HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1938, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

TOur Own Correspondent]. February 9. Miss Bridget Ahern, an old and highly esteemed resident of Goldsborough, died yesterday at the age of 71 years, at the Westland Hospital. A native of County Cork, Ireland, Miss Ahern came to New Zealand in the year 1885, and had since resided In the Dominion. Mr Michael Ahern, of Goldsborough, is a brother of deceased. who leaves also a sister, Miss Ahern (Ireland) and another brother Daniel (New York). At the Women’s Institute meeting on Monday evening, Miss Potts gave a talk on her travels, and was heartily applauded. The programme included a pl&yette by Mrs Mclntyre and Mrs Paterson, and a competition which was won by Mrs McGeorge, of Melbourne. A Coronation Quilt competition was won by Miss Annie Dick Supper was served by Mesdames L Michel, G. Mclntosh, J. Mclntyre, A Parkhill, J. Preston, and R. Paterson Mr T. Harris, of Humphreys, has returned .back to Hokitika from a world tour, during which he visited the Shetland Islands. Guests at the Hotel Westland include Mr and Mrs A.. W. McKinun (Surrey, England), Mr H. D. Dixon (Greymouth), Mr and Mrs S. Ward (Western Australia), N. Bankier (Christchurch), Mrs Oakes (England), Mr C. Smith (Wellington), Mr R. L. Robinson (Wellington), Mr C W. Salmon (Wellington), Mr E. Hocken (England), Mr F. McLean (England), Mr and Mrs Cartledge (Melbourne), Miss Janet Barrio (Scotland), Mr W. E. Cockroft (Christchurch). The ordinary meeting of the Hokitika Aero Club was held in Mclntosh’s Club Rooms at 7.35 Tuesday evening, when Father O’Gorman presided over a full attendance. Messrs P. Renton, H. T. Parry, J. J. Mclntosh, H. Preston, J. Stuart, and J. Templeton were appointed a Management Committee. The Engineer-in-Chief of, the P.W.D. advised that grass on the aerodrome required cutting. The matter has been attended to. Mr R. Whiley wrote re willow slips. It was decided to refer the matter to the Public Works Department. The president, West Coast United Aero Club, advised of an increase of the engineer’s salary. Mr A. J. Sumner wrote re position of custodian. The matter was held over until next meeting. The County Council met yesterday. Those present were: Crs. W. A. Jamieson (chairman), J. A. Murdoch, A. Dale, B. Ward, P. J. McLean, J. Donovan, N. Brown, and T. R. Chesterman. An apology was received from Cr. McKay now at Hanmer, and leave of absence was granted him. It was decided that certain matters be submitted to Hon. R. Semple when he visits here on’February' 23, and that Kanieri Beautifying -Society be notified of the visit so that the Minister might formally open the new bridge. Accounts totalling £4052 3s lOd were passed. It was resolved to authorise Hokitika Borough Council to alter part of reserve for Fire Brigade purposes. The application of J. .Stewart, Kumara Beach Road, for leave to carry on a hides business, was referred to the Health Department. Hokitika Aero Club’s proposal for a board to control the aerodrome was referred to the Public Works Department. It was decided not to vary, as requested, the agreement with z Kanieri Gold Dredging Co. re . Tucker Flat road working. The. Highways Department advised that the . question of a concrete bridge on Kokatahi (Upper) road be gone into by the Engineer before deciding on repairs to the damaged structure. The Engineer stated repairs in timber would cost about

£3OO, and a new concrete structure about £l5OO. It was decided to ask the Highways Engineer to inspect and confer with the Engineer. The County Engineer reported on flood damage at five points, estimating the cost of repairs at £lO5O. It was resolved to call tenders for the supply of 500 yards of gravel for the Kokatahi-Koiterangi highway. The Clerk was authorised to write the Public Works Department respecting the drainage of the State Highway at Wataroa. The lease of Ferry Reserve to H. Hende was signed. Harihari Box Factory wrote for consideration in respect to trees destroyed in road making for gravel purposes at lower La Fontaine.—Resolved to offer £5 without prejudice to the Council’s legal position in the matter. J. F. Andrews wrote in respect to access beyond Dorothy Falls, Lake Kanieri, declining vote of £2s,'but asking £l5 for repair work done. It was decided to wait on Minister in respect to a grant for the work. Harris Bros., Huhuka, asked for attention to the further metalling of Turnbull Road. The matter is to be brought before Hon. Mr Semple. The Clerk and County solicitor were directed to look into the Zlisposal by the Warden’s Court of certain mining rents arising from land made freehold, and to examine the time when titles came into existence, the matter also to be taken up with other local bodies interested in goldfields revenue. The Public Works Engineer acknowledged decision of Borough Council and County Council in respect to turnout on railway bridge, and regretting the vote could not be transferred to Mahinapua road. From same stating the estimate for Ferguson Road, Harihari. was £2830, and enquiring if the Council would provide £943 towards the cost. The opinion was expressed that the Government should provide the whole of the funds for this special work. From Employment Bureau, drawing attention to condition of Rangitoto Track via Waitaha. The chairman said the work was attended to. The Valuer-General wrote re valuation of miscellaneous sections, and Commissioner's explanation thereon. The Clerk explained that full particulars had been supplied the Valuation Department. Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., wrote in respect to various County roading matters, relating to flood damage and access. The matters are to be brought before Minister of Public Works on 23rd inst. Mr L. H. Jackson, ferryman, Okarito, advised 66 persons had been ferried- during the December quarter. Discussing the Centennial programme, the Clerk said the chief event in the County would be a gathering at Okarito on May 21st, 1940, to mark the purchase of the West Coast, followed by a three days’ visit to the Glaciers, and con eluding on May 25 with the dedication of the Centennial Highway in Bruce Bay district. At Hokitika a “Back-to-Westland Week” had been suggested from February 17 to 24. A date mentioned for Kumara was October, the month of the gold discovery in 1874, and for Ross the anniversary of the gold find at Totara in 1864. The County programme will be submitted to the central committee next week. A schools treat throughout Westland was suggested for December 1, Westland Provincial Day. ,