HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 13 December 1940, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own correspondent] HOKITIKA, December 12. Owing t’P the showery weather, the swimming sports, to have been held here this evening, were cancellAdvice has been received by the Sisters of Mercy that the following Convent candidates were successful at the Government shorthand-typists’ examination held at the Convent of Mercy, Hokitika on November 16:— Senior Government, Isabel Spoor; Junior Government, Credit pass, Seena Dowell; pass, Vivienne Heenan, June Ward. The Patriotic Committee reports that there were forwarded to Wellington to-day, 12 cases of goods containing four pairiS of socks, nine gift parcels, three skull caps, 235 scarves, 192 pairs of mittens, 26 balaclavas, 18 hussifs and four pay book covers. The Home Guard, with platoon officers, paraded last evening, about 160 strong. Mr W. Eastgate was in charge of four augmented platoons, who were exercised by the commanders in various movements, marched steadily, and showed attention to discipline and the word of command. The interest manifested was very commendable. The wedding took place on Saturday at All Saints’ Church of Mr H. G. Diedrichs, youngest son of Mrs W. F. Diedrichs, of Kokatahi, and Miss K E. Levett, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Levett of Harihari. Rev. R. H. Childs officiated. The bride, escorted by her father, wore a magnolia satin frock with Richelieu panels, back and front, and cut tulle veil, with an orange blossom coronet, and carried a shower bouquet of cream flowers. Misses Joan Levett and Gwynne Appleton wore daffodil frocks of stiffened net, and Dolly Varden bonnets to match, and carried sheafs of autumn flowers. Mr W. A. Diedrichs, brother of the bridegroom, was best man, and Mr S. M. Wallace, groomsman. Miss M. Davies at the organ, accompanied solos by Miss A. Duff and Mr E. Dowell. Later a reception was > held at the Hotel Westland, about 200 being present. The bride’s mother wore a navy ensemble and fur stole, and carried a bouquet of apricot begonias. The bridegroom’s mother wore a black and white frock, with hat to match, and a fox fur. The newlymarried couple later left for Christchurch, the bride travelling in a tealblue frock and hat, with musquash fur coat, the gift of the bridegroom. At the monthly meeting of the Westland County Council there were present: Crs. James Donovan (chairman), W. A. Jamieson, W. Searle, G. Rowley. B. Ward, P. J. McLean, fl. P. ONeil, J. A. Murdoch, and A. Dale. The chairman moved: “fl’hat in view of the necessity for the i econstruction of the Lower Waitangi bridge to bring in a large extent of highly j productive country, a public meeting I be held at Wataroa of the residents I of the district to consider a loan proI posal to meet tire Council’s contribution. —Seconded bv Cr McLean. It was pointed out that under an offer of Hon. Semple of 30s for £l, the payments required would be Government subsidy £2263 10s, Council’s contribution £1509. It was decided that a public meeting be held at Wataro a on December 18 to place a proposal before the ratepayers affected to raise a loan of £lOOO for the purpose, the County fund to provide the balance required. Mr E. T. Stoop was re-appointed mining valuer. The salary of the clerk, Mr D. J. Evans, was increased by £5O per annum as from November 1. Accounts amounting to £3280 were passed. Mr Harris, Kokatahi, reported probable serious damage to Kokatahi, Oliver br.Mge owiing to flood. The Overseer reported he had inspected the bridge and there was

no alteration in its condition, which was quite safe. The Overseer was instructed to report on the cost of approaches and bridge over Duck Creek on Bladier road. In connection with road access required by Mr A. Cropper, at Koiterangi, the subject was referred to Crs Jamieson, Dale and O’Neil to interview the settler. Gibb Bros, Waiho, applied for £ for £ subsidy up to £25 for urgent protection work on the south bank of Docherty Creek.—Referred to Overseer to inspect. Stuart and Chapman Ltd., wrote explaining the position in respect to Kakapotahi river protection and making an offer in regard to supplying siding and supply of slaps. It was decided that thanks be conveyed for their offer. South Island 'Travel Association asked afsWnce in connection with issue of a revised guide book for the West Coast. Referred to the clerk. The Warden’s Court, advised that requests for treatment of rents as non-recoverable, were submitted for the Council’s action from estate Herbert E. Winter, Okarito, £6 6s lOd; Stafford Gold Dredging Co., £5B 16s sd; Stafford Sluicing Ltd. £2 7s 3r; V. A. Cron, £1 13s I 8d. —Requests agreed to. The Highi ways Council forwarded plan and report on Waitangi bridge for restoration of traffic, estimated to cost £3772 10s, and asked special attention to the highways over the holiday period. The Mayor of Runanga wrote appealing for funds for the sufferers in the recent coal-mining accident.— Referred to Cr Murdoch and Clerk. Mr E. T. Stoop wrote thanking' the Council for generous consideration shown him owing to illness from accident, and hoping to return to his duties Shortly. The chairman said they were pleased to know Mr Stoop had recovered so well. They would be still more pleased to know that he was well enough to return to his work in the new year. Mr Jas. O’Brien, 3VLP., wrote supplying information of position at present regarding the flooding of Lower Block Settlement, Waitangi. Mr O’Brien also wrote explaining that at the interview with Mr Semple, he was disposed to grant 30s for £1 to restore the bridge. The Public Works Department notified grant available for Cron’s access road, £2OB, £2 for £1; also stating Poerua river protection was at present in incomplete state; question of additional works was under consideration; a)l!so explaining that although the first estimate for restoring Waitangi bridge was £1900„ the cost would be not less than £3500. The Overseer reported: Cropper’s private road was inspected. It has a total length of 50 chains. It would- require repairs to cost £3O, which Mr Cropper will carry out for £l5. Or, in the alternative, the Council to give Mr Cropper permission to use the unformed road off the Muncipal road, distance 11 chains. He will open the road without cost to: the Council, but adjoining sections will require fencing by the owners. Kanieri river erosion was complained of by Mr T. Hutchison. The distance from the road or tramway is 24 chines. About 14 feet ’of the river bank has been cut away during the past 12 months. A scrub protection anchored with iron rails and wire ropes, is estimated +o cost £lB. Little erosion took place during the last flood. Kakapotahi protection: Inspected this work with the representative of Stuarlt and Chapman Ltd., who has made a written offer. The work involves the construction of eight chains of tramline along the river bank, with shunting points, the cost of which is estimated at £BO. The slates to be delivered at site will cost the Council about 5s per truck, to unload.