WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1943, Page 6

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent) Tide table. Port of Westport: a.rri. p.m Friday, March 26, 00.47 01.07 Saturday, March 27, 01.28 01.52 Sunday, March 28 02.14 02.42 Monday, March • 29, 03.10 03.47 WESTPORT. March 25. Mrs. Wansbone of Nelson, is visiting her sister, Mrs. G. Gilbert Mrs. G. R. Gilbert, of Wellington, is visiting Westport as the guest of Mrs G. Gilbert. Mr. T. Lash ,of Stratford, is visiting Westport as the guest of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. F. Woodward. The Mayor, Mr. J. M. Robertson, prefacing his welcome to American Marines in the Friendly Societies’ Hall on Wednesday evening, said the gathering was arranged by the Buller Soldiers’ Comforts Committee, which had sent hundreds of parcels to the boys overseas. Their action was much appreciated. The Mayor went on to say that the Americans were very much like New Zealanders. Both coming from the same common stock —English, Scottish and Irish. He was sure all wound enjoy the visit to Westport, and carry away pleasant remembrances. The Rev. S. Corney joined the Mayor in extending a very hearty welcome to the visitors. Lieut. Boehme. on behalf of the American Marines, thanked the speakers and the Soldiers’ Comforts Committee for their fine welcome and the magnificent way in which they were entertaining their visitors. All would go away with the finest impressions of the people of Westport and the surrounding districts. (Applause). "For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was heartily sung. Following the welcome and reply, items were given by Miss N. Tregurtha, L. Hay-Macken-zie, songs, B. Mara, recitation. Mrs. Tregurtha and Miss Pullar supplied, the accompaniments. Dancing was resumed and with an interval for supper, was continued until a late hour and most heartily enjoyed. Curtis’ orchestra supplied the music, and Mr. N. Fowler acted as M.C. A meeting of the Buller Hospital Comforts Committee was held at the office of Mr. W. E. L. Gay. Present: Mesdames Ridsdale, Symonds, A. Phillips, A. Messrs I. Fenn, Wj PCaldwell, A.' Hodgson, G. Blair, and Sergeant Holt Messrs W. E. L. Gay and D. Broad, joint secretaries. Apologies were received from ten persons unable to be present. The secretaries reported on cash receipts to date and in view of the short time since the fund was started, the result was considered highly satisfactory. It was resolved that t thfe offer of Calder Mac Kay Ltd. to donate a fireside chair be accepted with thanks. It was agreed that the chair should be offered as a prize for a competition to b P run later. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the Women’s Institute, A. and P. Association, and the Owners and Breeders’ Association, for their offers of assistances. It was agreed that 1 a Sunday night concert be held and that the Greymouth Concert Party be written to asking whether they are prepared to assist. It was decided that a sports meeting be held on the 17th April and that a programme be drawn up and submitted to the next meeting. A meeting of the Ladies’ Committee is to be held on Wednesday next to conclude arrangements for afternoon tea at the sports meeting. Mr. G. Blair reported that the Caledonian Society was running a benefit dance in aid of the funds. The joint secretaries were thanked for the good work they had done. At a meeting of the executive of the Buller District Patriotic Controlling Committee held in the Town Hall on Tuesday, March 23, there were present: Mr. J. M. Robertson (chair), Mesdames Robertson, Ridsdale, Ryan, Mathewson, Hayes. Bird, Misses Findlay, Williams, Messrs Brown, Gemmill. Bennet and Captain Parkes. Mr. W. Mann, and Mr. C. H Thomas were granted leave of absence. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Outward correspondence was read and approved and' the inward correspondence was dealt with as follows - Resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs. Scott. Letter from the Granity Patriotic Committee advising that it had fixed its quota for 1943 at £250. It was decided that this committee .be thanked for its offer to raise its quota for the 1943 appeal. The Denniston-Bur-nett’s Face Committee wrote stating

that a fair number of motor tyres had been collected at Denniston and Burnetts’ Face. It was decided to refer the matter to Mr. Gay for attention. A letter was received from the Buller Hospital Comforts Committee asking for assistance in raising funds. The letter was received. The Nelson Provincial Patriotic Council wrote advising that 1600 parcels for soldiers would be required from the district by April 23, the quota for Buller being 400. Received. It was decided to hold the annual meeting on Monday, April 19th and that all organisations be notified and requested to send delegates. Nelson provincial Council, forwarded draft copy of Constitution National Patriotic Fund Board, re publicity campaign. It was decided to leave both of these matters to the executive after the annual meeting. The secretary reported that the total receipts from all sources to the 1943 appeal ,’had amounted to £620 6s; Accounts amounting to £609 19s 10d, including a remittance to Nelson of £6OO, were approved and passed for payment. It was resolved that house-to-house collections of contributions to patriotic -funds be made monthly, the town to be divided into blocks and collectors appointed. It was decided: That all present endeavour to arrange for collectors and that the names be handed in to the secretary. It was resolved that the formation of special committees for raising patriotic funds be held over for consideration at the annual meeting. A meeting of the Buller executive of the Automobile Association Canterbury (A.A.C.) Buller branch was held in the office of Mr. W. E. L. Gray, recently. Mr. J. W. Curtis presided over an attendance of nine members. It was agreed that application be made to the Commissioner bf Crown Lands asking for terms of lease of seven sections at Carter’s Beach, for a camping ground. It was reported that in view of th e attitude of the Westport Coal Company Ltd., nothing could be done at present regarding the protection around Hudson’s Dam. The secretary was instructed to. write a letter to Mr. J. S. Hawkes, the, secretary of A.A.C., Canterbury, complimenting him on his appointment to the board of directors of the SJ.M.U..lnsurance Association.

Players chosen to make the trip to Greymouth on Sunday to play for the Noble Adams Shield and Buchanan Cup, are requested to be at the station as early as possible. The rail car will leave Ngakawau at 7.10 a.m. for Westport thence Greymouth nt 8 a.m. sharp.. The champion of champion singles will be played on the Westport R.S. green on Saturday 27th, play commencing at 10.30 The following clubs will be represented:— Seddonville, Ngakawau. Granity Millerton, Denniston, Westport R.S. and Westport.