HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1942, Page 3

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, April 22. Mr. F. Williamson has left xor Woodburne. Private K. Warren is at present on leave in Hokitika. Mr. G. H. Chapman left for Wellington this week. Private C. Fleming has arrived on leave. A fire early this morning partly gutted the Rendezvous Restaurant, Revell. 'Street, conducted by Mr C. Fowlei’ and owned by Mr Stevens. The alarm was given at 4.30 a.m. by Mr Havill and the fire brigade saved a good part of the structure, but the ceiling and roof were mostly burnt, and the whole interior damaged by smoke and water. The fire evidently started near a fireplace. The damage is estimated at £4OO. The building is insured for £2OO. Mr Fowler’s stock of confectionery and equipment were ruined. At a meeting of the local E.P.S. Committee, Mr A. R. Elcock, Deputy Mayor, explained the new regulations, and committees and controllers' were appointed as follows: — Central Committee, Borough Council; executive committee, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Mr W. H. Stopxor’h and Mr Davenport (Greymouth); works committee, Mr S. Havill' key works men, Messrs G. Heinz, W. T. Cropp and J. H. Robinson; fire controller, Supt. L. Ross; deputy . fire controller, Mr C. B. Preston,’ lighting controller, Mr Fraser; transport controller, Mr G. H. Chapman; deputv. Mr Mitchell; law controller, Sergt. Brown; supplies controller, Mr M. H. Houston; first aid controller, Dr Aitken; deputy, Mr WhiV-i ford. It was decided to ask Supt. Ross to inspect fire appliances in public buildings, and the ißorbugh Council to provide water required. It was decided to ask that ‘railway motor horns be not used excessively. It was pointed out that cost of upkeep of evacuees would fall on the local authority of the district to which they were moved, and such authority could claim on the central committee, while payment would be asked of evacuees able to afford it. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Shannon, of Gold Band Taxis, for services and equipment lent to the committee to assist with alarm signals. The Home Guard applied for 26 guards, 12 signallers and 12 stretcher-bearers. The matter was deferred till next meeting. The controllers were asked to meet next Wednesday and formulate plans for working their units. The central committee was constituted the Information Committee. The clerk reported receipt of stickers for cars, 1 tucks and petrol coupons to cover the period of an emergency. ' Mr Chapman, who was given charge of distribution of these, asked for one of the local motor repair shops to be kept open during an emergency, and the committee resolved to make the necessary arrangements. Mr Chapman was empowered to inquire 1 as to use of the railway buses in an emergency, as he said these would be essential. He had arrangements completed to evacuate 1100 to 1200 1 people from Hokitika. Arrangements had not been made to evacuate any able bodied persons, able to perform useful service. No person under 18 would be permitted to undertake fire-watching; Mr Ross reported having inspected trailer pumps in Wellington which would be very desirable for Hokitika, but supplies were not available, as the cities had to be supplied first. Ait the annual meeting of householders for the Hokitika School,.just sufficient nominations were received to fill the committee' and the following were elected: Messrs A. C. Armstrong, B. L. King, J. Lawerence, L. Laurenson, A. Leslie, J. Salvingy, W. E. Richards, A. J. Harper and L. Graham. A recommendation was tabled that two committeemen be appointed visitors for each month. The committee agreed to support the nomination of Mrs Mary Allen of North Canterbury for the vacancy on the Board. Mr. Armstrong was q’iected Chairman, Mr. L. Graham Secretary, and Mr. A. J. Harper Treasurer. Tributes were paid to the late Mr. R. Wild and Mr. R. Redder. The chairman reported that the financial position was sound. The staff of the school was congratulated on raising the sum of £2OO for ground improvements, and patriotic purposes. Rev. K. Hadfield exr pressed thanks for the assistance given to the clergy. The committee paid a tribute to the late Mayor, Mr. G. A. Perry, and stressed the good work he had performed for the children. Mr. J. S. Bain presided at the meeting of the Hokitika Branch _ of the Returned Services’ Association. Messrs Wilson and Hart reported on visits to soldier patients at hospital. Messrs G. Neilsen and P. R. Whitford were appointed visitors for the month. Messrs Gordon Davidson, J-

Fox and C. Reid were elected members of the Association. Poppy sales in Hokitika realised £44 ss, as against £57 18s 5d last year. The annual meeting was fixed for June 8, 1942. Owing to the paper shortage it was agreed not to have the annual report printed this year. (A<ccounts amounting to £1 0s 6d were passed for payment. Mr. E. W. Heenan presided at a' special meeting of the Westland Hospital Board on Monday afternoon. The following were also present; Messrs T. W. Duff, G. H. Chanman, G. Heinz, S. Havill, D. F. E. Freitas. The estimates for the coming year were submitted. It was stated that the expenditure would be provided for on the same basis as the previous year. A sum of _ £3OO would be set aside for the establishment of the Board’s offices at the Hospital. The Chairman said this move had been contemplated _ for some time, and with the coming into operation of Social Security theie was little need for the maintaining of the office in town. The work could not be tackled during the war period but by putting aside a certain sum each year the money would be on hand to carry out the work circumstances permitted. The estimates had received the consideration of all members. Emergency and other works were provided lor. Hie estimates for the Hokitika Council would be reduced by Hol), but lhe levy for the Westland County area would be increased by the same amount. This was brought about by tfie new valuations ot the County and Borough, and not by increased expenditure. On the moion of Mr. Duff (Chairman of the Finance Committee), the estimates were approved subject to connrmaion bv the Health Department. 'Members voiced their approval that the figures showed no increase m spite of the -perilous times ahead.