HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 19 June 1941, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent], HOKITIKA, June 18. Personal: Mr R. Wild left lor Christchurch yesterday. Mr G. Maunder, of Takaka, is at present visiting his mother. Mrs Maunder of Roileston Street. Hokitika soldiers reported wounded include: Privates J. H. Adams, son of Mrs C. Adams, Hokitika; D. H. Gillanders, son of M'rs A. M. Gillanders, Ruru; and John Gillespie, son ot Mr J. Gillespie, Ireland, wno was an employee of the Westland Hospital Board prior to enlisting. Shipping: The Gael completed her loading yesterday, but was unable to sail, ft' is expected that conditions will permit her to do so to-morrow morning. The following passengers will go to Okuru by the vessel: Messrs J. Woods, W. Woods, J. Smith and A. Noble. The Gael is due on Saturday evening, and will load a further cargo for Jackson’s Bay. Court News: Messrs A. H. Lawn and E. W. Heenan, J’s.P., fined R'. J. Diedrichs 10s with costs for parking his car in Revell Street. For having defective brakes and no warrant of fitness, D. J. Jack was fined 10s with costs on each charge. P. J. Minehan and Harold Gardiner, were each fined 10s with costs for allowing cattle to wander at Ross. For parking a bicycle on the footpath, Francis Lowe was ordered to pay costs 10s. Sergeant Gilligan said the parking of bicycles on the footpaths during the black-out was a dangerous nractice. The Police had received many complaints, and were advised by the Borough Council to take proceedings. The Bench said as this was the first case, defendant would be ordered to pay Court costs only. Many of the complaints were from women. There should be no obstructions on the footpaths. In all future cases, fines would be inflicted. County Clerk’s Salary: At the meeting of the County Council yesterday, Cr. W. A. Jamieson paid a tribute to the work of the County Clerk, Mr D. J. Evans, and ventured the suggestion that his salary should be increased. Mr Evans said that he did not desire an increase, and asked the Council not to bother with the suggestion. Cr. W. Searle said he appreciated the wonderful service given by Mr Evans, but thought it would be wise to fall in line with Mr Evans’ suggestion to let the matter drop. Crs. Rbwley and McLean spoke in appreciation of the services of the Clerk. Cr. A. Bradley, a new member, representing the Northern Ridino-, said he would oppose increasing the Clerk’s salary. He wanted the money spent on the roads. They wanted a fair deal. They had not been getting It in the past. Tnat was why the defeated member had not been re-elected. A question as to the salary paid was raised. Mr Evans said it was £4O 3s 4d per month. Cr. Bradley was of opinion that the Clerk was well paid. He (Cr. Bradley) could not make £lO a month cow spanking. He would oppose any increase. They should give the people a square deal. He was on the Council to see this done. The Chairman, Cr. T. P. O’Neil said he appreciated greatly the work performed by the Clerk. When the new members had more experience, they too would realise the valuable work of the County Clerk. The discussion then dropped. County Council: Following the election of Chairman of the Westland County Council yesterday, congratulations were extended to the new Chairman (Cr. T. P. O’Neil) by the other members. Crs. W. A. Jamieson, G. Rowley, W. T. N. Bond, A. .Bradley, W. Searle, J. Donovan, P. J. McLean and N. Harris. Harcourt Bros, waited on the Council re. flood danger at their property in Koiterangi. Cr. Jamieson said he had inspected the locality near the bridge. The Council referred the matter to the Overseer for immediate attention. Mr A. Dale wrote thanking the Council for their expression of sympathy in his recent bereavement. The Minister of Mines forwarded approval for remission of mining rent to V. J. Robinson. Mr S. G. Holland M.P., acknowledged the Council’s protest against the proposed Rivers Control Bill. The Counties’ Association advised that 21 Councils approved of a conference, while 70 were against it. It was resolved to take no action re. Lake /■County Council request to urge the Government to abolish the 40-hour week. A letter from the People’s Movement, inviting a representation for a deputation

to the Prime Minister was received and no action taken. The Council resolved to give its full support to the request of the Sawmillers 1 Federation for a vigorous policy of reafforestation in Westland. Mr W. D. Nolan of Okuru, wrote in appreciation of the visit of the Overseer to Okuru. The Inspector of Health notified 41 visits for the month. Arahura Dredging Coy. wrote, cancelling its right lo dredge Spencer Road. Mr L Stopforth, sawmiller, Kmterangi, asked the Council to speed up tne work on Lake Arthur rpad. Ine matter was left t 0 the. Overseer. Accounts totalling £3,417 19s 7d were passed. Il was agreed to ask tne contractor for Malfroyis bridge to speed up the work. The chairman and clerk were empowered to dispose of the dragline and riant. The Shell Company were given the contract to supply oi] and petrol for the six months commencing on July 1, 1941. The Council reappointed Mr M B. James as solicitor to watch its interests at sittings of the Warden s Court, in regard to mining matters, at a fee of £2l. It was resolved to raise portion of the Main Highway in Kokatahi for a distance of 31 chains, to brino- the road above flood level. Cr. J. Donoyan was elected Chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr J A. Murdoch was re-apnointed representative of the Council on the Provincial Patriotic Council. The proposals of the Overseer for improvements to roads in Okuru district were approved. The Council, placed on record its appreciation M Mr J. A. Murdoch’s valuable services to the County at the special conference in Wellington on river control Re-afforestation: The Hokitika Borough Council on Monday evening' decided to support the Sawmillers' Federation in urging the Government to proceed with re-afforestation in Westland. The Federation pointed out that otherwise forests of Westland would be cut out, and the large plants idled. Cr. E. W. Heenan said the Forestry Department spent elsewhere revenue it derived here. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) said it was due to poor land here that afforestation had not been successful, but it was worth a trial. Cr. E.Heinz said the land here was too poor even to feed goats. Cr. D. Stuart said plantations at Kimu had progressed, and experiments had taught a great deal. School Committee: Mr A. C. ArmStrong presided at the School Committee on Monday evening. Messrs A. Leslie, W. E. Richards, J. Lawrence and L. Graham (Secretar- ' 1 being also present. The resignation of the Rev. M. Feist was received with regret, and the committee placed on record appreciation of his services. The Education Board notified water and sanitary rates on school residences should be paid by the occupants. It was agreed to pay the rates on the caretaker’s residence.t ’ The Board notified that a orant would be made for the erection of a fence around the infant’s school. The Headmaster reported that Miss P. Thwaiter of Kumara, had filled a vacancy on the staff caused by the transfer of Mr Hapgood to Otaio. The attendance was seriously affected by mumps and whooping cough, and in his opinion the complaints had reached the epidemic stage. He was inquiring from the Health authorities what action should be taken. It was agreed to purchase the material for first aid classes at the school. It was decided to notify a local resident that if his sheep were grazed in the school grounds thev would be impounded. The Treasurer reported a credit balance of £l7 13s Od. Accounts totalling £l6 7s were passed. A vote of sympathy with Mr and Mrs J. Conning in the loss of their son, Warrant Officer David Conning on active service, was passed.

R.S.A.: At the meeting on Monday, Messrs J. S. Bain (President), R. Paterson (Secretary), F. McGregor, G. A. King, P. R. Whitford C. Hart. J. N. Robinson, W. M. Fraser-and T. Stuart were present. Messrs J. N. Robinson and W. Eastgate were appointed hospital visitors. Only one returned soldier is now in hospitalA vote of thanks was passed to Mr J. J. Mclntosh for gift of a New Zealand ensign. A re-issue of badges was made to Messrs C. E. Murray. A. J. Watt and A. O. Byers. The Secretary was instructed to procure 500 record cards. The tender of the “Guardian” Coy. for printing the report and the balance sheet was accepted. The annual meeting was set down for Thursday, July 3. at 8 p.m. The Secretary, Messrs F. McGregor and W. M. Fraser were empowered to interview orchestras re. Saturday night dances.