathering.

A shooting competition at the racecourse yesterday had 20 contestants, the conditions, on American lines, being 16 single rises, and four doubles, 'with an optional shot, thus taking a. full box of 25 cartridges to complete the round. The shorter does not get any two shots on the same angle. Thft results -wore: S. Godfrey (Kokatahi) and G. Murlin (Tkamatua) tied with IS breaks and divided first and second moneys. J. Giles (Harihari) with 15 breaks took third prize, and H. O’Brien (Kokatahi) with 14 breaks took a trophy of 100 cartridges. Other scores were: J. Haile, D. Weir, J. Meharry, 12 each: C. J. King, W. Chisnell, B. Searle. .1. W. Kelly. J. Mclntosh junr. 11; J. McCormick, O. Preston. A. Marfin 10; P. D. Dougherty 8; J. Griffin 7; I. O'Malley 6; W. Searle 6. Tn tho combined Tennis Clubs’ competition, the points now are:’ Arahura 12, St. Mary’s 10, Sea View 2. Three Mile 0. Ahrahura in the final match for the cup, defeated St. Mary’s by 16 sets, 114 games, to 8 sets, 101 games.

Speaking yesterday at the Pioneers’ Jubilee luncheon, Mr W. J. Jeffries (Chairman of the Jubilee Committee) paid a high tribute to the first conjcrs to Westland, and gave interesting details of district progress during seventy years’ past. Mr W. E. Williams, responding, referred to many descendants of the pionees who were making their mark. Mr J. A. Murdoch, proposing “Parliament,” regretted the absence of any Ministerial representative, but was glad to s-ee Mr P. C. Webb, M.P., who deputised for Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., in the latter’s absence through illness. Mr Murdoch contrasted the difficulty to-day that a miner had in taking up a claim with the case of so doing in the late Mr Seddon’s time. Replying. Mr Webb apologised for Mr O’Brien, who was in hospital at present. The greatest pioneer was R. J. who laid the foundation of a programme, ’which, if carried out, would have averted the present unemployment. The Jubilee procession had been worthy of a fine occasion, and he complimented the Committee on it. He referred to many notable pioneers who had passed, including Hous. J. Grimmond. Tl. L. Michel, Messrs T. W. Bruce and J. J. Breeze, and added that probably the greatest silent worker that the Coast had produced was Mr Johnny Evans. (Applause). Mr Webb also remarked that Westland's Member was one of the hardest workers in Parliament. Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, proposing the toast, “The Women of Westland.’’ paid a high tribute to I heir work in the early days, and during the war. Mrs Bennett and Miss Hudson responded. Mr G. A. Perry, the Mayor, proposing “The Visitors,” referred to ’the vigour of the pioneers, who had so thoroughly extracted gold that hardly a new field had been found for 50 years. Mr J. W. Greenslade (Mayor of Greymouth) conveyed good wishes from the sister town, expressed pride in belonging to the West CoasT, and paid a high tribute to the pioneers, from whose work those of to-day benefited. Mr J. Mulcare, Grey County Chairman, congratulated Hokitika on its very creditable celebrations, and felt privileged in being present. Mr IT. Osmers (Mayor of Ross) said they should he proud of the heritage they had from the pioneers. Mr P. C. Webb proposing “Westland, and its Future,” said its prospects, with the aid of new mechanical power and of co-operation, were such that it should become one of the Dominion’s most flourishing d'strictj. Mr T. R. Chesterman (County Chairman),. responding., praised the work of the pioneers, mentioning the late Jas. A. Bond and R. J. Sedclbn. Ho realised the great future of Westland in gold mining, and in the development of the Southern district, but the Government should open un the country. Mr W. J. Radford (Vice-President of the Jubilee Committee) sa ; d the pioneers showed where the gold was to be found, but Westland as yet was only beginning its gold production, as it had 250 miles of high country that was full of minerals. Mr B. Ward, as the son of pioneers who came in 1865, recalled thp farming histor v of Westland, and thp first dairy herd, which was one of goats! He had great hopes of the dairying future of the district. Mr Jas. Donovan saul thb sawmilling industry was flourishing again, the district had also great resources in flax, dairying and gold. Mr W. Wilson snoke of their unrivalled scenic attractions. Mr R. Meharry extended all present best wishes. Mr W. A. Thompson. the oldest Hokitika citizen, referred feeb’ngly to the early days, and to his 18-dav journey overland to the Coast. Mr W. Smith recalled Tiis landing here in 1864 with his sister, Mrs Fisher, and recalled experiences of the ’sixties. toast of Mr D. J. 'Evans was proposed by the Chair-, man, 'who eulogised his sustained and unostentatious work for the commun- , ity-, and his work for the 1914 Jubilee. the .local Exhibition, and The present celebrations. The toast was enthusiastically honoured.