HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 28 April 1941, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

fOui Cwn Correspondent]

Shipping: HOKITIKA, April 27. The m.v. Hokitika completed loading at Bruce Bay on Saturday, and sailed at 3 p.m. for Wellington with timber. i The m.v. Gael is expected on Thursday from Wellington. The scow Seagull, which was chartered by the Public Works Depart- , ment to transport heavy machinery and equipment tp South Westland, has completed her task. She proceeded to Greymouth and later sailed for Westhaven to load timber for a northern port. The scow completed her task in quick time and worked the southern harbours without difficult. .

Home Guard: During t,he past few weeks, the Home Guard has fallen far short of the total of 290 enrolled. Although some 30 odd members have enlisted with the Emergency Precautions Corps, they continue" to train with the Home Guard in a special platoon. On Wednesday evening the parade of Hpme Guard and Emergency Precautions men was 54 all told. Although little interest has been taken during the past few weeks, Wednesday evening’s parade was most interesting. The first portion was devoted to physical drill, following which the unit was divided into squads, under separate instructors who underwent musketry instruction under Mr J. S. Bain and rifle drill under Messrs Brooking and Reece, while Mr Mitchell instructed them in map reading and interesting land movements, and Mr Frederick lectured the squads on emergency precautions. From whatj could be gleaned from those present, it appeared as if the next parade would not be well attended either. One man, a keen member and a returned soldier, said he could get as much exercise in the garden, the physical drill and route marches at each parade were becoming monotonous, and there was nothing to hold the interest of members. However, another member said that it was typical of Hokitika to' start off with a bang and then slip back. With world conditions worse, perhaps, than at any period since the war commenced, there is greater need for co-or-dination and service from such organisations as the Home Guard, and it is to be hoped the Home Guard Committee appointed by the Government will endeavour to infuse a greater interest than ever into service that may mean so much to the country in the days to come.

Gala Day: On Saturday afternoon the committee of the Red Cross Queen held a gala day at the Mental Hospital grounds. There was a large attendance, and the programme was interesting, including games, Maori songs and dancing. Mr Tuhuru Tainui unfurled the Stars and Stripes and appealed for donations which were eagerly given. Chopping and sawing events were highlights of the day. The attendants’ chop created endless fun, on? taking nearly five minutes to sever his 12-inch block. Tn ■ a professional chop, Mr J. Gugich had an easy win. A challenge sawing match between Messrs Phillips and Taylor and Messrs Gillespie and Harper caused much amusement, the latter pair winning in a very close finish, the time being 26 seconds. The nurses were busy with raffles and games, while the ladies in charge of the tea rooms did a roaring business. Results were:—Attendants Chop:— First heat: Knight (3 secs.) 1; Roberts (17) 2. Second heat. Wright (7) 1; Barrowman (3) 2. Final: Roberts 1; Wright 2; Barrowman 3. Professional Chop: J. Gugich 1; D. Bradley 2; J. Donaldson 3. Sawing (12-inch

log):—Phillips and Gugi'ch 22secs. 1; Gugich and Donaldson 23secs. 2; Donaldson and Bradley 24 secs. 3. Others to compete were: Milliner and Schroeder 26sec., Phillips and Taylor 27 secs., Bradley and Olsen 24 secs.; Ross and Kean 26secs., Growcott ana Phillips 32secs., Barrowman ana O’Brien 28secs. In a Baby Show, Baby Keen was awarded the first place. The proceeds should swell the funds by over £7O; and tjhe band of workers led by their Chairman, Mr J. Taylor, deserved the success which attended their efforts. Obituary:

The death took place at a late hour on Saturday night* of Mrs ixolan, wife of Mr Thomas Nolan of Wataroa. The late Mrs Nolan family of member of the Walsh femily or Cook’s River, and very weil-known throughout South Westland. The late Mrs Nolan was very popular and her sudden death caused profound regret throughout the district. Besides her husband she leaves a family of thirteen, all of whom are residents of South Westland. Tramping Club:

Mr M. Davidson presided at the meeting of the Hokitika Tramping Club, when the Secretary read a list of members past and present to- be forwarded to Mr T. N. Beckett of Leeston who is preparing a complete list of men who joined the Canterbury Mountaineering Club. Messrs T. Ward and W. Dove reported on their ascent of Mt. Graham on April 6. Messrs F. P. Pugh and party reported on their trek up the Taipo River, and the climbing of Mt. Mclnerney. The party travelled up the river flats as far as Dunn’s Creek using a pack horse to transport supplies. On Mt. Mclnerney plenty of deer were to be seen, but only three good heads were obtained. This trip was most interesting. Many of the members had not previously ventur-| ed so far afield. Messrs J. Kulsen and J. Chapman reported on their climb of Mt. Brown and their trip up the Wainihinihi,. the route was traversed from the north. The condition of the Styx Valley was discussed, members being of opinion that assistance should be sought from the County Council' to remove portion of a dangerous bluff near Breastworks Creek.

Anniversary of• Presbyterian Church: Saint Andrew’s Hall was decorated to represent a drawing room for the celebration of the 75th. anniversary of the Church. Rev. Murray Feist presided, and extended a welcome to visitors, including Miss M. Douglas (Tauranga), Rev. John Davie (Masterton), an ex-Minister of the Church, who is Moderator Designate of the General Assembly. Apologies were received from the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), Rev. A. D. Horwell (Greymouth), and Miss Potts. The chairman said the dominant note of the celebrations should be thanksgiving to God. He asked all to take advantage of the souvenir booklet which was to hand from the printers, and was an excellent production. Greetings were read from past ministers, officials and members of the Church. The Moderator of the General Assembly telegraphed his congratulations and good wishes, also the Rev, G. Budd and Rev J. C. Jamieson.

Mr A., R-. Elcock (Deputy-Mayor) conveyed greetings from the local bodies. Rev, H. A. Childs' spoke for local churches and expressed his appreciation of the friendly way the several denominations worked together. Rev. John Davie offered congratulations the past Ministers. Rev. Robertson offered congratulations from the Presbytery, and spoke in a humorous vein of the sometime pre-eminence of Hokitika in things ecclesiastical in Westland. Miss "A. P. Duff sang two Scotch songs. Six ladies of the choir sang two musical favourites. On behalf of

the Management Committee of the Church, Mr J. Mclntyre made a presentation to Mr W. J. Houston as a token of appreciation of faihtful service given to the committee over the long period of 40 years. A presentation of a copy of Lord’.- Tweedsmuir’s Autiobiography was made to Mr and Mrs S. J. Preston by Miss Joy Goodfellow as a token of esteem from the members of the Sunday School, who deeply appreciated the long and faithful service given to the Sunday School by Mr and Mrs Preston. Mr and Mrs Stevenson and Mrs Parkhill sang .a bracket of songs. In appreciation of their long and faithful service as members of the choir the two ladies were presented with beautiful bouquets, and Mr Stevenson was presented with a handsome buttonhole. After supper, Miss Douglas spoke interestingly of experiences in the Hokitika Manse 40 years ago. She also gave some interesting notes during her term as organist and as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs A. Wilson also enacted some of the happy memories of bygone days, and told of the interests of t,he church.with her father the late William Duncan, also her late husband, and the Minister of her youth, Rev. W. M. Douglas, were active in the congregation. Mr W. Houston, one of the pioneer members of the Church, recalled many happy stories of former days, displaying a remarkable memory as well as a deep appreciation of the finer things of the days that are gone. j

Magistrate’s Court: On Friday, two residents appeared before Messrs F. McGregor and T. W. Duff, J’s.P., charged with drunkenness, and one with damaging property in the Red Lion Hotel. On the charge of damage, he was fined 20and costs. On the charge of drunkenness, both defendants were convicted and discharged. The Bench intimated that both would have prohibition orders taken out against them.

Anzac Day: . , Anzac Day was observed in Hokitika in perfect weather and the parade in the afternoon was the biggest for many years. It commenced at the Drill Hall, the Municipal Band leading, followed by the Territorials, Returned Soldiers (60 strong), Home Guard, Boy Scouts and Boys’ Auxiliary. Mr W. Eastgate was in command, with Mr A. C. Armstrong as marshal. The parade went via Revell Street down Weld Street to the Town Clock (South African Memorial), where Mr F. McGregor deposited a wreath, and a firing party, under Captain Blank, fired three volleys, and Bugler T. Lee sounded “The Last Post.” The parade then moved to Cass Square and halted at the Cenotaph, where a large crowd had gathered for the Memorial Service. Mr A. RElcock presided, and gave a brief resume of the deeds of the Anzacs. Mr J. S. Bafn (Vice-President of the Returned Soldiers’ Association) followed with an introductory talk. The Returned Soldiers’ representatives, Messrs H. Kortegast and H. Wells placed a wreath on the Cenotaph, and the returned soldiers filed past, each depositing a poppy on the wreath. The firing party fired three volleys, and Bugler T. Lee again sounded “The Last Post.” Rev. H. A. Childs led in prayers, and Captain Sampson (Salvation Army), read Psalms. The gathering t;hen sang “God Defend New Zealand.” Rev. R. Marshall (Church of Christ) led in prayer. Mr G. G. M. Mitchell of Greymouth delivered the Anzac- Day address, giving its meanings and teachings. Rev. Murray Feist (Presbyterian Church) pronounced Benediction. The singing of the National Anthem brought the service to a close. A collection was taken up to help the cost of headstones for soldiers’ graves. Then the returned soldiers marched to the cemetery and deposited wreaths on the graves of departed comrades. On return to' the Soldiers’ Hall, the re-

turned men and friends were entertained at afternoon tea. The parade comprised the following: Territorials 30, Municipal Band 28, Returned Soldiers 60, Home Guard 72, Boy Scouts 31, Boys-’ Auxiliary 22.