WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 13 December 1940, Page 11

WESTPORT NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent! High Tides for December: Friday 13—9.11 a.m.; 9.26 p.m. Saturday, 14—9.44 a.m.; 10.4 p.m. Sunday, 15—10.21 a.m.; 10.40 p.m. Monday, 16—10.59 a.m.; 11.21 p.m. Shipping: WESTPORT, December 12. The Kaitoa is due from Picton tonight to load coal for Nelson. The Nikau is due from Wellington to-night to load coal for Nelson. The Wingatui is expected from Wellington to-morrow to load coal for return to Wellington. The Poolta is expected from Greymouth on Saturday to complete the coal loading for Napier and Gisborne. The Titoki is expected from Nelson about next Wednesday to load coal for Tarajcohe. Personal: I

Mr. J. Conaghan, West Coast Organiser of the General and Allied Unions, is visiting Westport. Squadron Leader Colder, arrived by ’plane to-day and was accompanied by the Mayor (Mr. J. M. Robertson), on a tour of inspection of the local aerodrome. Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Hatton, were passengers by yesterday’s plane to Nelson.

Miss McFarlane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. McFarlane, Westport, arrived yesterday afternoon from New Plymouth to spend her Christmas holidays at Westport. The following candidates were successful in passing the Public Service Stenographers’ Examination—Senior: May Trotter. junior: Mary McNamara, Kathleen Bignell, Alice McManus. All were pupils of St. Mary’s College. Mr. Ray Culpitt, the popular manager of the Victoria Theatre, who leaves Westport on Friday for Taihape on transfer, was on Tuesday at the conclusion of the performance met by the staff and fittingly farewelled. Miss El Vitaglich, in asking Mr. Culpitt to accept a silver cigarette case as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the staff, regretted his departure and wished him every success in the future. Other speakers were Misses Mae Murray, Joan Walls, Jean Sutherland, Messrs Frank Todd and Harry Todd. Mr. Culpitt thanked the staff for their thoughtfulness and reciprocated the season’s greetings. Card Tournament:

The Labour Party’s card tournament was given capacity support on Tuesday evening. The euchre awards w’ent to Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Mallett and Mr. Perkins. The forty-fives competition was won by Mrs. White. A dainty supper was provided.

Dividend: At a meeting of directors of the Addison’s Flat Gold Mining Co. held last evening, ,a dividend of 10 per cent., payable on December 15, was declared.

Buller L.R.C.: Mr. H. Stephen presided at a meeting of the Buller L.R.C. held at the week end. There was a good attendance of northern end delegates. The meeting was mainly called in connection with the forthcoming local body elections and nominations for National Office. It was decided that the Buller L.R.C. contest local body elections, and affiliations be notified that nominations must be in the hands of the Secretary (Mrs. Irene Ryan) not later than January 17th., same to be considered at a meeting to be held on January 18th. The matter of election committee for local bodies and finance for same was held over until next meeting. The Secretary was instructed to make inquiries re persons eligible to contest local body elections and in the event of a reply not being satisfactory, the Hon. P. C. Webb be asked to confer with the Crown Law Office re same. It was also decided to ask local bodies that in future, unless there is more than one nominee of the same name, the surname only be printed on ballot papers. The nominations for Head Office were: President. Mr. J’. Roberts; Vice President, Mr. J. Thorne; Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. M. Moohan; five Executive members, Mesdames Semple and Stewart, Messrs J. Barclay. P. Dowse and T. Erindle. These were the only nominees. For the Divisional Area Officer, and Provincial Executive member, two were nominated, Mr. A. H. McKane and Mrs. Irene Ryan. Mrs. Ryan was declared the Buller L.R.C. official nominee, and all affiliations were pledged to support her candidature. It was decided to ask the Hon. P. C. Webb to address a public meeting in Westport at a suitable date. It is the intention of Mr. Webb to visit Westport before Christie as. Remits were forwarded to the annual conference. Shares in the Labour Daily were left in the hands of Mr. J. Thorne, M.P. After Christmas greetings were extended, the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

Emergency Precaution: A meeting of leaders of transport in sections in the Emergency Precautions’ Scheme, was held in the County Council Chambers last evening, with Mr. W. A. Smith presiding over an attendance of some 25 members. Mr. Smith gave a general outline of the scheme, which Admiral Sydenham explained in more detail, showing what steps had been taken to rope with any emergency, such as fire, flood, earthquake or emergencies arising out of the war. Mr. Smith, with the use of a plan of Westport, explained that there were 117 blocks, divided into 31 sections, each officer having control of a section of four blocks. Forms were supplied giving further details from the central or headquarters staff outward in the hope that should an emergency arise, all section controllers and those under their direction would promptly and efficiently take up their allotted tasks.

A. and P. Association: Mr. W. H. Hateley, presided over a meeting of the General Committee of the Buller A. and P. Association held last evening. There were also present: Messrs L. Menzies, F. Skilton, .J. P. Burley, D. Broad, R. White, J. McEnaney, F. Kelly, H. Palmer M. Durkin and T. Carter. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr. A. Vincent. The appointments of Mr. Peach and Mr. Martyn, of Rangiora, as judges of the horse and cattle sections respectively, were confirmed. A letter was received from the Gordon Vacuum Break Milkers, Limited, offering a set of specially patented cups valued at £2 15s as a trophy. Fertilisers (South Island)

Limited also announced their intention of renewing their donation ot one half ton superphosphate. The secretary was instructed to write and thank the donors for their substantial donations. 'The report of the Ladies Committee was adopted. An enquiry in regard to space for sideshows was held over until next meeting. Mr. Broad reported on behalf of Mr. Vincent and himself on the canvass of that part of the town so far completed, and stated that the canvassers had been well received and interest in the Show was apparently well sustained. Mr. Hateley also reported in connection with the partial canvass made by himself. The allotment ot several special prizes by members was held over until, the canvass had been fully completed. Messrs E. C. Holder, A. H. Henley and Self Help Co-op.,’ Ltd., were elected members of the’ Association. Mr. L. Menzies said that the Westport-Stockton Coal Company would be prepared to give a prize of £1 if a class was provided for best prop horse up to nine props. It was decided to thank the Company for their offer. Mr. J. P. Burley was accorded a vote of thanks in connection with his good services in ar-' ranging for judges while in Christchurch last moqth. Mr. Broad reported in regard to the horse parade, which he suggested should take place at 12.45 p.m. on People’s Day, and stated that business premises were willing to co-operate in connection with the parade. Mr. Parkinson was thanked for his offer to arrange for a boys’ boxing exhibition on People’s Day, but the committee regretted being unable to take advantage of the effer. The secretary was instructed to send good wishes to Messrs J. Reedy and T. Marr, who are leaving with the Expeditonary Force. It was decided to ascertain the opinion of the Ladies’ Committee in regard to a Soldiers’ Comfort display at the Show. Carter's Aerodrome:

Councillor M. O’Dea brought up the matter of Carter’s Beach aero'drome at last night’s Borough Council meeting. He said that this was only a landing ground and not an aerodrome, as planes could only use it when ’weather conditions were favourable. In putting forward reasons for turning the ground into an all weather aerodrome, he said that Pan American Airways were considering replacing their flying boats with land machines. If that were so, a proper aerodrome at Westport would be very useful, as Westport was the nearest point to Australia. Then again, aviation was a mainstay in a district as isolated as this one was. This was looking at the necessity of a proper aerodrome from a civilian point of view, continued Mr. O’Dea. From a military point of view it was necessary to protect the coal mines and the port, which was very vulnerable. He referred also to the presence of a commerce raider, which, he said, brought home the proximity of the war to New Zealand. Carter’s Beach aerodrome was the most suitable for an Air Force base on the whole coast. First, because of its central position and secondly because it would be easily convertable into a first class aerodrome. He thought that Air Force planes should be kept there all the time in readiness for whatever eventualities arose. Having them on the spot would cut out the valuable time wasted in bringing them from elsewhere. Because of Westport’s strategic importance in relation to the various trade routes, said Cr. O’Dea, an Air Force station here would not only benefit the Buller district but New Zealand as a whole. Cr. O. L. Nahr agreed with Cr. O’Dea, and said that there were men working on the roads who could be better employed in building a first class aerodrome at Westport. He said that the urgency of the work should be impressed upon the Government. 'The Mayor, Mr. J. M. Robertson, said that the matter had already been put to representatives ot the Government. However, till yesterday, nothing had been done. Yesterday, an Air Force plane had come over and made an inspection of both the landing grounds, so it looks as if something was under way. Cr. W. P. Caldwell said it was necessary to keep hammering at the Government ziver this matter till something was done. A motion that the necessity of completing Carter’s Beach aerodrome and of establishing a New Zealand Air Force station there, be brought before the member for the district, Mr. Webb, was passed.

Evening Sports: The Westport Amateur Athletic Club held its opening meeting on Victoria Square last evening. Results were as follows —-Men's events: 100 vards senior: T. Coyne (7) 1, A. Jackson (10) 2 P. Davis (8) 3. Time 10 2-5 sec. 440 Yards Senior: T. Coyne (15) 1, A. Jackson (35) 2, P. McNamara (18) 3. Time 55 sec. 75 Yards Junior: M. Marshall (scr.) 1 J. Parkhouse (2) 2, M. Eddy (4) ’ 3. Time 11 2-5 sec. 100 Yards Junior: M. Marshall (scr.) 1, J’. Parkhouse (2) 2, M. Eddy (4) 3. 'lime 11 2-5 sec. Junior Cycle, one lap: R. Withers (scr.) 1, P. Drennan (50) 2. Women’s Events: 75 yards: B. Parkinson (2J) 1, M. O’Neill (5) 2 J. Forsythe (6) 3. Time 8 4-5 sec. 100 Yards: B. Parkinson (4) 1, N. O’Neill (7) 2 J. Forsythe (11) 3. Time 12 1-5 sec.

Bowling: Westport Bowling Club will be represented by two rinks at the Dominion Tournament, which begins at Christchurch on January 6. They are: G. M. Powell, J. Comerford, A. Burt, G. Head (s.); S. Jenkins, R. Brown, R. Hansby, and J. Green (s.). Technical School Social: The annual break-up dance was held in the Technical High School last evening. Nearly all the pupils who attended the School during the year were present, as well as the majority of the staff. Several competitions were held. Morris Marshall (head prefect), acted as M.C. Excellent music was supplied by Mrs. Gurtis and Mr. Samuel, whom Mr. Metson (Principal) thanked for supplying music so generously during the year and presented them with Christmas gifts. Mr. Samuel suitably replied. A very tasty supper was provided by the » girls, senior girls acting as hostesses.

Buller Branch C.A.A. At an executive meeting of the Bujller Automobile Association, the Town Clerk advised that the borough had agreed to repaint street signs in Westport. It was agreed that representations be made to the Minister of Supplies for the establishment of a bulk petrol store at Westport, the nearest point to Australia with two aerodromes. A suggestion was made that the meeting night of the local executive be alter-

ed as the present meeting night clashed with the monthly meeting of the local Patriotic, Committee. It was agreed to leave the matter over until next meeting. The secretary was instructed to convey seasonal greetings to our delegate at head office and to the members of the Greymouth and Hokitika branches. Mr J. W. Curtis extended season’s greetings to his executive and’ thanked them for his interest and support. Mr E. Fair, on behalf of the executive, returned thanks.

Technical School Break-up: There was a large gathering a t the break-up of the Technical School. Proceedings opened with • “Gaudeamus,” by the pupils. The chairman of the Board, Mr J. H. Harkness, spoke on school traditions. rrL Principal, Mr J. Metson, 8.A., then read his annual report, after which the pupils sang “God Defend New Zealand.” Mrs Bird presented the prizes and the Mayoress, Mrs J. M. Robertson, presented various sports trophies after which Mr Robertson congratulated winners and said that there were many prizes for them to gain in years to come. He also congratulated the staff on their good work. Morris Marshall replied on behalf of the pupils and called for three cheers. Mr Harkness extended seasonal greetings and expressed l)he' hope that those returning next year would do so refreshed in body with minds ready for hard work. After the ceremony parents and board members were the guests of the staff at an informal afternoon tea. Mr A. Hunter, on behalf of the board, congratulated the staff on the excellent afternoon tea. Mr Metson said most credit for the function went to Miss E. M. Gilmore, Home Science mistress. The function gave the staff an opportunity to meet the parents and board members. The prize list is as follows: —-

P.l —Ist merit,, Sheil a Croawell; 2nd merit, Maude Clarke; progress, Phyllis Lemon. C.l—lst merit, Robert Lineham; 2nd merit, Cynthe, a Weekes; progress, Eila Bowater E.l—lst merit, John Stowell; progress, Reginald Clewer. p.2—lst merit, Nancy Tregurtha; progress, Joseph Levy. C.2—lst merit, Marcia Roselli; 2nd merit, Joan Keoghan; progress, Valma Golding. E.2 —Ist merit, Gordon Stephen; progress, Stanley Jackson. P.3—lst merit equal, Laurence Bascand and Colin Strachan.

C. 3, 4—lst meritf, Geoffrey Hickford; progress, Jean Bowden. P.4—Dux, Nesla Pomeroy; progress, John Lewis. Mr Harkness special for reading— Boys, John Smith; girls, Shirley Cunningham. Mr W. Brown’s Cup for Engineering, Robert Hawes. Clarke and Co. Medal for Domestic Science, Nancy Tregurtha. Senior Prefects: Margaret Roselli and Ashley Corbett. Mr J. M.. Robertson’s and Board’s special prizes for toys: Ist, Charles Lemon (15s); 2nd, Robert Hawes (10s); 3rd equal, Ralph Bennett (7s 6d) and Gordon Marshall (7s 6d).

School Committee: At the meeting of the School. Committee Mrs A. Hunter (chair), and Messrs F. Knight, W. Borlase, W. Martin, J. Jones, W. J. Hart, D. Hardie, Champion and Mrs R. Satchwell were present; also the headmaster, Mr F. N. R. Downaifd. Nelson Education Board wirote recommending Miss A. R. Wilson for an appointment as assistant mistress. Mr Hardie criticised the apparent slow progress of work on the new South School. He had spoken to experienced builders who had been under the impression that the school was being built on the “five year plan.” Westport representatives on Nelson Education Board should be asked to secure a report on the work, and also some idea as to when the school would be ready. A motion to this effect was passed. Mr Knight expressed regret at the departure of Mr Downard, who had been trans-1 ferred to Hamilton, and trusted he would find his new sphere as congenial as his stay in Westport, wishing his every success. The other members of the committee extended their felicitations and were as one in their eulogies of the good work Mr Downard had done in Westport. In reply, Mr Downard thanked the members and said that anything he had done had been because he felt it his duty. He had fought for the establishment of two new schools in place of the present central one, and at last his efforts had been rewarded. He was sure that the .new schools would progress rapidly. Mrs Hunter expressed her thanks to the committee and Mr Downard for the help they had given her.

Patriotic Committee: At the monthly meeting of the Buller District Patriotic Committee, Mr J. M. Robertson (chair), Mesdames Tyler (Ngakawau), Satchwell, Bird, Spencer, Ridsdale, Miss Findlay, Messrs Brown, Thomas, Crossan (Denniston), Mann, Archer, Adjt. Morley, Wimsett (Sergeants Hill) attended'. The secretary explained that regular contributions were being made by certain people and firms. Some had dropped out. In a general discussion it was stated it would be advisable to make a further personal appeal in the new year for the patriotic funds. Nelson Provincial Council wrote asking the amount of cash in hand on November 27. The secretary replied on advice from the treasurer, £624 4s 6d. Since that date a further £5OO had been forwarded to Nelson. Nelson Council forwarded 841bs of wool. The chairman said that four boxes of books had been forwarded to the camp at Burnham. The treasurer reported that the receipts for the period November 1 to December 6 amounted to £492 12s 4d, and that the total receipts to date were £4636 13s sd. There had been £BO raised last week by Nelson visitors for the Nelson Xmas raffle. Westport Boy Scouts held a concert with a return of £l3 IQs. Buller Soldiers’ Comforts Committee, Paddy’s Market and raffles realised £63 18s 3d. Karamea committee gala day at Kongahu, realised £lO6 13s 9d, and Oparara competition £5. Ngakawau-Hector committee held a popular girl competition with a return of £lOO 10s Bd. The Horseowners’ and Breeders’ Association matinee meeting is expected to show a material addition to the funds. The comm.itee opproved of organising a Queen Carnival in the new year, and chat Queens represent' the Air Force, Army and Navy.