HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1940, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, March 12. Mr. and Mrs. F. Bade, who have been residents here for many years, leave to-morrow morning for Palmerston North, where they will reside in the future. .Miss J. A. McCallum, who has been a x Sister on the nursing staff of the West land number of years, left yesterday for Christchurch. Prior to her departure Sister McCallum was entertained by members of the staff and pi'CUVMted with a silver tea service, the best wishes of all being expressed for her future. Mr. and Mrs. Cunninghame (Bruce Bay to Hokitika), and Mr. and Mrs. G. Sutherland (Greymouth to Wellington), were passengers by Air Travel (N.Z.) Ltd.’s plane services today.

Rimu Flat dredge this week obtained 218 ozs. .1 dwt. of goid nom 49,503 yards for 134. hours 50 minlit OS.

Leading Seaman Rodgers left this morning for Wellington, where lie will rejoin 11.M.5. Achilles. There was a large attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last evening when a public welcome was extended to him. Mr. Ji. G. Millen (President of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, presided, and on the dais with him were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Perry), Mr. and Mrs. James O’Brien, and Miss Moore. Mr. I). J. Evans (Patron of the R.S.A.), Mi'. J. A. Murdoch (County Chairman). The Municipal' Band played a number of selections. The members of ths R.S.A. formed a guard of honour and there was a large attendance of the public. The guest of honour entered the hall with Mrs. Millen, and was accompanied by Mr. Millen and Mrs. Rodgers (mother of the guest). The Mayor, Mr. G. A. Perry, referred to the battle with the Graf Spee, and the traditions of the British Navy. It had been wonderful news to hear of the success of their navy, and this had been heightened by the knowledge that New Zealand’s own cruiser, fhe Achilles, had taken such a leading part in the successful' action, which would go down in history. All praise was due to the work of the three light cruisers who had proved successful in ensuring the defeat of the Graf Spee. It was doubly interesting to them to know that one of those gallant seamen on the Achilles had come from this district, and it was right and proper to give a proper welcome to him. Mr. R. G. Millen, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, extended a hearty welcome. R.S.A. men had felt a great thrill when they heard of the engagement, which will prove to be one of <‘■’>o wt famous battles over In the last great war it was the zaqp who had made a name for New Zealand. In this .war it was H.M.S. Achilles that had stolen the limelight. The R.S.A. had decided to bestow on I Mr. Rogers membership of the Asso-I elation. He was the first returned man of th.- present war to secure this, honour. Mr. James O’Brien, member for Westland, said he was highly hon-j cured to be present to say a word of I welcome to Leading Seaman Rogers on his return after the great teat he and his comrades had done in the great fight in the South Atlantic. Now wc had one of our own chaps back here to tell all about it, though he recognised the extreme modesty of these returned men, whose story had to be dragged out of them. He was proud to be present and to say a word of .encouragement. If everyone in New Zealand did what the men of the Achilles had done, then we would be much better off. If all gave service New Zealand would have nothing to fear. He was proud' to be here, proud of the reception given by West-

land and proud of what the gugst of the evening and his comrades had done. (Applause). Mr. J. A. Murdoch (County Chairman) said he was pleased to be able to speak on behalf of the people of Westland and join in the welcome. Hokitika was doing itself honour in giving honour to one to whom honour was due. It was a great service that had been done, resulting in the scuttling of the great German .ship. The news of the victory had given them all a thrill. The young man had told him that he was nervous, but he had to remind him that he had his mother with him. <Applause). Th e Mayor then, on behalf of the people, presented the guest with a handsome gold wrisllet watch. A handsome bouquet was presented to the guest of honour’s mother, Mrs. Rogers, by Mrs. T. Stuart.

Leading Seaman Rogers was very heartily received on rising to reply. He said lie had no idea that he was going to receive such a great welcome, or he thought he would not have come down here, but he was glad he iiad come home, because there was no place like the West Coast. They had three West Coasters on their ship, one from Westport and one from Greymouth. He proceeded to briefly outline some of the •happenings that led up to the battle and scuttling. They were then some distance away, but came in to see the death, which he emphasised was a very nice sight to see. They at once went to sea again and then heard they were to come back to New Zealand and he was very pleased at the news. It took- them 23 days to get to New Zealand. Concluding, he referred to his young days and how he. wanted to see the world and decided I to go to sea. He again expressed his thankfulness to all who had extended him such a warm and generous welcome. (Applause). A pleasing musical programme was given, including: Solo by Miss Anne Duff (encored); duet, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Perry (encored); pianoforte duet, Miss A. Daly and Mrs. Jordan; solo, Mr. A. E. Perry (encored) and piano accordcon by Mr. G. Bowman. The accompaniments were supplied by Miss Giese and Mr. Copp. By special request Mr. Rogers gave a short song and a chorus and some community singing was indulged in. On behalf of the Patriotic Society, Mrs. Perry presented a parcel, to Vhe guest. At the back of the dais a large sheet bore the words “Well Dond, Achilles,” an artistic effort by Mr. B. Andrews of 'the Lands and Survey Department. | It took the fancy of the guest, and he asked for it, with a request that it be 1 autographed by those present. I he request was acceded to, and most of those present supplied their names. A painty supper was handed round, and the hall was cleared and dancing commenced, music being supplied by the Rhythm Dance Band, Mr. D. . Breeze being in charge of the floor A very successful dance was held on Saturday night at Ruatapu in aid of Kokatahi Band funds. Bright music was supplied by the Victorian Bance Band, assisted by the Kokatahi Band. During the evening Mr. C. Woolhouse, on behalf of the Kokatahi Band, presented Mr. Wilson, Senr., with a pipe in recognition of the'services he had rendered the band during their visits there. Mr. Wilson suitably replied. The guessing competition run by the Band was won by Mr. S. M. Wallace. The material for the obelisk at OKarito to commemorate the visit of the early voyagers, Tasman and Cook, passing up the West Coast, and honouring the early pioneers o South Westland, a Centennial effort by the ’residents of the southern district, is now being placed on the ground .n preparation for erection. Owing to difficulties of transport, the memorial is likely to be erected on the Okarito Domain, instead of Tug Hill. The unveiling is set down to take place in May next, and the occasion w-H be

made a gala time in the south. Sports are being organised at various centres, and the ...general celebrations should attract a large attendance. , The Kokatahi Women’s Institute 'held their ordinary monthly and annual meeting on Thursday, 7th, Mrs. Kemp presiding. Eight new mem,'bers were welcomed. Mrs. O’Reilly was elected president, Mrs. Hall vicepresident, and Mrs. Woolhouse secretary. Arrangements were made for a garden party at Mrs. Diedrich’s on Saturday, in aid of patriotic funds. The competitions resulted as follows: Cream Puffs, Mrs. Kelly 1, Mrs. Cron 2, Mrs. Kemp 3. Bloom, Mrs. Meharry 1, Mrs. Woolhouse 2, Mrs. Cron 3. Amateur Garden, Mrs. Kemp 1, Mrs. Woolhouse 2, Mrs. '.Kelly 3.