HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1942, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, February 17

Rev. Dr. Harrison, who has been attached to the Catholic Church here for some time past, has oeen advised of his transfer to the Cathedral, in Christchurch, and will leave Hokitika towards the end of .the month. During his stay in Hokitika, Dr. Harrison has endeared himself not only to his own parishioners, but to the citizens of the town, associating himself with any move for its betterment, and taking a very keen interest in the welfare of the young children, especially in the sphere of sport. He was an executive member of the Rugby Union, and a Council representative on the Baths Management Committee. He will be greatly missed also by St. Mary’s Club, and in other circles. Mi?. J. J. Breeze, Hairdresser, of Hokitika, was advised by the Vatican City Radio on Monday evening that his son, Private J. J. Breeze, is a prisoner of war. Mr. Breeze had not heard from his son for a very long period, although most of his mates had since been reported as prisoners of war. Mr. Breeze was much relieved to hear the news. At a meeting of the Hokitika Borough Council, there were present: The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Perry), Crs. S. G. Havill, T. W. Duff, C. Calian, E W. Heenan, G. Heinz, A. R. Elcock, and W. H. Stopforth The treasurer stated receipts at £1,212 6s lid, and expenditure at £1,042 6s 9d. Accounts amounting to £1,408 2s 2d were passed for payment. The Mayor said they had to meet a great deal of expenditure not budgeted for. Emergency precautions would be a heavy burden. Certain expenditure would carry a Government . subsidy. I’he Home Guard had cost the Council £2B, Capitation fees for the Home Guard from the Government would more than meet their expenditure in future. The Library Committee reported that the new Government, free system had been a great success. Membership jumped from 100 odd to over 400. The cost for the Council would be £5 per week. Reading would be free to all residents. After a long discussion the Council agreed to continue the scheme for twelve months. It was decided to advise the authorities concerned that, on account of the effect of extra expenditure oji the finances of the Borough, the Council would not be prepared to find any further sum towards upkeep of the South Side aerodrome, after March 31. Three applications were received for the position of motor lorry driver to the Council. Mr. E. G. Lakin, of Hokitika, was appointed. The abattoir report stated that stock slaughtered for the month was as follows: —20 cows, 28 heifers, 57 bullocks, 267 sheep, 121 lambs, 22 pigs and one calk. One sheep was condemned. Fees collected for the month amounted to £95 0s lOd, compared with £B7 11s in the corresponding month last year. In reply to Cr. Heenan, the Mayor said that he would call a' meeting of the Emergency Precautions’ Committee next Monday evening. The register would close on Thursday, and those registered would be allocated to various positions. Preparations were well advanced, although recent regulations had upset organisation in the transport and medical corps, but both were ready to meet the emergency. Accounts totalling £1,400 were passed. The Council decided to notify the owner of the Freemasons’ old building in Revell Street that it must be demolished immediately, and to notify the Fire Brigade, which drew attention to the danger. It was decided to ask the Housing . Department to have the footpaths damaged by trade vehicles restored to their former condition. Paroa School picnic committee was granted use of Cass Square for their picnic on Saturday. Transfer of a Reserve in Hampden Street irom Mrs. Rodden to W. J. Bernard, was agreed to. It was decided to commence tar sealing in some streets next week.