HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 28 July 1941, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKl'l'lis.A, J uiy 27. Personal: The death took place al Westland Hospital ol Mr. Andrew Dunlop, a wed known resident or Souin ' Wesilanu, and a pioneer settler. For many years he larmed in the Mikonui district, and later came to Hokitika to reside. For tne past year he had been an inmate oi tne Oid People s Home, ana was taken into hospital some days ago. He was a native of Scotland, and 3b years oi’ age. The funeral will take place at lu a.m. to-morrow. The death at the Westland Hospital ol Mr. Walter Raleigh, removed one ol the best known residents. ±or many years he was employed at Kumara on the Government water race. He was a well known amateur theatrical, and took a leading part in dramatic performances, being particularly at home in Shakespearian plays. He was a native oi Australia, and for many years was a hotel proprietor in verm. He was a native or England and 86 years ol age. and a true type ol Englishman, 'ine mneral will lake place to Hokitika Cemetery on Monday afternoon from All Saints’ Church. iur c. luii <engineer to tne Westland Hospital Board; is sial an inmate ol me hospital receiving attention to injuries he received recently at the institution Mr McKenzie, of Okarito, is .on a Visit to Hokitika. He wan return to South Westiana this week Mr Mitche.l, Manager oi the Bank of New Zealand, Hokitika, has ieturned from annual leave. Mr Gilman, of Christchurch, is at present on a visit to Hokitika. Returned Soldiers Welcomed.—On Saturday evening . an official welcome was tendered to tne lour returned soldiers from the Middle East, namely Privates Ken Wallace, Jack Shivas. Berney McCormack and G. Mclntosh There was an attendance of 150, including representatives of local bodies. The Mayor, Mr G. A. Perry, presided, and with him on the platform were Messrs T P. O’Neil (County Chairman), J. S. Bain (President of the R.S.A.) and A. R. Elcock (Chairman of the Patriotic Committee). The Mayor paid a fine tribute to the soldiers who volunteered for active service. He outlined the help being given to Britain by man v other countries. Hitler again showed his contempt fo r all agreements when he marched on Russia. The people were justly proud of the men who went overseas to light lor democracy, and were especially pleased to welcome back the first four men who had returned from the campaign. He trusted that they would be restored to their normal health, and be able to resume their occupations. Mr O’Neil, on behalf of the residents of the County, extended a cordial welcome to the returned men. Pie assured them that on e and all would do their very best to rehabilitate the soldiers. They were justly proud of those who volunteered at the outset. Mr Bain invited the men to join the R.S.A., which in an v event would look after their interests, and do its best to rehabilitate all returned men into employment that will suit them. Those who required medical attention or pensions would find the Association right behind them Mr Elcock, for the Patriotic Committee. presented each soldier with a cheque from the Committee. The people were contributing money to assist the soldiers. Al- I though the response lud been very good, still more heir, was required, and he urged the neople to do their very best. Mr A. H Lawn presided > at the piano. At the call of the Mayor, cheers were given for the soldiers, and the gathering sang “For ’ They are Jolly Good Fellows.’’ All 1 of the soldiers expressed their thanks for the welcome, and for the gifts < made to them. The returned men, i with their parents, were the guests I of the Reception Committee at the J pictures, and later at the Soldiers’ i Hall at. supper. $ Accidents: Mr. W. Woods, employ- ( ed by the Rope Construction Com- t pany'at the bridge at Okuru, had the misfortune to chop his foot with an axe while engaged in trimming timber. He was brought to Hokitika' bv the “Gael,” and conveyed to the Hospital, the ambulance awaiting his arrival at the wharf. The “Gael” berthed at 10 o’clock yesterday after a smart run of 17 hours from Okuru. F While assisting to replace a spur

wheel at the sawmill at Kawaka, Mr. I Chfford Ogilvie had his foot jammed under the wheel. It was found necessary to bring the injured man to Westland Hospital for treatment op. Saturday evening. L While entering Westland Hospital , grounds at the foot of the hili op r Saturday evening, a car driven oy ~ Mr. Kelly crashed into the gate posi I and the electric pole. The accident ~ was caused by me bursting of a .. front tyre on the car, whicn caused , tne car to get out of control. The ' passengers escaped injury, and the car was not seriously damaged. ’ Shipping: The Hokitika arrived at ’ 10 p.m. on Friday Irom Greymouth. ' She loads timber for Wellington and sans at midnight on Monday. Tne ' Gael arrived on Saturday from Okuru, and will load for Baringa and ■fOKuru sailing at midnight on Mon- . day. ’ xiome Guard. —This alteinuun, Brigadier General Mead r the Westiana Battalion oi tne Home \ Guard, mernuers being present from . Arahura, Kokatahi, Koiterangi. Ka--1 nieri, Rimu, Ross, Kuatapu and - Three Mi.e, to tne.number of over ’ 200, under Battalion Commander VV. Eastgate. Other officers on parade weie Adjutant A. C. Armstrong, i Commanders Mitchell (Hokitika), G. Spence (Koiterangi), Silver (Ross;, . M. King (Kanieri and Rimu) and W. . Barrowman (Ruatapu). The parade was marshalled in the Drill Hall, , and the. men marched through Revell Street to Weld Street, where Brigadier General Mead took , the salute. The Guard then moved to the Soldiers’ Hall, where they ■ were addressed bv Brigadier General ‘ Mead, who said he was very phased with the excellent muster, and more than pleased when he learned that many of the men had travelled long distances. He was also pleased to . see so many Diggers in the ranks. He commanded the 13th Regiment in' the last war, and it was natural for him to have a warm spot in his heart for the Coasters, who were tough men, but good men, when they were wanted. Out of the ranks they got into some tough spots—it was a happy knack of theirs to get into trouble! The material of the Home Guard ‘in Westland was excellent. This was going to be' a touch war, and was not finished bv a long way. They had companies of Home Guard in the South Island, very keen, and very efficient, and they had a big job ahead. His visit to Westland was to see the Home Guard work as a unit and to see how thev acquitted themselves. he said, but the weather spoiled the chance. There was a lot of controversy over the Guard, but he did not desire to enter into it. He was safe in saying there were happier days ahead. The equipment situation was improving, and some rifles would be made available at an early date as well as ammunition. A statement has been made, that the day of the rifle is over. He was not in agreement with that. A good man armed with a rifle was still an effective lighting force. More instructors would be made available, but l J was necessary to have the instructors go into camp for long periods so that thev will become proficient. Negotiations were now under way to provide the instructors. The Territorial Forces would be expanded to three times their present _ strength, and consequentlv the’ strain on instructors was very great. The roil , of the Home Guard in Westland was one of the best in the country General Williams, in charge of the or- , ganising of the Home l Guard in this I country, would shortly make a visit ; to Westland, and be able to tell them ; more. The Home Guard in England went through the same teething pro- : cess as in this country. Any part of . the West Coast was open to nuisance i raids, that was open to a landing i party who would cause trouble and j then go off again. The Home Guard would be an effective unit to deal with this type of raid. It was mainly a hit and run affair. He thanked the men for turning out in such , large numbers, and would do all he , possibly could to improve their f status. He was accomnan’od bv j Contain Jukes (Officer in charge of the Nelse” —YAZnq*- r l —nd areas)