WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 19 December 1936, Page 11

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Matinee Meeting: WESTPORT, December 18. With the Westport Trotting Club’s annual meeting, which takes place next week-end, being the main topic with the sporting fraternity it was not surprising to see an extremely large gathering at the matinee trotting meeting held last evening at the Mill Street course. The many patrons .of this splendid little sporting affairs were treated to two fine races and the owners’ and breeders’ Assn, under whose auspices it was conducted should feel well pleased with the enthusiasm and success which was associated with their efforts. In the mile event six horses faced the barrier and in the faster class race, four classy performers three of whom has engagements in the big race the first day were seen in action. The meeting was managed efficiently and Mr Elliott got the fields away in a manner satisfactory to all. Results: — First race, one mile —J. Fairburn s High Noon (owner) 24, 1; J. Spillane’s Silk Attire (owner) scr, 2; J. Durnin’s Crinoline (owner) scr, 3. Also started: O’Neill Bros.’ Travis Axworthy— Bonny Audubon colt, T. Marr’s Travis Losan, AV. Roche’s Dollar Alaid. Time 2.30.

The field got away well and Jimmy Durnin took Crinoline to the front going round the back stretch first time, with Silk Attire and Dollar Maid (trotter) in close attendance. Second time round High Noon driven patiently by Fairburn challenged strongly and joined Crinoline and Silk Attire in the run home. It was a good finish, High Noon getting there by half a length . rom Silk Attire. Crinoline faded out over the last two hundred yards. Second race, miles.—F. Lynch’s Lady Ann 12 (owner) 1, Dr Simpson’s Cantata 60 (J. Spillane) 2, C. Walshe’s Doubt 12 (owner) 3. Also started: J. Durnin Travis Thorne. A length and a length and a half. Time 3.29 3-5. Lady Ann went into a tangle at the barrier rise but settled down smartly and hit the front before much ground was covered. She was followed by Doubt, Travis Thorn and Cantata. The latter speedily made up the leeway and displaced Travis Thorn for third position before the final lap was entered upon. Lady Ann was not headed off and won by a length from Cantata. Doubt was third and Travis Thorne last. The performance of Cantata who was not asked to rush matters over the final stages, stamp her as a good one.

Technical High School: Mr A. Taylor was in the chair at the monthly meeting of the Board. of Managers of the Westport Technical High School held last evening. There were present Mrs Bird, Messrs Garvey, Hunter, Mumm, Robertson and the Principal (Mr Metson). The Board decided to support for one year a proposal to establish a central techno'logieal library at Wellington. Members expressed pleasure at the decision to renovate the school buildings and a sub-committee was apponted to cooperate with the P.W.D. in framing the work to be done. It was agreed to hold the annual school barracks again early in 1937. The meeting decided to grant an increase of salary to the' caretaker in recognition of his good work, the increase to commence next year. A vote of condolence was accorded Mrs Henley in the death of her husband, who, had served on the Board for many years. The meeting decided also to forward a letter of sympathy to Mr Jope, who is an inmate of the Buller Hospital and wishing him a speedy recovery from his illness. At the conclusion of business the l chairman extended good wishes to the' members of the Board, Principal and staff. It was also decided to forward greetings to the Education Department and the member for the district, Hon, P. C. Webb. The County Council was thanked for the use of the room for meetings, and the press for reports of affairs.

Principal’s Report: , Mr Metsou, Principal, Technical Hio-h .School, submitted the following report to the Board of Managers at the final meeting of the year, held last eV l)Ty’’'School: The attendance during the last week was low as several pupils had accepted temporary positions for the busy season and illnes was still prevalent. Owing to this latter cause the annual concert had to be abandoned as several of the chief performers were absent. Inter-school games were played against Reefton and Granity High Schools during last week. Evening’ school classes closed down on November 20 and manual training classes this year were most successful and I have to thank the head teachers of the schools concerned for their willing cooperation. Approval has been received from the Education Department for additions to the workshops and equipment, renovation of the class rooms and furniture, and improvements to the school grounds. The total amount runs into a considerable sum of which a portion has to be found by the Board. (\Ve are greatly indebted to the Minister of Education and his colleagues for the consideration shown and their earnest desire to improve the existing conditions. The school break-up ceremony was held on Friday morning, December 11. The chairman of the Board presided, his Worship the Mayor ad-~ dressed the pupils, Mrs Bird presented the prizes and Mrs Metson unveiled the school roll of honour. The proceedings were most successful. I re- , gret to record the death of Mr A. W. Henley, who was formerly a member of the Board, representing the Nelson Education Board, and who took a keen interest in the development of the school. A school prospectus has been issued again this year, after a lapse of six years and copies have been distributed. The school year for 1937 commences-on ‘Tuesday, February 2. In conclusion I have to thank the members of the Board for their attendance at meetings, and for the confidence they have shown in the management of the school. Brighter times are ahead for education generally and it is hoped that the improvements that are shortly to be carried out at our own school will attract an increased number of pupils. Successful Performance:

Westport amateurs produced a very successful entertainment last evening in the Theatre Royal in aid of the Christmas Cheer Fund for inmates of the O’Conor and Old People’s Homes. The ballets were well arranged and the show reflected much credit on the performers and producers. The opening half of the programme was given to a farce, “Who’s Baby,” and a oneact comedy, “The Stolen Papers.” The second half was occupied with the pantomime, “Babes in the Wood,’’ in ■which the artists all did well. The en-

tertaiument was full of life and was thoroughly enjoyed.

Athletics and Cycling: There was another shortage of both competitors and spectators at the evening sports meeting held last evening. Although the matinee trotting meeting Was big opposition it looks as if the efforts to revive interest in athletics is not meeting with the success they deserve. Only two events were decided, the winners being Jost in the 100 yards sprint,, and Strachan in the 120 yards event. The lack of enthusiasm in the sport is unfortunate for the [club especially as the Mahar Cup contests are set down for Westport early in the New Year.

A Successful Year: . Mr J. H. Enright, chairman of dnec tors of the Chaining Creek Coal Coy., reports, as follows to the “We submit accounts for the yea ended 31st July, 1936 which shows a profit of £1534 7s 6d. This amount has been set off against past losses. The output for the year was 20,833 tons as against 19,068 tons for the previous year. The usual sum of _£IJ7J has been struck off for depreciation and the mine continues to be well developed. The retiring directors are Messrs C. C. Davis and W. Ambury, who are both eligible for re-election. Mr J. Radford offers- himself for reappointment as auditor. In July last our mine manager, Mr IV. Parsonage, resigned in order to take up a position as Inspector of Mines. His position was filled by the appointment of Mr J. McArthur, late of Denniston.

Titoki arrived in port yesterday morning and sailed later for Grey- ' Kartigi loads here to-morrow for Wellington, completing her cargo at Greymouth. The Kaimiro is due this week-end and the Karepo early next week.