HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 15 June 1942, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent)

HOKITIKA, June 14.

Mr. Ratcliffe, chief clerk at the Sea View Mental Hospital, is to be transferred to Nelson. It is understood that Mr. Thompson, of Christchurch, will replace him. Mr. Freitas returned from Nelson on Friday evening. Lieutenant Guthrie, who recently returned from the Middle East, is at present an inmate of Westland Hospital, receiving treatment for war injuries. Sergeant K. Wallace, another returned soldier, is also an inmate.

Ther e was a large muster of volunteers to undergo medical examination for the Hokitika unit of the National Reserve, and the percentage of passes wag high. The Medical Board consisted of Drs. B. L. Wilson, R. F. Aitken, and R. Bellringer. Captain Curtis and Major McKnight interviewed members, following their grading. The Board will hold, further sittings on Monday and Wednesday. It is hoped to mobilise the unit at the end of June.

The Church Guild held a patriotic shop at Hokitika on Friday and Saturday morning, the proceeds of which amounted to £27 9s. The Committe of the Church of Christ conducted the shop. A shop dav conducted bv a Caledonian Society of Hokitika netted £62 Ils. A Patriotic Art Union conducted by the Patriotic Committee closed on June 6, and will ibe drawn at the County Chambers on Monday, June 15 at 7.30 p.m. The Mayoress (Mrs. Elcock) is organising a concert foi' the Patriotic Fund, and is receiving the heln oi Uncle Albert. Aunt Dorothy, (now employed at Begg’s Music Warehouse in Christchurch)! will bring over a special party of artists from Christchurch. With Christchurch and local talent the concert should be an outstanding success. s"

The Plunket Rooms here were recently entered by unauthorised persons. Cups and saucers were taken and a case of oranges broken open. The Society regrets that persons should be so mean. It is necessary to keep the rooms) open all day for the convenience of mothers and babies.

Next Saturday in a football match at Hokitika, the Home Guard will pla v the lines of Communication Unit. Mr. B. J. Kelly, (a former repforward), is in charge of th* Communication team.

The proceeds of the gate will be donated to the Patriotic Fund. Influenza is very prevalent in the district. Dr. B. L. Wilson stated it is of a mild type, and when the first symptoms appear the patient should 20 to bed, and the • attack will soon pass. If neglected the ’flu becomes more serious, and the period of recovery is much longer. At present there are 90 patients in the hospital and many are ’flu cases, some members of the nursing staff are sufferers. V.A.D.’s are assisting in staffing the hospital. Dr. Wilson said there was no instance of the 1918 type, and patients going to bed and keeping warm will' ward off the attacks in a short time.

All Nations’ Day was celebrated on Saturday afternoon, at Cass Square, and there was a fair attendance of the public. The salute was taken by the Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock, \ the County Chairman. Mr. T. P. O’Neil, and Major Perham, of the Home Guard, The parade was an impressive one, and showed progress in training of tlje various units in Hokitika. Those on parade marched from the Cenotaph past the saluting base in front of the pavilion. The Mayor and County Chairman addressed those present; and pointed out the significance of the parade, and what it meant to all countries who are fighting side by side for Democracy. Both speakers paid a tribute to the units on parade. The narade was a full dress one. the Home Guard, the Women’s Auxiliary, and the V.A.D.’s were in uniforms, and the Bov Scouts also took part. Mr. M. H. Houston occupied the chair at a meeting of the Hokitika Harbour Board, the following beinT also present: Messrs F. Freitas, H. Harvey. P. H. Renton, ana H. G. Park. An apologv was tendered for Mr. Richards who is in hosoital, and to whom the Board resolved to send a letter expressing sympathy in J nines and that of his wife and son, and wishing all three a speedy return to good health. The chairman extended a welcome to Mr. P. H. Renton (representative of the West-

land County Council) stating that, with his experience of shipping, he should be a valuable member. Mr. F. Freitas was appointed Chairman of Works in succession to Mr. E. W. Heenan. The Signalman’s report was received and adopted. It stated that repairs to that wall had been carried out, and the wall should be strengthened as a result of the tie rods fixed in position. The chairman’s action in disposing of the old scoop was aonroved. Receipts amounted to £123 7s 11, and payments to £lO4 1

sd. The credit balance at the bank was £643 3s lOd.