HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1939, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

LOur Own Correspondent]

HOKITIKA, October 20.

The death took place this morning at his residence, Hampden Street, ol an old and esteemed resident, Mr w Hr liam Smith. Deceased was a resident of Sheerness, England, and 87 years of age, and had teen a resident of New Zealand for about 80 years, tlic ( greater portion of that period being spent in Hokitika and district. Dc- i ceased was a well-known figure in the town. In his earlier years he was al-| I ached to many survey camps up and down the Coast. He was a member ol the Hokitika Fire Brigade over a long! period of years, and had the gold star for 25 years’ continuous service. At many public functions he was a notable figure in either Fire Brigade or jockey dress. He was well-known throughout the Coast, and his passing will be sincerely regretted. He leaves a widow and two sons, Thomas and Albert. Possessed of a wonderful memory, deceased could recount many stirring tales of the early days, including contact with bushranging gangs. When returning on horseback from South Westland, Mr Smith found the road barricaded and the stage set to hold up the mail coach returning to Hokitika with gold from mining parties.. Realising his danger, Mr Smith put his horse at full gallop and cleared the barricade, and reported the matter to the police. He was a lovable and sterling character, whose passing will be deeply regretted. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, a Fire Brigade funeral being accorded the remains.

Mr O. McGuigan, of Humphreys, who has been on a holiday visit to Britain, has arrived in Australia on his way home, and is making a short stay there before coming on to New Zealand.

An inquest was opened yesterday afternoon by the Coroner, Mr A. E. Benjamin, into the circumstances of the death of John Young at Jackson Bay on Thursday morning last, Hie remains having been brought Io Hokitika yesterday. After evidence of identification had been given the inquest was adjourned sine die. From information received it is understood that the deceased was 63 years of age and had been engaged in light work by the Public Works Department when he fell down and he died a few minutes after. A post mortem was held yesterday. Deceased has a sister at Bulls, North Island. The funeral’ took place to Hokitika cemetery this morning at 11 o’clock. The death of Thomas Charles, the ten-year-old son of Mr and Mrs Charles Pfahlert, of. Kanicri, took place yesterday afternoon.

The death occurred suddenly at Wellington on Wednesday last of Miss Burmeister, - former well-known resident of Okuru district. She had been ailing for some time. Mrs Colin Macfarlane, until lately of Hokitika, is the only remaining sister of the family.

Although it was hoped to be able to keep the box factory working full time, manufacturing butter boxes at Hokitika wharf, word was received from headquarters to close down last Monday. As a result, most of the hands have been paid off, and the factory is idle once again. Only two men have been kept on, the manager and the machinist.

In the final of the Hokitika snooker championship, J. Bassett beat F. Hall by 14 points. Bassett’s experience enabled him to beat his promising rival, while Hall failed to show the form he had exhibited in former tournament games.

The heavy seas running along the coast over the past few days, have once again closed the channel over the Hokitika bar. The Gael was expected to work the port this week, but has been diverted to Greymouth. The

port lias now been closed for the past four months. Business people complain of the delay in receiving their goods through Greymouth, and will welcome the opening of the port. PLAY SAFE—TAKE “BAXTERS.” H’s best to take “Baxters”—the safe, sure, certain cough remedy. Baxters Lung Preserver has been proved best by generation after generation. “Baxters” with water is best for children. Don’t take that cough home—take Baxters Lung Preserver —l/6, 2/6, and 4/6, all chemists and stores, It pays to insist upon “Baxters.”