WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1942, Page 8

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own correspondent.) High Tides for Westport: WESTPORT, February 24. Wednesday, 25 —5.45 a.m.; 6.26 p.m. Thursday, 26—7.5 a.m.; 7.32 p.m. Friday, 27 —7.56 a.m.; 8.18 p.m. Saturday, 28—8.36 am.; 8.58 p.m. Personal: The Ven. Archdeacon T. J. Smith, of Nelson, is visiting friends in Karamea. Mr. W. Craddock, President of the New Zealand Rugby Union, leaves by plane to-day for Wellington to attend a meeting of the council of that body. While in Wellington, Mr. Craddock will also meet members of the Transport Board on business in connection with local requirements. The death occurred late yesterday afternoon at the residence, Gladstone Street, of Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, wife of Mr. Edward Jones. Deceased, who was a fine old lady, greatly esteemed as a social and church worker, will be greatly missed by relatives and friends. She was a native of Llanellv, Wales, 70 years of age, and had resided in New Zealand for 37 years at Burnett’s Face and Westport. She is survived by a sorrowing husband and live daughters, Mesdames W. Rennie,' G. Blythe, T. Vickery, T. Shaw and H. Fayen, and a brother, Mr. Tom Jenkins, to all of whom sympathy is extended.

Special Train: Buller Owners and Breeders’ Association decided to wire the Hon. P. C. Webb, protesting against the decision not to run the train to Reefton on March 7th., and from Reefton to Westport on March 28. W.W.S.A.: Mrs. I. Ryan presided over a meeting of the W.W.S.A., held in the Library Building on Wednesday. Present': Mesdames Slee, Spencer, Hansby, Stowell and Miss Findlay. An apology was received from Miss Harkness. The resignation of Miss Wood as secretary was received with regret, and Mrs. Russell was appointed in her place. It was advised that 24 balls of twine had been issued to various organisations for the making of camouflage nets and an additional 48 balls have been requisitioned for. Great headway is being made with nets in construction. Mrs. Stowell offered to give further instruction in the making of nets to organisations requiring same. Plunket Aids: Mrs. Hansby was appointed to the committee by the Government, and has been placed in charge of Mothers’ Helps in place of Mrs. Bird, resigned. Signalling Corps; A letter was forwarded to headquarters recommending that the appointment of a wireless operator be favourably considered. A morse key board is to be procured for the use of the signalling corps. First Aid: Miss Findlay was instructed to procure for the use of first aiders, six First Aid kits if some are available. Canteen Workers: This branch of the auxiliary is. to again provide meals for the Home Guard at their week-end camp. Circulars have been received re applications by women for service with the armed forces. Applicants are required to be between the ages of 18 and 45. Anyone interested should apply to Mrs. I. Ryan, Russell Street, or Mrs. T. Russell, Cobden Street. The Secretary of the Social Committee, Miss Beuke, forwarded proceeds from a recent social function. This was

received with thanks. It was decided to notify all those who have registered with the W.W.S.A. that they must attend drill and classes. Drill is held every Wednesday at 6.15 to 7.15. Mrs. I. Ryan is in charge, Miss B. Mara in command, and Miss F. H. Hay-MacKenzie second in command.

Seddonville School: Fine weather and a large crowd made the opening of the new Seddonville School on Saturday an auspicious occasion. The new school is of the two room type constructed on the open air principle, and is built in beautiful surroundings of garden and lawn. Those present on the official platform were the Chairman of the School Committee, Mr. JSimpson, the Chairman of the Nelson Education Board, Hon. W. HMclntyre, and Mrs. Mclntyre; the County Chairman, Mr. James Ward, and Mrs. Ward; the Mayor of Westport, Mr. J. M. Robertson, and Mrs. Robertson; Mr. J. H. Harkness, of the Nelson Education Board; Mr. R. Harden, head tea’cher, and Mrs. Harden. After “God Save tho King” had been sung, the senior pupils sang “God Defend New Zealand.” The Chairman, Mr. Simpson, then welcomed the visitors. He also referred to those who were unable to be present because of tne war, and expressed the hope for their speedy and safe return. Other speakers, prior to the opening ceremony, were Messrs J. Ward, J- H. Harkness and J. M. Robertson. Before declaring the school officially open, Mr. Mclntyre expressed regret at the absence of other board members and officials. He said that the school was the best of its type in New Zealand, and that he was proud to be associated with its opening. Referring to the old school, Mr. McIntyre said: The original room of the’old school was erected in 1894 with <1 further classroom added in 1905. In 1938, your energetic School , Committee drew the attention of tne Board to the necessity of a modern building, and as the result of further negotiations, plans were drawn up and authority to commence the work was received on June 17 last Mr. H. H. Judge, being the successful tenderer. The speaker paid a tribute to the architect, Mr. Stewart, and to the builder, Mr. Judge, on 'their splendid work. Mr. Mclntyre then turned the key and declared the school officially opened. He also granted the children a holiday, to be taken when most convenient. Apologies for absence were received from the Hons. H. G. R. Mason and P. C. Webb, Mr. C. F. Schadick, the secretary of the committee, Mr. Harleri, who was indisposed, Mr. J. Jordan, the board’s senior inspector, architect and secretary to the Education Board, Messrs A. Douglas, G. W. Street, h. Mayman, Mrs. Wilson-Matthews and Miss Corbv, ex-teachers; Mr. Geo. Tate, Mr. L. Jones, Mr. H. Judge, Mrs. M. Goulding, Misses F. Murray and M. Campbell; Stockton, Westport, Karamea, Waimangaroa and Denniston Committees.