HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 18 June 1942, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, June 17.

Captain E. R. P. Ferguson, who has just returned from overseas, following extensive experience in England and in the Middle East in chemical warfare, will return to ArmyHeadquarters at the expiry of his leave, to take over the post of Director of Chemical Warfare. He left with the Second Echelon, and has been absent from New Zealand overtwo years. Messrs H. F. Grenfell and W. Hughes of the Hokitika Post Office, leave for military camp on Friday. Mr J. S. Bain, president of the local R.S.A. is attending the R.S.A. annual conference in Wellington. The death occurred suddenly this morning of Mr William Ernest Richards, the well-known printer, at the age of 67 years. He had been under treatment at the Westland Hospital and was only discharged yesterday. He left his son’s, home this morning to proceed to his shop, but in the street he was taken ill, and was taken to his home, where lie died soon afterwards. A native of Kumara, he owned the “Kumara Times” until it ceased publication about 27 years ago, and he then removed to Hokitika, where he had conducted a job printing establishment, since working up a remunerative business. He was a prominent member of the Municipal Band, and once conducted the Kumara Band. He was a warden of the Anglican Church, a member of the School Commitee, and of the- Harbour Board. He also was an active Freemason, being attached to Kumara Lodge, Lodge Kilwinning, and also I a member of the Royal Arch Chap- | ter. He is survived by his wife and three sons; John (Hokitika), Lieut. Edward (overseas-) and Arthur (in camp); two sisters, Mrs Carruthers (.Nelson) and Mrs W. Andrews (Nelson) and two brothers, Fred (.Nelson-) and Percival (North Island). The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon. One of the saddest features of his death has been that his wife and son were also admitted to the hospital on the same day as he was, and remain there under treatment.

Mr Knight, Health Inspector, has taken further precautions against the spread of influenza. The schools have been closed and visiting at the hospital and maternity home has been stopped. A Home Guard parade in the drill hall called for tonight was cancelled. The closing of the picture theatres is under consideration, but no official announcement has been made. The schools are to be thoroughly fumigated this week, and subjected to fresh air treatment.

The drawing of the Patriotic Art Union was announced on Monday evening. The first prize went to Janet Aitken, daughter of Mr and Mrs K. J. Aitken of the Pioneer Hotel, Hokitika. Pat Wood, of Ross secured second prize, and Mr Win. Stopforth third prize. The Mayor, Mr Elcock, drew the numbers, and the drawing was supervised by Sergeant Brown. At the Magistrate’s Court to-day before Mr G. G. Chisholm, S.M., Houston Timbers Ltd. were fined £3 with costs 10s for operating a locomotive in a forest, the locomotive not being equipped with a spark arrester. Sergeant Brown said damage had been caused to six acres of forest. A spark arrester had since been fitted. For cycling without a light C. W. Barrowman was fined 10s with costs 10s. For failing to issue a stamped receipt, William Walsh was fined £3 with costs 13s. Sergeant drown said defendant was one of a party of three piano tuners touring the Coast. The work for which the receipt was issued was performed at Ruatapu. One of the party was found to be a military deserter. Elizabeth Marie Butler was charged with allowing a person other than the licensee to remain in charge of the Southland Hotel. Mr James (counsel) said the position had since been arranged to the satisfaction of the Licensing Committee. A fine of 10s with 10s costs was imposed. At the Borough Council’s ordinary meeting the Mayor, Mr.A. R. Elcock, welcomed Cr K. J'. Aitken, a new member. Cr and Mrs D. P. Stuart forwarded a letter of appreciation to the council for its expression m sympathy on the occasion of the loss of their son. Waikato Hospital (Board wrote re hospital taxation. After discussion it was agreed not to take any action in the meantime, in view of the Prime Minister’s statement that no alteration could be considered during the war. Mr W. T. Cropp, borough foreman, was granted leave