HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 March 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent), HOKITIKA; March 23.

Mr. Leo. Haddock, of Harinari, who arrived in Hokitika on Sunday evening, left by special plane for Wellington on Monday, morning, his daughter being seriously ill in Wellington Hospital. He had been advised by radio on Sunday, when the telephone- line to South Westland was not working. Flying Officer L. Parry, who had been on a holiday; visit to Westland, left on his return to Auckland on Monday, after visiting the Glaciers. Serge M. King, of Hokitika and C'pl. G. Jack are at present on furlough from military camp. Mr. J. Quinn, of the Railway Department, Hokitika, is under orders io transfer to Amberley. Arrangements have been completed for a party of Hokitika people to pay a goodwill visit to Westport on Sunday, April 4, by rail-car starting from here at 7 a.m.; leaving Westport on return shortly after 4 p.m. and arriving back at 8 p.m, Representatives of local bodies will make the trip, and the balance of seats available will be offered to the public, the return fare having been fixed at 225. A midday meal is being arranged for." those who will require u ■The County Chairman Mr. T. P. O’Neil, the Maynor of Hokitika, Mr. A. R. Elcock, the Deputy Mayor, Mr. C. C'aliari, the Chairman of the Hospital Board, Mr. E. W. Heenan, the Chairman of the- Business Men’s Association, Mr. W. H. Stopforth. and representatives of other local bodies, the Bowling Club, and other societies will probably make the trip. A letter has been received from the Mayor of Westport Mr. J. M. Robertson advising that all possible will be done to make the stay in Westport a pleasant one. , The Methodist Hall was filled on the occasion of a farewell to Rev. G. L. Hanna who is leaving for Eltham, after a four years’ stay in Hokitika. Mr A. Couch, Senior Circuit Steward presided, Ministers from other churches were nresent, also Rev. Mr. Hoddinott of Greymouth, and Mr. Pankhurst (Circuit Steward of Greymouth), also representatives from the country areas. The Chairman regret at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Hanna. Mrs. Hanna’s work for the kindergarten school had been outstanding, and she had been a tower of strength to the choir. They wished both God speed and success in their new circuit. Rev. Childs, for the Minister’s Association and Anglican parishioners, spoke ot the very happy relations that always existed, and on behalf of the Association asked Rev. Hanna and Mrs. Hanna to accept presentations. RevK. Hadfield, of the Presbyterian Church, expressed regret at their departure. It was largely due to cordial relations between the churches here during Ms. Hanna’s term that the recent united services had been held. He assured their departing guests that these services had been a source of great joy to all. He conveyed best wishes from the boys’ brigade and expressed thanks for the good work Mr. Hanna had done lor the boys of Hokitika. Rev. Marshall (Church of Christ) expressed regret ait the departure of their guests. He was pleased to announce their congregation was uniting for a service with the Methodists on Sunday April 4 Mr. H. Rowe, (Chairman of the laymen at the recent Christian Order Campaign) expressed regret at the departure of the guests and extended good wishes for fheir future. Kindly references were also made b'y Rev. Mr. Hoddinott, Mr. T. W. Duff (former C rcuit Steward), Mr. G. G'lchnst, and Mrs. G. A. Perry. The Chairman then made a presentation to Rev Hanna of an envelope containing bank notes, and Mrs. Aitken present-e-d Mrs. Hanna with a gift from the Ladies’ Guild. Rev. Mr. Hanna made feeling references to the goodwill which had always existed between his congregation and himself and his wife. Now that their time was up, ■ they were loath to« leave Hokitika and so many good friends. He had particularly enjoyed his association with the local Ministers and expressed thanks t 0 one and all for their complimentary remarks. Mrs. Hanna also expressed thanks for the gift to her. During the evening a musical programme was given, - items being given by Mrs. Langdon, Mrs. Couch, ibis's E. Knight and Mr. A. Couch. The singing of the Doxology and pronouncement of Benediction by Rev. Hoddinott ternrnated the evening.