WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 9 August 1937, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent] Progress League: WESTPORT, August 7. Mr.. J. C. Brown, was in the chair at the monthly meeting of the Buller Progress League held last evening. Mr. K. S. Shrimpton, a new member, was extended a welcome by the Chairman. Arising out of a discussion in connection with needed harbour improvements, it was decided to bring the whole matter before the Minister of Marine. The opinion was expressed that there would oe little satisfaction until a Harbour Board was re-appointed. The district had suffered in the past through the harbour being controlled by the Government. A decision to set up a committee to go into this matter was also carried. No action was taken in connection with a request from the Secretary -of the Radio Fund for a donation. It was agreed to recommend to the Government Tourist Publicity Department that the months of January and February would be the most suitable for taking a film in the Buller district. Messrs Brown, Wilson, Enright and McDonald were appointed a committee to deal with harbour affairs. The Chairman mentioned that the co-op-eration of the Mayor, County Clerk and members of local bodies would be invited. Mr. Wealleans gave notice of his intention to move that a working executive, of five or six, be elected at a general meeting of the League. Comment was made on representations made to Hon. P. C. Webb, M.P.. to inquire into the lack of loading facilities on the Westport wharf by the. Mayor, Mr. J. Kilkenny, which was followed up by a letter from the League. It was stated that the capstans could not work at full strength owing to lack of water power, while with a shortage of electricity the big crane could not always be used. Another steam crane had been laid up for repairs, which were expected to take six months and the Minister was asked to see that the Railway Department made every endeavour, even by putting on three shifts in the local workshops, to put it in order as soon as possible. It was pointed out that loading of different vessels had been delayed as a result of the state of affairs mentioned. The Chairman, Mr. J. C. Brown, said that advice was received that the Railway Department had been working hard putting the steam crane' in order and the Minister’s action had been very prompt. The Mayor, Mr. Kilkenny, bad also been very prompt in taking the matter up with the Minister. It was decided to support the representations and the Westland County Council to have the Railway extended to South Westland. The Mayor (Mr. J. Kilkenny), Messrs J. C. Brown, C. F. Schadick and A. A. Wilson were appointed an Industries’ Committee. It was decided to support the Buller Valley Dairy Company in their efforts to have the Okari road put. through to Charleston.

Late Mr. George Goldie: The funeral of the late Mr. George Goldie took place yesterday from the residence, Queen Street. The large dimension of the cortege which followed the remains to Orowaiti Cemetery, was a fitting manifestation of the respect in which deceased was held and the regret felt at his unexpected passing. The graveside service was conducted by Rev. Wilkinson and the service of the Masonic Order, of which deceased was a member, was impressively read by Mr. F. S. Wood, P.P., G.M. The pall bearers were: Messrs J. Johnston, P. Struthers, W. Todd and E. Skilton. There were many beautiful floral tributes.

Personal: The death took place in the Buller Hospital this morning of Mr. William Stewart, at the ago of 75 years. He was a native of Charleston and lor over a quarter of a century was employed by the firm of J. Menzies and Sons, Westport. He was a single man with no relatives in New Zealand. Harbour Returns:

The output and export of coal lor July, were as follows, the output being given first in each instance: < Westport Coal Company, Limited (coal) 21,323 tons 6 cwt., 20,747 tons 19 cwt.; Westport. Coal Company, Limited (coke), 72 tons 1 cwt., 76 tons 9 cwt.; Westport-Stockton Coal Co., Ltd.. 15,681 tons 2 cwt., 15,653 tons 1 cwt.; Co-operative Mining Parties 5,317 tons 7 cwt., 5,317 tons 7 cwt; total—output, 42,393 tons 16 cwts.; export, 41,794 tons/16 cwt.s. Export of timber: 119,601 sup. feet. During the month 37 steamers and 3 aux. sailers, representing 33,714 tons, entered the port, and 34 steamers and 2 aux. sailers, representing 31,108 tons, left the-port.

Total tonnage for the month: 64,822 tons. ■ Mean high water.—River: 24ft. 6in. Bar. 22ft. lOin. Rainfall: 6.89 in. for 21 days’ rain. Sunshine recorded: 122 hours 12 minutes.

Basketball: Next week’s Basketball fixtures are:—■ MONDAY. 6 p.m.: St. Mary’s A v. St. -Andrew's A. Referee, Miss Woodhead. 6.45 p.m.: T.O.G. A v. Athletic A. Referee, Miss McGovern. 7.30 .p.m.: St. Mary’s O.G. v. Ranger A. Referee, Miss Butterworth. If wet on Monday, the above games will be played on Tuesday. WEDNESDAY. 7 p.m.: St. Mary’s O.G. v. T.O.G. A. Referee, Miss Caldwell. THURSDAY. 4 p.m.: At. Granity, Torea v. Tiki. 5.45 p.m.: T.O.G. B v. St. Mary’s A. Referee, Miss Woodhead. 6.30 p.m.: St. Andrew’s A v. T.H.S. A. Referee, Miss Caldwell. 7.15 p.m.: Rangers A v. St. Mary’s B. Referee, Miss Butterworth. Card Tournament: The Labour Party’s Card Tournament, despite unfavourable weather, was given big support last evening. The Euchre award went to Mr. Ferguson, with Mr. McLaughlin and Mrs Fox in second and third positions respectively. The Forty-Fives Competition was won by Mr. Perkins. The Ladies’ Social Committee provided a most appreciated supper. Shipping: There were no departures yesterday. The Kaimai, bar permitting, wiil sail this evening. The Kartigi, Poolta and Kekerangu are due to load here early next week.