HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1936, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, May 11. On Saturday’ night a motor collision occurred on Kokatnhi road at the other side of Kanieri, between a Ford car driven by Mr. A. Cropper, of Koiterangi, who was proceeding towards Hokitika, and a Dodge ear driven by Air. If. Bennett, going awards Kokatahi. The running-board and rear mudguard of the Ford car was damaged and the front wheel of the Dodge punctu red.

The weather to-day has been milder. The rainfall last week was 2 1-3 inches, and the sunshine recorded was 27} hours.

Bishop Wf'st Watson, who has been vsiting South Westland, returned yesterday via illariharj, .and preached to a large congregation at Al! Saints’ Church last evening. Bis Lordship, who wtts accompanied by Miss WestWatson. returned to Christchurch today.

Visitors nt Keller's Hotel:— Mr. and Mrs. R. W, Hope (Christchurch), Miss J. M. MeLeoJ (Christchurch), M.'ss W. Vercoe (Christchurch), Miss F. Vercoe (Christchurch). Mrs. W. Al. and Master Young (Dunedin), Miss A. E. Rushbrook (Dunedin), Mr. C. E. Bull (Capetown), Mr. I’. G. Martin (Christchurch). Miss I). Cundy (London), Mr. C. L. Ebbs (Sydney), Miss E. Baker. Miss M. (Baker (Christchurch). Miss E. Airs (Christchurch), Mr. R. E. Crawford (Christchurch), Mr F. A. King (Melbourne), Master X Sinclair (Christchurch), Mrs. Sarchey (Christchurch). Miss M. Oxley (Christchurch), Mrs. M. Platts, Air. A. W. Platts (Yorkshire, England). Mr. and Mrs. A. .1. Bennett (Christchurch). The Golf Club’s four ball bogey’ match on Saturday was won by McIntosh and Tomlinson, with a score of 4 up. Other scores were: Wyles and A. Thompson, 3 up; Routledge and ’l’ Smart. Warren and Eccleslield, Adamson and Preston 1 down; Andrews and Steel 2 down, Wilson ami Cooke. 3 down.

Mr. W. D. Nolan, of Okuru. who has been on a business trip to Sydnoy. returned on Saturday and proecedcil south by ‘.he aerial' service to-day. The monthly meeting of the Rimu and Woodstock Women’s Institute was held at Mrs. J- Kelly’s residence. Mrs Olson presided over a full attendance. Miss Myrtle Clifton, of Nelson . a guest, judged the sugar bag articles and awarded first prize to Mrs. E. Wells, and 2nd. to Mrs. T. Wells. A fruit salad competition was won bv Mrs J Stoop, second Mrs. J. Kelly. The’ delegates, Mrs. .1. Keenan and Mrs. W. Willoughby, gave a very interesting talk on the trip to Greyniouth. "Six of the members staged :i comedy sketch, which was greatly apreciated. The roll call for June .s an article to Im made from material not costing more than Is. A dainty -upper was served by the hostesses. Mesdanies Lewis, J. O’Co-nnoi and JK">'v. At the Borough Council s monthl) meeting, a deputation consisting of Messrs E. W. Heenan. A. Cut bush. J. R. Taylor and G. Adamson, on behalf of the Sports Chib and 'Rugby Union, was hoard, asking the Council to make some improvements to Cass Square the two bodies most concerned offering financial assistance; also asking the (.’ouiK'i I.’s permission to insttil Hood lights in Cass Square and for ess stance towards same.— It was suggested that two corner gates be closed to prevmt school children and people using the grass plots as paths. Mr. Cutbusli said that the Council and Rugby Union in 1920 madn an agreement whereiby the Union was to pay the Council 10 per cent of all gate money on the condition that the money was spent on upkeep of Cass Square but he maintained that the Council did not spend the money as agreed upon. Be endorsed Mr. Heenan’s suggestion that the Council obtain the use of a heavy motor-mower as an experiment for keeping turf in order. Mr. Taylor asked for special attention to the track for cycling and other sports. Air. Heenan said they formed a joint deputation in con-ncetion with improvements to Cass Square. He pointed out that the grass on the play.ng Helds was 4 to 5 inches long and on No 1 ground was positively dangerous while two diagonal tracks across the ground made by pedestrian traffic weiii in places almost six inches deep end required filling in. He suggested that a motor mower be procured ,vh ch in the course of time would assure two good grounds. The Rugby Union was prepared to assist to put the ground in order. They also asked for permission to -erect two floodlights on Cass Square and invited financial support thereto giving details or the proposal. Mr. Adamson thought that it would be possible to obtain the u.-e of Golf Club’s motor mower at a nominal cost for an exper.ment. lhe Mavor suggested that the only way to prevent traffic across the square was to elose corner gates. At one time he had asked lhe Rector to request the si-iiool children to sfo p !)<■ practice and this was done but it had no effect. Th? post a ml rail fence put up had also proved of no use as persons wont over or under it. The deputation were promised that the Council would cons der their rquests, and after thanking the Council for the hearing given, withdrew. Later, the Council considered the requests made by the deputation, ami it was resolved:- —That in connection with the floodlighting, that the Coune'l give the required permission to erect same, but were not prepared to contribute to the cost; that the necessary repairs to the tracks across the Square, be referred to the Reserve Committee to carry out as' speedily as possible. That the corner gates of Cass Square be closed to traffic at the discretion of the Inspector; that a quantity of crushed gravel be obtained for necessary re]',airs and that an experiment be tr'ed with used oil on the track; that it was not considered at |>ri sent to deal with the question of !t motor mower, pending proposed trial to be made. Mr. A. Detlaff waitmi on the Council in reference to the fencing of a right of wav, North Revill Street and he was again referrid to the Land Board, the Council hav"ng no power to deal with the question The Medical Superintendent of the Mental Hospital, Hokitika. wrote asking whether the Council could place street lights on the Cemetery Hill Road. onr< light to be at the foot of the road, and .one at the curve. — Granted. The secretary of the Druids’ Lodge wrote, asking the Council to renovate the lodge room, £5 was voted, ‘and the Postmaster, Hokit.ka wrote asking for permission to erect a telephone box alongside the water tank at' the corner of Weld and Revell Streets stating the Superintendent of

the Fire Brigade has agreed that the location will' not interfere with .the operations of the Fire Brigade.—Granted. W. Burgess, manager, Blue Star Taxis, applied for a. kerbside petrol pump at section 124. Revell Street, next to Armstrong’s.—lnside pum D approved only. Hokitika Ladies’ Hockey Club and Rovers Ladies’ Hockey Club applied for the use of No. 2 ground Cass Square, for hoekey matches and practice. — Approved. Westland Sub Union applied for the use of playing area, Cass Square. for (Rugby football season, ami for permission to make the usual charge for admission on the same, conditions as last year, and on thy. understanding that the Union will agree to meet any other sporting bodies who may desire to use the area on the same day as football matches :ne to be played. —Agreed to. O. G. Haussmann wrote regarding rates on section 1273, Davie Street, P. V. J. Kirwan made application to transfer his tenancy or Lot 13 of Municipal Reserve 492 to Francis .Joseph Grouf1 sky. of Hokitika and asking that Mr. Groufsky be granted a 21 years’ lease. Received and granted. The local Gov eminent Loans Board, Wellington, asked for further information in regard to the water supply loan, .1936, £lB.000. The Town Clerk and the Mayor reported on the conference with the County Council regarding the collect'on of heavy traffic fees, which is being administered from Greymouth. —lt hail been decided to terminate the agreement with the. Greyniouth authorities as from May 31, the administration to be taTon over by the Westland County Council. The action of the deligates was approved The financial statement for the month showed receipts £550 16s lid, expenditure £2Bl 12s, District Fund Account balance £320 3s (id. Accounts amounting to £670 15s 5d already paid wore approved, and accounts amounting to £79 0s 6d were passed for payment. Abbattoirs’ report: Stock slaughtered for month of April:—34 cows, 68 bullocks. 15 heifers, 208 calves, 18 pigs, 42 sheep 121 lamibs. Condemned: I cow, 1 sheep. Fees collected for the month £7B 8s 6d; fees for corresponding month last year £B2 12s 6d. this discrepance was accounted for by the quantity of Canterbury mutton being consumed just now. A. Stwe.ar.. butcher applied to rent Reserve No 445, and offering a rental of £7 a year. —Held over. F. G. Olliver applied for domestic water service connection, and also for street crossing on Lot 5, Section 3300 Park Street. —Approved. A. R. Elcock wrote, asking for a street crossing at 124 Revell Street. The foreman’s report was approved. It was decided to level the footpath in front of the Bank of New Zealand, in Sout.i Revell Street. The Hokitika Fire Broade advised that the contribution of "he Hokitika Borough Conned to the Board for current year is £2Bl/5/-. pavable in quarterly instalments of £7O 6s 3d each. Ur. Parry reported in connection with the question of the Council obtaining a motor-lorry that it was deemed inadvisable to obtain a lorrv without the Council being prepared to add to the permanent staft L- at least three men, which would Xult in a cost of about £6OO ami £3OO for benzine, etc. for the lony, a cost n er year of £9OO which at present was not within the reach of the Council.- He suggested tha fuither consideration be deferred till a latei date. The suggestion was approved by the Council. The County Minm'g Executive Saturdav renewed prospecting subsidies j. L. Revell, Wataroa; E G. Silk, U a taroa- A T. Cooper, Goldsboiough, 11. McMahon, Kuinara Junction; M. Don. Wataroa; C. Bergman, Fergusons; E. and T. Groweott, Rimu; H. Surgenor, Rimu; S. Straight, Goldsborough; GWollin. Okarito; T, T. Rasmnssem Goldsborough; A. D. Howat, South Hokitika; W. A. Crase, Woodstock The number of men at present on the subside is 93. The Department of Labour in reply to letter suggesting geological survey by the Mines Deparnient on the area at the head of the Wataroa and Tatare Rivers, stated it was not considered advisable to send a geological party to this high country and suggesting that Barrowman and nartv prospect the area where reefs were known to exist. . Acknowledging letter concerning subsidy grant to I. Wells the Department agreed with the Executive Re a recommendation for extra assistance to Griffiths, Robertson and Davern, the Department asked that the decision be held over pending an early decision being made concerning extra assistance for this class of work. The Department set out the position concerning registration of A. Hanis and asking that the matter be taken up with the Certifying Officer. Davis and Pierson, Ross prospectors, wrote to Mr. Murdoch applying for assistance for purchase of equipment for working sluicing claim. —Held over. V. Rasmussen advised he has loft Cooper and party and is now working in his own claim. Applications for subsidy were received as follows: F. M. Singer, to prospect with his father at Tucker’s Flat; A. C. and I. W. Muir, to prospect at Goldsborough.—Approved; T. E. Cosgrove, to prospect at Falls Creek also for tent and fly.--Approved. T. V. Rasmussen, to prospect at Craig’s Freebold, —Approved. A. A’Court, to work claim at Larrikins. —Approved. F. D. Ryan, to work claim at Long Tunnel. Refused. P. Benham, to work claim with his father at Larrikins—Approved. 11. and E. Winter, youth’s subsidy to work claim tit Kanieri Forks, Kennedy’s branch. —Recommended for two months. M. D. MeAlliser, youth’s subsidy to work claim at Kapitea Creek. —Recommended for two months. G. T. Adamson and F. Brace, extra assistance to drive a tail race tunnel of 600 feet at Sebastapool Gully.—Recommended.

The County Council Finance Committee received on Saturday a letter from Mr. J. O’Brien, M.P., regretting the Minister was not prepared to grant £lOO for clearing Mahinapua Creek, the proposal not being considered important; also conveying the official reply re’gardinc Jacobs River bridge, to the effect that the matter would be considered further with the Estimates; and the Minister would consider a £2 for £1 subsidy for the Mananui-Mahinapua Road if an applicaton were made; and replying that Timperley Road (Tetaho) was held up for the Estimates, regarding which £2 for £1 was being considered if the Council would contribute. Mr. O ’Brien also advised that the Postmaster-General proposed to provide two additional circuits between Ross and Hokitika, to improve the South Westland telephone system, and regretting he. could not comply with the wish expressed to exclude local bodies from the Industrial and Conciliation and Arbitration Act, as there were manl bodies not paying decent wages to their employees. When all were on one footing it would be in the interests of the workmen generally. Butler Bros.

Ltd., Ruatapu, wrote again protesting in regard to the timber levy. J. C. Malfroy and Co. wrote thanking the Council for attention to Malfroy’s brid’ge; also protesting against the timber levy; and a further letter explaining the log traffic distributed the load on the bridge, whereas lorry traffic concentrated the weight in a short space. The liarihari Branch of the Farmers’ Union wrote drawing attention to the roads in the district, and protesting against a report that the roadman was to be diverted to other work. —Left to the Engineer. The Wataroa Cemetery Trustees wrote recommending the appointment of Francis Butler in the place of P. Purcell, resigned, as a trustee.—Agreed. J. Cron (Haast) and M. Cowan (Okuru) reported on ferry traffic. G. B. Saunders (Haast) wrote offering to undertake bridge repairs required. The County Clerk reported ou arrangement to undertake collection of heavy traffic fees for Hokitika and Ross Boroughs and Westland County as from June 1. W. D. Nolan reported on district works at Okuru. F. Gunn. Tetaho, wrote in connection with the foregoing objections to the diversion of the route for Timporle.v Road as had been proposed. The accounts for the month were examined and passed for payment. The Highways Council wrote approving of tender of E. T. Shirley for Stripland’s Creek bridge, £lO5O, and for extra £43 17s (Id. The District Engineer advised the Public Works grant for La Fontaine Road was £643; also asking for a report on Dorothy Falls Road extension as a work suitable to absorb unemployed. Wllien dealing with an application by the Superintendent of the Mental Hospital for the erection of two lights, on Cemetery 11:11, the Borough Council decided on a course somewhat different to the request. It was mentioned that the road, to the cemetery was not a dedicated road and, only led to the cemetery. If lights were needed for the use of traffic to the Mental Hospital, they should be provided bv the Department. It was also stated that the road through the mental grounds'was being made a publi: thoroughfare and was increasing to such an extent that it was more than likely that the hospital authorities would be erecting a gate at their end of the road to prevent the traffic, which was becoming a nuisance passing around the hospital buddings. Ultimately the Council decided to erect two additional lights, one at the foot of the hill. a t the interesection of Spencer Street and the other one further along the main road at the town boundary. It was pointed out by the Town Clerk that at this latter intersection there were, warning notices inreference to speed in the borough, and it was advisable that they should be made visible at night time to incoming motorists. A contract for thn erection of new premises in Weld Street for Messrs Griffen and Smith has been secured by Mr. P. R. Whitford. The structure will have a frontage of 66ft and a depth of 140 ft. It will have a large window display, in five sections. The front will be finished in stucco style. The work will be put in hand at once. The situation is that of the garago until recentlv occupied bv West Coast Motors Ltd. '

The necessity of securing fine beaeh grave] for the roads, in preforenee to pit gravel was agreed to -by the Borough Councillors and it was resolved that when the opportunity arose that an effort Re made* to at once secure the required gravel.