HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). HOKITIKA. June 16.

The sea erosion last nignt continued opposite Weld Street right-o-way, extending some hundreds of yards along the foreshore to a depth of about 30 feet, and leaving a bank between eight and nine feet in height. The only place threatened was the Scouts’ Hall, which it is proposed to remove, though the adjacent tennis court was half washed out, and the sea' reached Mr. Lawn’s premises, With the tide making, further erosion is anticipated, especially if there is a westerly wind. At some points, the beach has been making up again, but it is apprehended that the cut will extend before erosion ceases, it has been suggested that if the- old groynes were repiled it would stem the erosion, but old residents consider that erosion will continue ouring the wintei’ months. The' river runs round the north wall to north-. ward, parallel with jthe beach for some chains, this being regarded as evidence of a shifting of the sand. Lieutenant - Commander Peter Phipps, Mrs. Phipps and their young son arrived on Tuesday and are staying with Mr. and Mrs. H. Stapleton. Lieutenant-Commander Phipps was formerly here at the National Bank prior to his enlistment with the N.Z. Navy. He will be remembered as the commander of the “Moa,” which fought a Japanese submarine at the Solomon Islands. Though the Moa was lost in the battle, the submarine was destroyed. The Moa, built in England, was brought out to the Pacific by Lieut.-Commander Phipps. Mr. McCaffrey, licensee of the Red Lion Hotel has purchased the Br.an Boru Hotel, in Greymouth, and will be leaving Hokitika shortly to take over the hotel. Mr. R. Harcourt, of Christchurch, is visiting the district. Mr. R. Collins, Master of Kanieri Dredge, is on holiday. He is being relieved b> Mr. D. Jellie. At the Magistrate’s Court, before Messrs A. E. Benjamin and M. H. Houston, Terance Cashmere ’Wilkinson, an attendant at the Sea View Mental Hospital was charged with the theft of clothing, valued at £3 10s 10. The accused, who elected to be dealt with summarily, had nothing to say, beyond requesting suppression of his name. Pie was fined £5. S'ergt. Brown isald the articles had been recovered. During the six weeks he had been on the staff defendant had access to the clothing store, and had taken articles t 0 h ; s room for ‘his private use. The head attendant found the articles in accused’s wardrobe. At the R.S.A. meeting on Monday, Mr. W. M. Fraser presiding, Messrs Hutchison and King reported ion visits to members in hospital, and Messrs Eastgate and McGregor were appointed visitors for next month. Mr. Gilchrist was recommended for, appointment to the Rehabilitation Committee. A grant towards the expenses of the delegate to the conference was made. Accounts amounting to £47 16s 7d were passed. At the Borough Council ordinary meeting there were present the Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock, Crs. G. Heinz, T. W. Duff. W. H. Stopforth, D. P. Stuart, K. Aitken, E. W. Heenan and P. Ross. Cr. C. Caliari sent an apology. The overseer reported that the pipe line from the lake had been lifted eight feet at Stribling’s Creek and thereby the supply to tne reservoir had been considerably improved. Repairs to the reservoir had also improved its holding capacity. The Public Works Department engineer advised that the pipe line and level of drains crossing the mam highway at the State houses block were not sufficient to carry away the water. The drains were subject to flooding from the river. It was resolved to discuss the matter with the engineer. The Fire Board notified its levy for the year at £282. It was decided to pipe a storm water drain fronting residences in Brittan Street, and to complete pipes in Hampden Street on the northern side. The Medical Officer of Health notified that samples from the town water supply were satisfactory. - Mr. J. McEwan was appointed inspector under the sanitary regulations. Accounts amounting to £503 were passed ror payment. Abbattoir fees for the month totalled £BB 19s 5d lhe Clerk reported that under the regulations farmers were permitted to kill their own pigs and forward them to the freezing works. Some farmers had inquired as to slaughtering at the abbattoirs. It was resolved to advise that the pigs could be slaughtered at the abbattoirs provided all ' transport was arranged. The Beauti-

fying Society advised that a hedge to be planted around the square would be subject to blight. It was resolved to co-operate with the Society to the fullest extent, and to ask Mr. J. A. McPherson, of Christchurch, to visit Hokitika and advise the Council in regard to reserves, also to improvement of Cass Square and ornamental plots. The Reserves Committee recommendations in regard to the improvements at the cemetery and the bringing in of a new plot were adopted. The foreman is to arrange for the lorry and men to be available to carry out the work as speedily as possible. The School Committee at the usual meeting received advice of the appointment of Miss B. Romans as an additional teacher and instructress in physical education, and of Mr. H. A. Jones as teacher at Koiterangi. rhe Headmaster was instructed to cease washing the milk bottles on account of inadequate drainage. It was decided to ask the High School Board for a grant towards the library. The committee expressed its thanks to Mr. Heinz for the donation of tar fcr top dressing the tennis court. The local Savings Bank asked the committee to consider investing in the war loan. Money., lying in the bank was for the building of school baths. Members expressed their dissatisfaction with the Canterbury Education Board’s refusal to permit construction of the baths. Investment of the money in the loan was deferred, pending a final effort to have the work put in hand. it was decided to ask Mr. F. L. Turley to attend next meeting to discuss grievances. Mr. A. C. Armstrong (chairman) suggested that pending a conference with Mr. Turley the committee defer its decision to continue in office. The Rector reported me roll as 398. Attendance had been affeted by chicken pox. He paid a tribute to the caretaker for an excellent clean up of the building.