WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 28 May 1938, Page 11

WESTPORT NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]

Tides for May: Saturday, May 28. 08.57 a.m.; 09 25

p.m. Sunday, May 29, 09.46 a.m.; 10.14

p.m. Monday, May 30, 10.35 a.m.; ILO2

p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 11.25 a.m.; 11.00 p.m.

Shipping : WESTPORT, May 2«.

The Canopus sailed from Auckland about midnight Wednesday and is due here on Saturday to load coal foi Auckland. The Hokitika is scheduled to sail from Wellington to-day, with geneial cargo for Westport and Coast ports. The Rata sailed for New Plymouth and Wanganui with coal at 7.30 p.m. yesterday, and is due to return here next Tuesday to load coal for Nelson and New Plymouth. The Waimea sailed from Wellington with general cargo at 6.30 o’clock last night, and is due to arrive at b o’clock to-night. After discharging the Waimea proceeds to Greymouth. The Titoki is expected from Nelson on Tuesday to load coal for Tarakoh? and Picton. The Wingatui is in port loading coal for Wellington and it is expected to despatch her early tomorrow morning. The Kartigi, from Napier, has been delayed on account of weather conditions and will not reach port until to-morrow, when she is to load coal for Napier Auckland and Kioreroa.

The Karepo, with general cargo from Auckland and Wellington, sailed from the latter port for Lyttelton at 11 p.m. yesterday and will load further cargo for Westport. She is expected to sail from Lyttelton tomorrow and is due to arrive here on Monday.

The Totara arrived from New Plymouth at. 6 o’clock last night and discharged cargo, sailing for Greymouth at 8.30 p.m. to load for Miramar. The Te Aroha has been delayed at Wellington and time of despatch for Westport is indefinite.

personal: Mr. E. A. Bastings, Registrar of Pensions, Greymouth, will visit Westport on June 3rd. and will be in attendance at the Courthouse from 9.30 u.m. till noon.

Mr. S. J. Talbot, of Christchurch, is visiting Westport. Mr. J. A. Gallagher, ot Hastings represented the Westport Rugbv Football Club at the funeral of Mr. E. P. Smyrke, at Greenmeadows, on Monday afternoon. Mr. Smyrke and Mr. Gallagher were fellow members of the Westport Club for a number of years. Evidence of regret at the passing of Mr. Jack McManus and the high esteem in which deceased was held, was manifested this morning when the funeral took place at Orowaiti Cemetery. Mass was celebrated at St. Canice’s Church by the Rev. Father Phelan. The congregation was a large one and the cortege which followed the remains to their last resting place was of big dimensions. The pall-bearers were Messrs Kelly, Moloney, Savage and Connelly. Rev. Father Phelan also conducted an impressive funeral service at the graveside. Millerton Mine Dispute:

Arising out of a dispute regarding interpretation of the wet time clause in the miners’ agreement, the Millerton mine ceased work yesterday morning. It is understood that the management was advised on Monday that, failing an adjustment of the trouble, action would be taken yesterday morning to bring about a solution. The management maintained the working place in question was not sufficiently wet to bring it within the scope of the clause, and a request to find another “place'’ for the colliers concerned in the dispute until the matter had been dealt with, was not entertained. The Miners’ Union decided yesterday morning not to proceed to work as a protest, and a deputation consisting of Messrs T, Burchfield (acting Chairman), R. Jack (Secretary), H. Milligan, D. Gloss and W. Boswell, representing the Miners' Union, placed the matter before the Wages Conference, which was sitting at Westport. It was agreed, after the facts of the case had been listened to, to submit the dispute, to arbitration as provided for in the agreement. The Disputes’ Committee will comprise Messrs Devlin (National President), and A. Smith (Stata Mine), with Mr. J. Dowgray as inde, pendent chairman. Mr. Dowgray, as independent chairman, later gave his decision in favour of the men.

Mining Wages Conference: The conference held in the Town Hall yesterday between representatives cf the Coal Mining Companies and the Miners’ Unions, in connection with local conditions at the mines, reached decisions which will be referred to Miners’ Unions for acceptance.

Motor Registration: To meet the convenience of the public, the Chief Post Office, Westport, will be open for the relicensing of motor vehicles between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday next. In addition, the motor registration branch will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the 28th. instant, instead of the usual attendance of 9 a.m. to noon.

Westport Jockey Club: A meeting of the Westport Jockev Club was held in the office of the Secretary, Mr. W. T. Slee, last evening, with Mr. Cliff Thomas (President) in the chair, and a good attendance of members.

It was resolved, on the motion of the President, seconded by the Vice President, that the regulations governing the racing at Riccarton oe adopted.

J. W. Heenan, Under Secretary oi Internal Affairs, in reply to the Club’s, request for a totalisator license for a race meeting at Riccarton on July 9th. next, wrote: “I have to advise that the Hon. Minister, has, in the special circumstances, approved of the change of venue for this year. He has expressed the hope that the Club will have a good meeting and will, as a result, find itself in a sounder financial position and be able to resume racing at Westport.

Messrs Colvin, Thomas, Scanlon and Slee were appointed a sub-committee to act in conjunction with the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club in running the races.

The question of an excursion train was discussed, and it was resolved that the Secretary inquire of the Railway Department the conditions of same. ‘ Mr. Menzies to enquire concerning the running of pusses to connect with excursion train at Inangahua Junction.

A copy of programme, as approved, was received, containing eight races: High weight, 1 mile; Maiden Stakes, f furlongs; Buller Handicap Trot, 11 miles; Scanlon Hack, 1 mile; Westport Handicap, 11 miles; Granity Handicap Trot, IT miles'; Flying Hack, 6 furlongs; Morley Handicap, 7 furlongs. Mrs. J. Campbell, trainer, Riccarton, wrote asking for a two-year-old race to be included in the programme —lt was stated that this was done, the maiden stakes for 2-year-olds. A letter was received from Buller Hockey Association requesting permission to use the centre of the race course for hockey grounds, and stating they were prepared to do a good deal of work there in making the ground suitable for play. The letter was referred to the Ground Committee to meet the Hockey Association and endeavour to make amicable arrangements.

Dalgleish Shield: The following players will represent Greymouth and Westport Clubs in matenes for the Dajgleish Shield held by the Westport Club, to be played’ on the Westport links on Sunday next: — Greymouth No. 1 Team:—P. Warnes, T. Casey, B. Caulton, M. C. Smith. Westport No. 1 Team: —R. Hay-Mc-Kenzie, C. Schadick, H. Lovell, H. Lockey. Greymouth No. 2 Team: —-H. Jeifrey Dr. Ray, W. Meldrum, R. MeSoriley. , Westport No. 2 Team:—W. Phipps, T. Park, J. Wilson, R. Nottle. Greymouth No. 3 Team: —J. McKeefrey, C. Plimmer, A. Provan, F. Boustridge. Westport No. 3 Team;—D. Francis. G. Martin, D Fountaine, J. Caldwell

Rugby League: The weekly general meeting was held in the Club Rooms last night, Mr. McKeown presiding over a very large attendance of players and supporters.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Outwar.l correspondence was read and inward received and dealt with as follows: —

From the Inangahua Centre, dealing with insurance matters. From tne Buller Rugby Union, refusing use of goal posts,, etc., on Victoria Square on Saturday next. As it was proposed to play two League matches on Victoria Square on Saturday, arrangements were gone into to finalise this matter.

The lixtures for Saturday are as follows.—

Riva.s ••• Pirates, Victoria Square, at 1.30 p m.

Rangers v. visiting team, at 3 p.m.

Rugby T”-n.s; Rovers v. Old Boys, at Granity, at 2.45 p.m. Saturday:—Pratt, K Corrie, Moseley, Chester, Hayward, Mcßride Robertson, M. Corrie, Murphy, Prosser, S. Hayward, Willman, Tyler, Alexander, R. Humphries, E Humphries, Dunn, Ryan, Shaw. Old Boys (seniors) v. Rovers, at Granity, Saturday (the bus leaves Post Office at 1.15 p.m sharp):— Stewart, Jost, Mallett. W- VVeeninK. McDonald, Bolitho, R. Weenick. Kaye, Phipps, Bromilow, G. Williams, Morganty, H. Williams, Mason, T. Robinson. Emergencies: Strachan, Smith and Henderson.

Old Boy Juniors v. Westport t on the Trotting Track, at 2.45 p.m. Saturday:—Casey, Comerford, Scott, Neill, Smallholme, Thurlow, Griffith, Anderson, Kerr, Dalkie, McKenzie, Woods, Johnson, Carter, White. Emergencies; Mumm, Ryder and Skilton. West Juniors v. Old Boys:—Drinkshaw, Fox, Andrews, Neame, Barr, Menzies (2), Inkster, O’Driscoll, Simmonson, Bonisch, Caulfield, Ball, Douglas, Hunter, Marsnall, Johnson. Hunter, Mulholland, Dymond, Duncan and Rennie.

County Matters: In his report to the County Council, the Engineer, Mr Schadick, stated: — Ordinary maintenance has been carrid out on the highways, which are. at present, in fair order. The work of raising the road from 14M.30 to 15M.16 to eliminate the excessive flooding of this section of the highway is making good progress. Approximately half of the work has been completed and the side drains for the balance of the work are under way. Fair progress is being made with the improvements 21M.18 to 22M.63. Some difficulty has been experienced where a block cutting is being excavated. At 22 miles very soft ground was encountered, which necessitated rock paving for a foundation. The traffic was inconvenienced to some extent for some days, but a solid foundation has now been established. To date, 11 miles of highways have been widened, regraded and metalled with crushed metal. A further twenty chains of formation have been completed, and 250 cubic yards of metal was crushed. The highway through Hector has been scarified, reshaped and rolled, and a spacious parking space at Hector hall has been formed and metalled. This will do away with the danger of cars parking on the highway at this place. A culvert was placed under the Four Mile-Fox's River highway at 12M.20 to take the water for the race leading to the claim at Warne’s beach. The company supplied the metal for the culvert.

Roads: Repairs have been effected to Wilson’s Lead, Sygon’s, Cowan’s Nine Mile and Cape roads. A culvert was placed under the Nine Mile road near Coal Creek, and a footbridge is being constructed over West Creek. Hector streets have been repaired, and a box culvert has been placed through the shingle to give an outlet to the sea draining Golding’s and Torbjornsen’s properties at Nikau. Two small footbridges at Burnett’s Face were destroyed by the heavy flood in April. I propose to reconstruct these two bridges with material from the Orowaiti bridge. Such material will be available in a week or two, when the new bridge will be completed. I intend also to use some of the same material repairing several small bridges and culverts at Stockton. A small bridge near Stockton sand binns has been repaired. Carter’s Beach Domain: Good progress is being made witn this work. To date, three miles of road have been formed, and two miles have been metalled. Formation of a children’s i playing area on the Domain between the road and the seashore is under way, and it is proposed to treat this area with a covering of soil so that

er ass will grow, and the many children who frequent this beach wid benefit by such a playing area. Pakihi Roads: Good progress is being made with the construction of the road giving access to Morris block, 20 chains have been formed and firained and 10 chains have been metalled. An application has been made for an extension of a further 10 chains ol this road, and plans and specifications TeState This work laTmZ P wWch b caused a'porllon ol one wall to subside, and also because Of the soft nature of the ground encountered. The wall Will require tc be stiffened and reinforced, and consequently the work has been delayed. Under the circumstances good procrv'OQQ m made* S Mokihinui River Road: This work, which is being done by Messrs Martis and Woollett, with the assistance of Uie Unemployment Department is being pushed forward in an expeditious manner. Approximately 1. miles of road have been formed and drained, and three-quarters of a mile have been metalled. Several bridges havheen constructed, and others have been widened and repaired.

Technical High School Board: At the monthly meeting of the Westport Technical High School Board there were J H. Harkness (chair), G. lajior, J Tone F Calnon, J. M. Robertson, F Knight and the Principal (Mr J. M lt S °was decided that the board ask the Public Works Engineer to speed up the connection of the forges at the school. . Regarding the pictures foi the school, the Principal reported that he had. while in Christchurch, picked seven worth-while pictures, the tota price being £lB 18s. It was moved and carried that th. garden party funds be put into the sports funds. The volley board (with necessary asphalt) to be built to the specifications of the woodwork teacher, and costing approximately £23, was ordered to be proceeded with. Messrs Hunter and Jordan were appointed the visiting committee. The Principal reported: The schoo resumed on May 24 after a fortnight’s holiday. The roll number r now 125. Two senior commercial girls have left to take positions and one girl has been admitted on transfer Miss Jean I. Paul, M. Comm., commenced her work as commercial mistress Work resumed in the evenin, school on Tuesday, May 24, there are now only four classes in operation, commercial, dressmaking, English and arithmetic and woodwork. Three more enrolments have been made but there is still room for more pupils. The caretaker had everything in good order for the re-open-ing of the school. It is to be regretted. however, that the Pubhc Works Department has made little progress in the work entrusted to them; the forges have not yet been connected up and cannot .’ and work on the paths and tennis courts was resumed on May 23 after a lapse of nearly six months. What work has been done is very good. Government grants, etc. We have received three more ] m P typewriters, making four in all, without cost to the board, to assist in commercial course. These are guaranteed and serviced by the agents for four years. Six new balances have been procured for the science classes, half cost to be paid by the board, and a grant of £46 16s has been made towards the cost of the new Wadkm sawbeneh. We have also been able to procure certain supplies on very favourable terms from the Government printer. Many new books are being added. Boarding allowances for the first term amount to £9 lbs and transport allowances to £8 18s 6d The school football and basketball terms in the local competitions are making a good showing. It is to be hoped the change to Saturday half-holiday will enable competition games in basketball to be played ffi the afternoons, instead of the evenings Retiring members: Mr Knight (school committees). Mr Robertson (Borough Council), Mr Hunter (Employers’ Association) and Mr Taylor (parents’ representative) are due to retire this year, but are eligible for re-election. A donation of £1 from a local firm was spent in procuring bulbs for the school garden. I hope that a re-union ball, mainly for past students will be held this term. , At a moderate estimate about 300 past students of the school are now in Westport and the neighbourhood, and a revival of the Past Students’ Association is very desirable.