WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1938, Page 11

WESTPORT NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.] Tides for April: Saturday, 30, 10.07 a.m.; 10.30 p.m. Sunday 1: 10.51 a.m., 11.15 p.m. Monday 2: 11.39 a.m., —. Tuesday 3: 00.03 a.m., 00.26 p.m. Wednesday 4: 00.50 a.m, 01.15 p.m. Thursday 5: 01.39 a.m., 02.06 p.m. Friday 6: 02.23 a.m., 03.06 p.m. Saturday 7: 03.35 a.m.. 04.15 p.m. Shipping: WESTPORT, April 29. Owing to heavy seas on the bar. shipping has been further delayed. The Kaimiro, loaded with coal for Auckland, is Io sail to-morrow morning. The Wingatui is also expected to sail for Wellington with coal to-mor-row morning. The Totara arrived from New Plymouth at 6 p.m. yesterday, to load coal for Tokomaru Bay, and is scheduled to sail to-night, conditions permitting. The Kartigi has been delayed at Wellington, and is expected to sail tonight with general cargo for Westport. This vessel will discharge on Monday and then loads coal 'for Wellington and Miramar. The Kaimai is expected to sail from Napier to-day and is due here during the week-end to load coal on Mon-1 day for Bluff, Dunedin, Timaru and Lyttelton. The Rata is ready to sail with coal for New Plymouth and Wanganui, and may be despatched at 8 o’clock to-night. The Titoki is expected to arrive here on Monday from Nelson and Tarakohe, via Greymouth, but it is possible that weather conditions may delay her movements. - The Port Tauranga arrived at six o’clock last evening from Jackson’s' Bay. and is now unloading Australian hardwood for Public Works constructions. After discharging this vessel I returns immediately to Australia. Personal: ' • Mr J. Rowarth, District Traffic , Inspector, has left for Wellington on annual leave. Mr and Mrs M. Mclntyre and son. of Palmerston North are visiting re- • latives in Westport. i Miss D. Judge, has returned from ; a holiday visit to Gore and Dunedin. Mr C. T. Cox, of the Railway Department, Westport, has been transferred to Inangahua Junction, and Mr < Day, of the Junction, comes to West- ; port. i

Mr J. McGreevy of the Railway Department, who has been visiting relatives at Westport has returned to Dunedin.

Mr T. J. Tiller, of the Railway Deportment, Wellington, is visiting relatives in Westport. Mr E. A. Bastings, Registrar of Pensions, will be visiting Westport on Friday. May 6, and will be available at the Courthouse from 9.30 a.m. till noon. Car Accident:

A collision occurred yesterday afternoon at Dee Hill, on the Murchison side of the Inangahua Junction, between two cars. The first car, owned and driven by Mr M. Connors, of the Connors and Paul Revue Company, which just completed a season in Westport on Wednesday night, was proceeding to Nelson from Westport, and the second car, driven by Mr F. L. Turley, Secretary of the West Coast Timber Workers’ Union, was on the Nelson to Greymouth trip. Mr Turley’s car was severely damaged and he had to commandeer another car to finish his journey. It was also reported that Mr Connors’ small son received slight head injuries.

Granity School Committee: The final meeting of the two-year term was held in the School on Wednesday evening, the Rev. Sanderson, in the absence of Mr H. Gear, being in the chair. Other members present were Messrs J. Taggart, O. Henderson, W. Armstrong and I. Barkle. An apology was received from Mr Gear, who is away on his annual holiday. Advice was received from the Nelson Education Board re. the appointment of Mr R. J. Finlayson to the position of assistant master.

The headmaster’s report, which was received with satisfaction, showed that the attendance was keeping up to a high standard. The library books had been ordered and should be ready for next term. Three football teams and two basketball teams had been entered in the different competitions. It was decided to purchase a set of new jerseys for the boys, and three basketballs for the girls. A return, showing the number of meetings attended during the term by the various members was presented by the Secretary. Twenty-five meetings were held and attended as followsJ. Taggart 25, H. Gear 24, W. Armstrong 23, A. Henderson 17, O. Henderson 17, Rev. Sanderson 15, E. McDonald 12, I. Tyler 9.

An application from the Rover Rugby Football Club for the use of the new ground for the season was considered, and it was decided to grant the request subject to the following conditions: (1) The Rover Club to pay the committee 20 per cent, of the gross takings for the season; <2l the ground to be available when not required for school functions; (3) the Committee to have the right to supervise and cneck the gate when considered necessary; (4) any damage to the ground, the buildings on the ground, and neighbouring building, to be the responsibility of the Club.

Before the meeting concluded, the headmaster thanked the Committee /or the help and co-operation it had given during its term of office. He congratulated the members on the success they had achieved in securing a new site for a school, and also for their efforts in making a new school a reality. They had changed a debit balance into a very fine credit, and had done everything in their power to further the interests of the school. In reply, the chairman thanked the headmaster and staff for their loyal cooperation during the past two years. The annual meeting of householders will be held in the school on Monday evening, next, when the report and financial statement will be presented. It is hoped that all eligible will be present.

Ngakawau Post Office: At the April meeting of the Hector Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, it was decided to write and inform the Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, that the NgaKawau Post Office was in a very out-of-the-way place for the residents of Hector and Ngakawau. The Hon. Jones immediately communicated with Mr Pringle, Post-

master at Granity, who, accompanied by Mr Wells, Postmaster at Millerton, met a deputation comprising Messrs S. R. Johnston, Poynter, S- Barnes, Edwards and Tyler, who presented a petition signed by about 99 per cent of the population of Hector, and Ngakawau, requesting that the Post Office be removed to a more central position.

Westport Miniature Rifle Club: The annual meeting, of the Westport Miniature Rifle Club was held in the Army Drill Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr L. Hutchison presiding, There was a good attendance of members. The minutes of the previous meeting and the annual balance-sheet was approved and adopted. The Secretary reported that the Club had showed remarkable progress last season as regards both finance and membership. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr L. Hutchii son (re-elected); Vice-President: Mr ■L. Williams (re-elected); Club Capjtain, Mr D. J. Cunningham (re-elect-Led); Secretary, Mr J. R. Keoghan (re- | elected); Target Judges: Secretary, Club Captain and L. Williams; Handicappers, L. Williams and W. Murray; Hon. Auditor, Mr P. A. Struthers: Team Selectors, Secretary and Club Captain. The opening night was fixed for Friday, April 29, at 7 o’clock. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair. The Club rifles having been rebarrelled and overhauled, the season promises to be a most successful one. Westport Golf Club: The following is the draw for a Medal Match (handicap), to be played at the Kawatiri links during the week-end: — From No. 1 Tee (old No. s)—Lovell and R. Nottle; J. Slee and Schaoick; Fountain and Campbell; Metson and G. Slee; Hay-MacKenzie and Francis; Spencer and Lockey; Caldwell and J. Wilson; A. A. Wilson and Phipps; Walker and C. Jones; Bird and Davis; Mason and Levestam; Ford and Maitland; Keesing and McNamara; Thomas and Smith; Newman and Buchanan; Martin and T. Phipps; Owles and N. Nottle; A. Nottle and Culpitt; i Batt and marker.

Juniors, No. 11 Tee (old No. 15) — H. Skilton and A. Neil; A. Metson and O. Prince: Harrow and K. Davies; Spencer and Seyb; Trail and J. Jones; Holdgate and Scarlett; Petley and Phibbs; Shrimpton and M. A. Neil; Larsen and Robertson; Ovens and Greenwood; Elley and Craddock; Struthers and K. Skilton; Bailey and marker.

Any of the above unable to play, please notify the Secretary as soon as possible. The draw for the ladies’ golt match on ladies’ opening day on Saturday is:— Miss J. Powell and Miss McKenzie 16, v. Mrs Batt and Miss Tonkin 15. Miss D. Brown and Miss G. Payne 15, v. Mrs J. Slee and Mrs Shrimpton Mrs Bascand and Mrs Schadick 17, v. Mrs Bird and Mrs Parker 13. Mrs Holdgate and Miss J. Brown 16, v. Mrs Seyb and Miss Weaver 12. Mrs Wilson and Mrs Bailey 13, v. Miss Doyle and Mrs Skilton 17. Miss A. Payne and Mrs Park 16, v. Mrs Slee and Miss Anderson 12. Mrs Roberts and Miss P. Wood 14, v. Mrs Smith and Miss Strachan 15. Miss Suisted and Miss Egan v. Mrs Nahr and Miss Radford.

Rugby Teams: Old Boys—The following players will represent Old Boys’ seniors in their fixture with Tiroroa, on Victoria Square, at 2.45 p.m. to-morrow: Stewart, W. Weenink, Mallett, McDonald, Strachan, Bolitho, R. WeeninK, McN eight, Phipps, Bromilow, Mason, Williams, Morganty, Henderson, T Robinson. Emergencies: McKenzie and Neill. Westport —The following players will represent the Westport seniors against Rangers, on Victoria Square, at 1.15 P-m. to-morrow: Luff,, Oldham Prain, Neighbours (3), Chandler, Easton, Eddy, Allen, Caldwell, Powick, Marshall. Burt and Butterfield. . White Star—The following will represent the White Star Football Club in its fixture this week-end: Seniors v. Rovers at Granity on Sunday, ’bus leaving the Post Office at 1.30 p.m. Woodward, Ahern, Hill, Bateman, Small, McHerron, Comerford, K. Brown, Lake, Spencer, Coyne, Monteith, Jackson, J. Brown, Oldham, Smart, P. Walshe and A. Fox. Juniors v. Granity High School, at the Trotting Track, at 2.45 p.m.: Richards, Woodcock, McNamara, Menzies, Ellis, Craig, Walshe, Kilkenny, Archer (2), Jones, Ryan (2), Martin, Davies, Roberts, Gough, Mitchell (2), Norris, Comerford, Oldham and Coyne. Third Graders v. Old Boys at the Trotting Track at 1.30 p.m.: McFadden, Mitchell, McManus, Smith, Fleming, Coyne, Robertson, Baxendale, Goldsmith, Lucas, Taylor, Gough, Walshe (2), O’Dea, McDonald and Fox.

Denniston Basketball Club: The annual meeting of the Basketball Club was held on 26th April, when there was a large attendance. After the minutes of the last annual meeting were confirmed, the following officers were elected: Patron, Hon. P. C. Webb; President, Mrs J. Lockhart; Vice-Presidents, Messrs R. Curragh, J. Glendinning, A. Openshaw, J. Lockhart and N. Shand; Captain, Miss Nimmo; Vice-Captain, Miss Shand; Secretary-Treasurer, Miss G. Strachan; 4 Committee, Misses Hayes, Holbrook, Thomas, Coppersmith and Chapman. It was decided to send a team to the tournament in Westport on May 5. The President gave her report as follows:—The Denniston Old Girls' Basketball Club was very badly treated by the weather during the 1937 season, as almost invariably when a trip was arranged, or a visiting team was to be entertained, it rained. The thanks of the Club are extended to all who helped them. To Mrs G. Coburn and Mrs McDonald, whose donation of £1 was most- acceptable. These ladies made and sold paper flowers to make the donation. To the Westport Coal Company for donating the poles. To all who gave subscriptions for the purpose of buying a cup for the A Grade Competition held on the King's Birthday. The Club is especially grateful to Mr R. Curragh, whose gift of a cup for the B Grade Competition made the running of a tournament possible.

County Council: At the ordinary meeting there were present Crs. D. J. Archer (chairman), J. Jordan, J. H. Powell, A. Phillips, J. Simpson, D. Hawes, D. Kerr; the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, and the Engineer-Clerk, Mr C, F. Schadick.

Inward correspondence wa g received from the following: G. Sutherland, cancelling lease of road reserve at Rahul; H. E. Gear, secretary of Hector Hall Committee, asking a lew loads of gravel to fill in a hole in th front of Hector Hall. (Granted). Charming Creek Miners’ Union asking to have a man put on for one day clearing overhanging scrub on the branch track from the mam track to the camp. (Granted): Mrs J. Morgan, asking for something to be done to the road near her place at Stock ton- Mrs W. Shearer re roadl to net home; Hon. F. Langstone, re Gouland Downs scenic reserve; Hon. P. cWebb, copy of letter to Mr W. • Slee c Cascade road, and roading Carter’s beach domain and sub-divis-lon; Under-Secretary of Mines Department re proposed swimming bath and tennis courts at Denniston and proposed swimming pool at Stockton, Cottrell and Lovell re Wilsons Lead Road. (Work to be carried out); Neison Education Board re bad state of bridge on New Creek road. (To be attended to); Assistant Engineer, P.W.D., re Cascade road, and Mears Creek bridge (Lyell Riding). The action of the Engineer-Clerk in this matter was endorsed. The following Treasury vouchers were received: Goldfields revenue £35 3s- Dept, of Agriculture, refund wages £278 2s 4d; goldfields revenue, March £240 6s 7d; grant in trust, Denniston baths, £4B; P.W.D. clearing Heaphy track £157 10s; M.H. West-port-Karamea sealing £420; Education Dept., grant on account of construction swimming baths, Denniston, £181; P.W.D., Oparara-Kohaihai metalling £65 17s 6d; Caroline Terrace road, £300; pakihi roads, £200; Wareatea road. £25; M.H. WestportKaramea, £790; Karamea bndgeKaramea P. 0., £63; M.H. Four MileFox’s river, £276 6s sd; M.H. GramtyStockton, £169 14s lOd; M.H. Wai-mangaroa-Burnett’s Face, £220 IDs 9d- M.H. Mokihinui bridge-Seddon-ville, £45; M.H. Westport-Karamea improvements, £1398 3s lid; M.D.L.0., £l9 18s 10d; P.W.D., hire of motor lorry, £8 15s; State Forest Service, fifths and tenths, £236 14s Bd. Cr. Kerr appealed for road repairs in Waimangaroa and Birchfield near Syron’s and Clarke’s property. He said the Birchfield beach road needed attention. The Engineer was instructed to have the requests attended to. Crs. Hawes, Jordan, Simpson, Powell, Kerr, and Phillips, and the Engineer, Mr Schadick, joined in paying a tribute to the chairman, who acknowledged the eulogies, and expressed his deep appreciation to the two retiring councillors, Messrs Hawes and Phillips. Cr. Hawes stated that for the last 15 years he had received the utmost support from councillors. It was time some younger men filled the chairs around the table. Cr. Phillips thanked the staff and wished councillors good luck at the elections.

County Chairman's Report: In the course of his annual report, Cr. D. J. Archer, chairman of the County Council, stated: — With this month, there ends another yeai’ of general prosperity in this district and in the Dominion as a whole. Throughout the* whole country accumulated deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank totalled 60 million pounds, the Trustee Savings Bank 125 millions, while interestbearing deposits in the trading banks reached 34 million. Factory production in the last financial year had a value of £100,000,000, which was £15,000,000 above the Dominion’s previous highest figure. Exports in 1937 reached the new record of £66,713,000 and imports £56,161,000. The only setback experienced has been in wool prices, which have been unsteady, but the economic position of wool remains healthy. Butter has once again taken the lead among our exports, while meat has continued to command a highly profitable market in London. Generally, the year has come fully up to expectations, with possibly wool as the single exception. In this County, the main indus-try—coal-mining—has shown a decided improvement on the previous year’s figures 1936-37 456,687 tons; 1937-38 436,268 tons, an increase of 79,581 tons. Butter, owing to seasonal conditions, was down a few tons as compared with the previous year. However, the value was up £5,000 owing to the guaranteed price. The production of gold showed an increase of 47 ounces on the 1936-37 figures. There was a fairly large decrease in the timber milling industry. The output from the whole County during 1936-37 reached 9 million feet, as against 1937-38 figures of 5,412,000 feet, a decrease of 3,588,000 feet. The production of live stock, Including beef, mutton, lamb, bacon, etc:, shows an improvement on the. previous year, while the output of lime increased by 130 tons. The total value of all produce from the County, including coal, butter, timber, gold, flax, beef, mutton, lambs, pigs, lime, etc., reached the figure of £832,000, as against £BOl,OOO for the previous year, an increase of £31,000. From the above comparisons, it will be seen that the industries, with the exception of timber milling, are gradually improving, and, with further development, the district has a particularly bright outlook. During the year, we have had visits from several Ministers of the Crown, and they have been conveyed around various parts of the district. Deputations met the Ministers: and discussed matters affecting the County, and much good has accrued from the results of the visits.

Important Works: Many important and major works have been carried out during the year, and some are nearing successful completion. The following sets out these works, and the number of men employed - — Karamea river protection (39), Buller Gorge railway (293), Highways improvements (Buller Road) 93. West Coast road (39), Mokihinui-Karamea (14),Orowaiti Bridge (10), Hector erosion (12), Ngakawau bridge (6), Waimangaroa bridge (8), Chasm Creek bridge (8); Cascade road (2), pakihi land development (47), pakihi roads (10), Caroline Terrace roads (8), Westport-Mokihinui highway improvements (351, rotation scheme works (30), and Carter’s Beach domain roads (39). This makes a total of 693 men in full time employment on the various works throughout the County. The Orowaiti river bridge and Waimangaroa river bridge and approaches are nearing completion, while a start has been made on the Karamea river protection scheme, and this' work is being pushed ahead rapidly. During the year, representation was made to the Government to have funds provided to check the serious erosion which is threatening

the farming properties along the foreshore between Kongahu and Little Wanganui. The Ministerial replies have been unfavourable, and th Council should again urge the Hon. Minister of Public Works to provide funds for this important and most necessary work v- n hniThe track leading from the Kohai hat liver to Collingwood has been opened up and improved, and a hut. nas been erected at Lewis Creek on ?he north Sldo of the Heaphy river The metalled road has been extended a mile from Break Creek, and proposals are being prepared to eomp.| te the bridge across Mossyburn Creek, and the road to the Kohaihai river Some sections of this road could be easily opened up for motor traffic, and with the completion of Mossyburn Creek bridge it should not reouire very much expenditure to allow traffic to reach the Kohaihai. This year a determined effort should be made to have funds provided to make a start on the road from the Kohaihai to the Heaphy river. and I sincerely trust the new Council wiu keep this matter in view. Important Surveys: Important surveys have been completed for: (DA drainage scheme in the Kongahu Swamp area. This scheme will provide drainage for 2,000 acres of land. (2) Aerodrome on the south side oi the Buller River The plans have been forwarded by Mr Bascand for approval, and arrangements are in hand for the purchase of the land (3) Drainage of land along the Nine .Mile Road. This scheme will affect some 3.000 acres of first class lands, and employ a fairly large number of men. (4) Oparara River Protection works and deviation. Proposals have been forwarded for approval for this important work, and the Council should again urge the Member for the District to obtain funds immediately so that the work can be started as early as possible. With regard to the Westport harbour, work has been carried out near Organ’s Island, with a „view to strengthening the stone embankment. The work is being pushed on rapidly, and the quarries are being opened up preparatory to obtaining suitable stone. It is anticipated that more men will be placed on this work at an early date. The dredging fleet is undergoing extensive repairs, and considerable dredging operations will be undertaken in the near future

The question of improving the lighting system in various townships has not been finalised. It is hoped that, with the co-operation of the Mines Deparment, Coal Companies and the Council, considerable improvements will be made early in this financial year. Pakihi Development: You are all familiar with the pakihi development work which is being rapidly advanc ed towards completion. There are now some 1200 acres under treatment, and it is proposed to establish a complete farm unit of approximately 100 acres on this area, the unit to be given a complete trial under modern farming conditions. The Government also proposes to purchase areas on the south side of the Buller river, with a view to extending the development work, and arrangements are being made for this purchase. An important feature in the development work has been a complete soil survey of the pakihi lands, and this work 'under the capable supervision of Mr C. Harris, of the Soil Survey Department, has added much information for the purpose of future development. The members of the Council are all fully acquainted with the proposed loans for (1) highway improvements, and (2) the erection of new County offices. Dealing with (1) the proposal is to raise a loan of £14,000 as . the Council’s contribution towards an expenditure of £12.000. The balance of the money, £28,000, is being provided by the Main Highways Board and the Employment Promotion Fund. The proposals allow for the widening, culverting, drainage work and two-coat bituminous surfacing of some 22 miles of main highways and County roads. The Council has given full consideration to the proposals, and in doing so has studied carefully the .economical aspect. Where the taxpayer, be he motor user, land-owner, or both, can be shown that taxation for such purposes, if wisely directed, is worth while, then there should be no hesitation in supporting the proposals. Except for the purpose of some development scheme, no road improvement work is justified unless it is economically sound. To the farmer it must mean cheaper transport costs for the products of his land. To the motorist it must mean cheaper operating costs than .would obtain under the existing, circumstances. To the general public it must offer some amenities and less risk of life and limb. While no district can afford to build roads which are more than adequate for the traffic requirements, it cannot afford to have inadequate roads, which, due to the combined effects of excessive road maintenance and vehicular operating costs, may be more expensive than roads of a higher type of construction. The cost of operating and maintaining motor vehicles of all descriptions in New Zealand now approaches 32 million pounds annually, and these operating costs are affected very considerably by the state of road surfacing, and it would appear that, within certain economic units, each pound spent on better maintenance or improved road surfacing, might easily result in lowering motor operating costs by two pounds or perhaps more. The lowering of operating costs of motor vehicles brings about a reduction in the freight transport charges for the farmers’ produce, and the produce from other industries. True economy in reading, as in other matters, therefore, lies between undue extravagance and parsimony. I have, along with other councillors, addressed meetings of ratepayers and endeavoured to explain the position fully. I have expressed the views of the Council, and I think there is a better understanding of the position. However, it is for the ratepayers to say one way'or the other, and every elector is entitled to vote on the question. It is in their hands. Dealing with (2) the County Offices Loan of £3,800, the existing building is 60 years old, and beyond repair unless some major improvements were undertaken, which would cost almost as much as a new building. The annual charges on the loan are very small, and the cost to the ratepayers almost negligible.

The loan proposals have been approved by the Local Governments Loan Board, and the poll, as advertised, will take place on the 11th May, the same day as the County elections

With regard to the finances”of the

Council, the final balancing of the accounts has not been completed, but from information available, the total expenditure amounted to £57.942. while the total receipts reached £55,636. The rate struck was £9798, and of this amount £7865, or 80 per cent, of the total, was collected. In addition, £BO4 was collected in arrears. The estimated outstanding revenue for the year is £4,136 (the principal items being rates and penalties £2136, M.D.L.O. £l3, lorry hire £9. fifths and tenths £336, goldfields revenue £l5O. halves and thirds £273, Government grants £350, rates subsidy £650, dog licenses £5O, timber levies £l5O. sanitation fees £320). Although, as stated atfove, the final balancing of the accounts will not be completed until next month, it would appear that the estimates have not ueen exceeded, and the Council has kept within its iegal limit of expenditure. Taking into account the facts that the Council has over £3,000 less annual rental than it had six years ago, has a greater mileage of roads to maintain, higher wages to pay, and an enormous increase in motor traffic to contend with, the position must be considered as satisfactory. The total outstanding rates amount to £9BOO, the sanitation fees amount to £1990. Although judgment has been obtained in most cases, the Council will have to consider adopting more drastic action in dealing with rates and sanitation defaulters. It is not fair to the ratepayers who meet their obligations. and the figure of £11,790 is far too high in this connection. The County Engineer-Clerk has fully presented the position in which the Council is placed in regard to the Harbour Endowment, and 1 am pleased to say that there is a distinct possibility of the Council receiving a substantial amount of revenue each year from royalties. The proposed national health scheme should relieve the Council of a large part of the hospital levy, and, taking into consideration these facts, and if a considerable portion of the outstanding revenue can be collected, the Council's financial position will soon be in a sound condition.

During the year, I have joined with the Mayor, Mr John ' Kilkenny, in furthering the interests of the district, and I am pleased to record that the combined efforts of the Borough and County Councils together with the sympathetic treatment of the Government of the day, have done much to advance this district as a whole. I wish to take this opportunity of congratulating the Mayor and his Councillors for the confidence reposed in them by the Borough ratepayers in carrying the loan proposals for the new Town Hall and footpath improvements. When these works are completed, the town of Westport will be one which the residents both of the County and Borough may be justly proud. I wish to express my thanks to Mr A. C. Bascand, Assistant-Engineer, P.W.D., and his officers for the courtesy and assistance extended to me during the year, and I wish further to express my appreciation of the manner in which they controlled and expedited the -many large works in operation throughout the County.

On behalf of the Council, I also wish to express appreciation of the very fine services rendered by the District Employment Officer, Mr G. G. M. Mitchell, and his staff. It has been a pleasure to work and cooperate with Mr Mitchell, and his sympathetic treatment of the employment problems in this district commends itself to all concerned.

It is not my wish to express a political view, but I do draw attention to the fact that we are living in unusual and interesting times. We have our present Government in its third year of office, a Government expressing a wish of the majority, and we are witnessing an attempt to establish new fundamentals in human affairs. Changes can never be accomplished without the infliction of hardships in some quarters. But these changes aim at the removal of long-standing and serious hardship amounting to distress and misery. The raising of the average well-being involves a scaling up as well as a scaling down and therein lies the hardship. The Dominion, as a whole, has experienced another - record year of prosperity, and this district has participated in the enjoyment of such prosperity, perhaps, more than heretofore. For the participation of this good fortune, I wish to offer my thanks to the Government of the day, and, in particular, I am thankfur to the Member for the District, the Hon. P. C- Webb, Minister of Mines. The rapid construction of the Buller Gorge railway, development of the pakihi lands, Karamea river protection works, elimination of dangerous level crossings, the many improvements to our highways, are all due to the energy and attention of our Member of Parliament. Despite the arduous duties of a Cabinet Minister, and having to carry the portfolio of other Ministers, he attends to the affairs of this districtfi and is ever ready to urge the needs of his constituency to the various, controlling departments. The district has much for which to thank the Hon. P C. Webb, Member for. Buller. In .conclusion, I wish to thank the Councillors for their loyal support, and in particular the Hon. Mclntyre for his splendid service to the Council in attending to matters in Wellington; the County employees for faithfully carrying out the instructions of the Council, the officers of the various Government departments for their courtesy and assistance, the Buller Progress League for its activities in supporting the general progress of the district, and the press tor their faithful reporting of the Council’s business. I sincerely trust that the forthcoming year will be a prosperous one for this district and the Dominion as a whole, and that local bodies and all others will join together for the purpoce of advancing this district, and, in doing so. will remember those permanent values which serve to unite men when all else seems to divide them.