WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1937, Page 3

WESTPORT NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent], County Matters; WESTPORT, September 16. Cr. D. J Archer was in the chair at the monthly meeting of the Buller County Council, held yesterday. A request by W. E. Gay, on behalf of the Totara Gold Mining Coy., asking that the water-rignts be opened up under the road on the WestporiGreymouth highway, was acceded to, the company to pay cost. Lawrence Beavis was granted permission to visit Karamea in his ship on wheels, and to play his guitar on the streets Hon. Mr Webb advised that L’/13 had been granted on a £5 to £1 subsidy for work on the Karamea to Collingwood track. A request for support io an appeal tor funds to provide extra work for sustenance men at Christ mas was held over for reference near Christmas. A request from Karamea Farmers’ Union for assistance to tidy | up the cemetery was referred to the j Engineer. It was decided to ascertain the position from the P.W.D. regard ing a request for repairs to Island road at Karamea. Several requests for road improvements were considered and it was agreed, where practicable, to carry out the works. Arising out of a communication from Mr Evans, Hokitika, regarding Centennial celebrations, which intimated that the Council would be expected to lind £317 and the Borough Council £2ll of the cost, surprise was expressed at the little provision made for the district, and it was decided to confer with the .Borough Council before taking any action. It was also agreed to protest against the short nonce given of a meeting of the Centennial Committee, when the Buller representatives might have had a chance to ascertain the real position as to the celebrations. The opinion was also expressed that the district could run a programme of its own if necessary. Arising out of the reading of the minutes of the finance committee, Cr. J. H. Powell took strong exception to the committee dealing with ordinary County correspondence, which he contended, should always be left to the open monthly meeting. The special matter referred to was an application by G. Griffiths, for permission to cut flax on County reserves, between Waimangaroa and Mokihinui, and on which the. Engineer was asked to report. After discussion it was decided that the finance committee be empowered to deal with matters of urgency and also that Griffiths be granted permission to cut flax on reserves which the Clerk-Engineer may think suitable. It was decided that Mr Schadick submit a report on the whole question of flax 'cutting, and the areas on which the work is carried out. Councillors expressed regret at the notification from the Minister in charge of Scenic Preservation, that no action could be taken to prevent the scenic area north of the Mokihinui River, near the Karamea Bluff, from being used for sawmilling purposes, as intended by a local company. It was decided to ascertain the views of the trustees of the area as to their sawmilling plans before making a further protest to the Government.

Fine Engineering Accomplishment: At the Bullei’ County Council meeting, held yesterday, Cr. W. R. Simpson paid a big tribute to the work of Mr B. Halley, P.W.D. Engineer, who is in charge of the Karamea Harbour and river diversion works. He said it was with general satisfaction that he had to announce such splendid news that the river was now running straight out to sea and he felt that a heap of praise was due to Mr Halley, the Engineer, for the success of his venture. He had, by his method of placing one wide layer of stone on another, made an excellent foundation for the new training wall, one which threatened to stand up to the greatest floods. The wall, through Mr Halley's scheme had not sunk into the soft, muddy bottom of the river and was a solid structure. The turn lof events over the week-end was one of the most pleasing in Karamea for the past ten years, and he noped the beginning of what would make Karamet one of the finest districts on the West Coast. When the whole works was completed, he hoped the Councillors would all come to Karamea and rejoice with the residents. The Chairman, Cr. D. J. Archer, in also expressing appreciation of Mr Halley’s ability which had produced such good results at Karamea, also mentioned that a lot of credit was due to Cr. Simpson for his tenacious efforts to have this scheme brought to fruition. This early success was only a forerunner to the complete rehabilitation of Karamea and it was also pleasing to see that the scheme propounded by Messrs Furkett and Schadick had' been the right one after all. Karamea, as the result of good work of men like Messrs Halley and Simpson, would soon return to its former prosperous position in the towns of the West Coast.

Magistrate’s Court: Mr Raymond Ferner, S.M., was on the bench at the fortngihtly sitting of the Magistrate’s Court, held yesterday. Three first offenders for being found on licensed premises, after hours, were each fined 5s and costs 10s. A charge against J. A. Stowell, for not having a number plate attached to the rear of his car was adjourned for a fortnight. W.- E. L. Gay was fined 10s and 10s costs for driving a car without a license for the current year. Sergeant King said there was no more careful driver in town and there was no suggestion of any attempt to evade his responsibility in the matter. James S. Foster, ol Karamea, who was charged with failing to pay the quarterly unemployment levy, since 1934, was fined £1 and 10s costs. It was pointed out that defendant was an elderly man, who had been advised but had neglected to apply to the Department for exemption. The total amount outstanding, with penalties, was £4 15s 6d. Ellis Norris, who was charged with a breach of his prohibition order and also with a breach of a probation order was fined £2 and 10s costs on the first charge in default 7 days’ imprisonment, and on the second £2 and 10s costs. Accused was warned that if he appeared again on similar charges he would be sent to the Island. A charge against Neil Mouatt, fox* allowing stock to wander near Punakaiki, was dismissed.

Warden’s Court: The following business was dealt with by the Warden, Mr Raymond Ferner, yesterday:— James Allen Bain, application for a residence site.—Granted. Hydro Coal Mines Ltd., application for water race.—Recommended. William Thomas Strand, applications for ordinary prospecting licenses (s).—Granted. Oswald Godfrey Watson, application

for an ordinary prospecting license.— Recommended. Important Discussions: Railway staff officers, who were in Westport yesterday, met in conference, representatives of the shipping and coal companies, and discussed with them various matters concerning the trade of the port. A talk also took place with the Mayor (Mr J. Kilkenny) concerning the electric current available, and likely to be available for the works of the electric crane. As an outcome of the discussions, it is stated that important changes will be made in connection with" the facilities for handling coal and transport generally.

Rifle Shooting: A teams shoot was held last evening, at the Drill Hall, the following competing: Technical High School, Public Service Association, R.S.A., Miniature Rifle Club ana Westport Territorials. The contest consisted of ten shots, live deliberate, and five sharp. The result was as follows:— Miniature R.C. A team 192 Territorials B 182 Tech. School A 158 Territorial A 147 Tech. School B 117 R.S.A 99 Public Servants 89 R.S.A. (B) ..•••• 30 The members of the winning team were C. Douthett, L. Williams, J. R. Keoghan, L. Hutchinson, W. Murray. The best individual scorer was W. Morgan (Territorials) with 47 out of a possible 50.

Golf: The second round of the Westport Golf Club’s championships will be played this week-end, at the Kawatiri links. The draw is as follows. Seniors (over 36 holes) —G. Slee v. Francis; Campbell v. Hay-MacKenzie, Lockey v. W. Phipps; Metson v. Schadick. , Intermediate (over 35 holes) —Levestam v. Maitland; Smith v. Buchanan; Davies v. Bird; Keesing v. N. Nottle.

Juniors (over 18 holes) —Newman v. winner Marriott v. M. A. Neill, Seyb v. Elley. Bascand v. Ovens; Phipps v. Broker.

Personal: , Mr J. D. Lake of Westport, received the sad news of the death of his father, suddenly, at Christchurch, yesterday. Mr Pat Casey, who has been employed at Enright’s Store, has joined the clerical staff of the local railway. Prior to severing his connection with the firm, Mr Enright presented Mr Casey with an inscribed wallet conveying to him best wishes for a successful future. His remarks were endorsed by Mr A. Lockey (shop foreman) W. Tregurtha and other members of the staff. The recipient briefly replied. Laurence Cooper, an employee ol the Public Works Department, on the Buller Gorge Railway, was admitted to the Buller Hospital yesterday, with injuries to a leg, received whilst following his work as the result of an accident.

Shipping: The Rata sailed for New Plymouth yesterday, and is due to load here again on Monday next. The Kaimai is due here to-morrow.