HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1942, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA, Nov. 23. Quartermaster P. Harrison, of the Home Guard staff, left on Monday for a military camp, where he will undergo a refresher course. Sergeant F. Freitas, who has been undergoing a training course at camp, is expected to return on Tuesday evening. Prior to his departure Cr S. Havill who was chairman of the Works Committee of the Borough Council, was presented with a leather money belt from the Mayor, Mr A. R. Elcock and the Deputy Mayor Mr C. Caliari. Mr L. Eager (manager of the Regent Theatre since it was opened) left for a military camp on Monday. He was a popular manager and was noted for his willingness to assist in the provision of entertainments for patriotic funds and for sporting bodies when there were visitors to the town. Mr J. Feeney, engineer to the Westland Breweries, who was injured while at his work last week, is making a good recovery at the Westland Hospital. The toes of one foot, suffered a severe crushing. Mr W. McCormack of Rimu, has entered the Westland Hospital for treatment.

A number of members of the 17th Independent Infantry Company, Hokitika, left for camo on Monday at 6 a.m. The Deputy-Mayor, Mr C. Caliari, addressed the men prior to their departure- and on behalf of the Patriotic Committee handed each a parcel. Many , members of the unit were present to farewell their mates and at the call of Lieutenant Silcock cheer were given for them,

Whitebait have now 'practically ceased to run. The season must be recorded as one of the worst. The canning factory experienced a very poor time and the manager and staff left last week on return to Dunedin. Prices have been also at a record height, and fishermen who secured early catches reaped a harvest. In the Paringa River the best catches were secured, bringing probably the best prices, as their catches always landed on a bare market. Many fishermen will hesitate before going to expense in outfitting their trenches next season, though others think it will be a good season. Excessive fishing in former seasons may have reduced this year’s supply.