HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 May 1941, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

four Own Correspondent!

Personal:

HOKITIKA, May 23.

Mr R. Paterson has left for Wellington to attend the Dominion Conference of the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

Mr and Mrs C. L. Harper returned to-day from a holiday visit to Christchurch.

Three more Hokitika boys report their safe exit from Greece. Mr J. Conning has received advice that his two sons had returned safely from Greece; and Mr W. Reynolds also received a cable intimating that his son was safe after the withdrawal.

Mr K. W. Reece, of Hokitika, who has been undergoing an intensive training course at Burnham Military Camp, returned this morning.

Mr and Mrs A. F. Breeze left on Wednesday on a visit to Wellington.

Shipping: The Hokitika completed loading at three o’clock this afternoon, and will sail for Wellington at ten o’clock tomorrow, Saturday morning.

The Gael is due to-morrow morning from Okuru with cattle. The vessel will load timber on Monday for Wellington.

Heavy Rain: Last night was one of the wildest for some time in Hokitika, with thunder, lightning and exceptionally heavy rain, which fell for .some hours. The conditions were at their worst at about 3 a.m. to-daj r . AU low-lying parts of the town were flooded, and when day broke evidence of the downpour was to be seen everywhere. The streets and water channels received a good cleaning. The weather cleared later in the morning, the day being clear.

Women’s Auxiliary: The following have been elected as Platoon Commanders for. the Women’s Auxiliary here: Mesdames G. Key, A. Stevenson, J. Langford and Miss M. Rowe. The Platoon Commanders will select their Sergeants and section leaders, and those officials will be announced at this week’s parade. Miss M. Preston has been appointed Company Sergeant-Major. The Auxiliary intends to re-form the platoons, so that cycling, transport and canteen corps will be placed as near as possible in separate platoons.

Minister Farewelled: St. Andrew’s Hall on Wednesday evening was crowded on the occasion of a social tendered by the congregation to Rev. Murray Feist and Mrs Feist, prior to their departure from the district. Rev. Mr Horwell of Greymouth, presided and the gathering was fully representative. A shoit musical programme was given as follows:—Pianoforte solo, Mrs Jordan; vocal solo, Mrs Graham; recitation, Mrs Rowe; vocal solo, Mr Guthrie.

The chairman, referring to the approaching departure of Rev. and Mrs Feist, stated he had known Mr Feist for some 14 years. On behalf of the Presbytery he wished to express their appreciation of the work done by Mr Feist in the district. He had given a helping hand, and was valued as a Minister and a friend. He was sorry he was going from this district, but at Matamata he would, have a district that would give full scope for his capabilities as a worker of the Church.

Rev. Robertson (Runanga), spoke in terms of appreciation of the excellent work done by Mr Feist. The Presbytery were specially indebted to him for the assistance he had so freely given. Mr W. Houston expressed his deep regret that Mr Feist was departing, and spoke in most eulogistic terms of the work done by Mr Feist during his stay in the Hokitika district. He as-

sured him and Mrs Feist of a warm welcome on any occasion that they were able to return to the district. On behalf of the congregation he asked acceptance of a filled envelope. Mr Rowe spoke in glowing terms of the work of Mr and Mrs Feist, especially among the young people. Miss Potts, on behalf of the P.W.M U., referred to the good work carried on by Mrs Feist. All members appreciated her work, and were very sorry she was going away. She asked acceptance of a handbag from the Union and Women’s Guild. Mrs Parkhill, as President of the Women’s Guild, spoke also in enlogy of Mrs Feist.

Mrs Feist, returning thanks, stated her work in Hokitika had been very pleasant and she keenly appreciated the many kindnesses that had been extended to her. She felt glad to be able to leave with the good wishes of all the kind friends she was leaving behind. She wished to say goodbye then, as she .was leaving the next afternoon by the rail-car. Rev. L. G. Hanna spoke on behalf of the Ministers’ Association, and asked Rev. Mr Feist’s acceptance of a bound volume as a mark of their esteem, and Rev. Childs (President of the Ministers’ Association) supported the expressions of goodwill; and l wished Mr and Mrs Feist all the best from the members of the Church of England. Mr S. 'J. Preston (Superintendent of the Sunday School), said he regretted the departure of both Mr and Mrs Feist and extended them the good wishes of the school children, i Mr Every, on behalf of the Bible | Classes presented a framed photograph *of Scots’ ‘Memorial Church. Rev. K. Hadfield extended greetings and good wishes on behalf of Woodstock, Kokatahi, Ruatapu and Ross congregations.

Rev. Mr Feist, replying, said he wished to thank members of the Presbytery for all the help they had given him. To all his friends on the West Coast he offered his thanks for their kindness while he had been in Hokitika. A good deal of what he had been able to do was due to the help he had received from Mrs Feist. All had helped in the course of his work. One of the joys of going was the knowledge that the work of the Church and the Sunday School would still go forward. He found it hard to say goodbye now that he was going, because of the break with so many true friends his wife and he had made during his term in Hokitika. He specially desired to thank the Matrons of the Hospitals and the staff of the Westland Hospital, who were so understanding and assisting to the Ministers on the occasion of their many visits to inmates of the institutions. He concluded by expressing thanks for all the good things given them that night, which would be appreciated by Mrs Feist and himself. A dainty supper was served before the gathering concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Air Force Band: The Royal N.Z. Air Force Band has kindly consented to play a programme at the Westland Hospital after the ceremonial parade at Cass Square on Tuesday afternoon. The Band will have a big reception in Hokitika. Although the box plan was only opened at two o clock, this afternoon, many seats were bookedupwards of £25 being taken in the first three hours.

Football:

The Excelsior Club notified the Rugby Union that they would be unable to field a junior team, and. their team has withdrawn from the junior competition. ' > The senior match, Kokatahi versus Hokitika, * will take ' place at Cass Square at 2.45 to-morrow. Mr A. Cutbush will referee the match.