HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 June 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, June 22.

Corporal A. T. Chinn is due to arrive in Hokitika this evening from the Middle East. Mr D. McGill of Christchurch, was a visitor to-day. Mr R. Lynch of Christchurch, was a visitor yesterday and returned toC Mr. B. J. Woods of Christchurch was a visitor to Hokitika. . Mr. Des Breeze has left for Christchurch and will be absent for two W MnT. Cron has resumed to South Westland. , ~ During the past two weeks the weather . has prevented the local trawler from fishing in the roadstead. On two occasions she put to sea but was forced to return. One of the local vessels while waiting to enter port secured a small catch of hapuka. Supplies of fish have had to be secured from Christchurch. Small shoals of whitebait were last week seen making their way up the river and into Mahinapua Creek. At the last meeting of the WestLand Hospital Board, Mr. G. H. Chapman gave notice of his resignation from the- board. Mr. Chapman will be leaving Hokitika early in August for Nelson where he is to reside having purchased a home thete. Since coming to Hokitika from KosS some years ago, he has taken a keen interest in many local activities. Besides being ward member ol the Hospital Board for Kumara and Ross he was president of the Golf Club, and a keen member of the Acclimatisation Society. As a’ member of the EP S. he carried out many important surveys, and • was responsible for a very" thorough organisation. The Mayor, Mr A. R. Elcock with Messis A.'Buckland and H C. Rowe this evening visited Kokatahi to address farmers on the Liberty Loan Hokitika has reached halt of its quota, about £35,000, and though Auckland, with 38 per cent, is credited with the lead, Hokitika, with 50 per cent., may be entitled to that distinction. Loan business has been predominant at the local banks and Post Office Savings Bank of late. Last week, £1,137 13s was deposited in the National Savings at Hokitika, being £925 13s 5d over the quota. This week’s figures should set a record. The Bond Waggon visited Hokitika on Monday afternoon, and after a parade through the town, held a rally at the Princess Theatre, Lent by the Regent Theatre Coy., which also screened two short features, “The Cost of the War,” with a talk by the Hon. Walter Nash, and another national film unit, New Zealanders on the Road to tripoli.” The Mayor (Mr A. R. Elcock) welcomed the visitors, hoping they would spur citizens on to greater things The Mayor purchased the fiist two bonds. The party put over a splendid performance, headed by Mr Jack Maybury, who kept the show going merrily. Sergeant-Major West delighted the audience, his fine tenoi voice being voted one of the best vet heard here. Gunner N. A Carson, accompanist, on the pianoaccordeon. played some delightful solos. Aircraftsman Moore was a treat for the younger folk, with his impersonations of radio and screen stars and only on one occasion did the audience fail to pick the impersonation. Miss Roberts and the Hahn local artists, assisted with items. Mr C. L. Rollo, the speaker with the waggon, paid a sterling tribute to Hokitika for its wonderful record with the war loans. Although 'set a big task with the Liberty Loan, it was apparent Hokitika was going to achieve its objective. Mr E. W. Heenan thanked the waggoners for their visit and entertainment, and all who were present. Mr H. C. Rowe - (Postmaster), with a willing staff, were present, and bonds sold totalled £574. The Bond Waggon left for Greymouth after the show. Cold, rainy weather has prevailed for the past few days, but sea encroachment has abated, due to the absence of stormy conditions. However, the north training wall of the harbour has been scoured out, whereas, it previously had been almost entirely buried in sand. The affirmative speakers, Messrs W. O’Brien, P. Carroll and R. Quinn were adjudged winners of the debate at St. Mary’s Club Rooms on Sunday evening, the subject being “That a Vigorous Immigration Policy Would be’in the Best Interests of the Dominion.” Mr P. F. Mulrennan was the judge. Messrs E. Allen and F. Groufsky and jR-ev. IFajther Keane were the negative speakers. Mr G. Henderson was the chairman. Mr P. Stephens gave an interesting item. The Club has at present 43, members serving with the Armed Forces. Next Sunday evening will be devoted to games.' The Mayor has been advised that an expected party of American Marines will not be coming to Hokitika. The Advance Liaison Officer wrote in appreciation of trouble taken by the Mayor and committee to arrange billets. The R.S.A., at its annual meeting last evening elected the following officers: Patron, Mr D. J. Evans; President, Mr F. J. Perham; VicePresident, Mr O. J'. Hutchison; Secretary, Mr G. Gilchrist; Committee. Messrs K. Wallace, T. N. Mitchell, J. Andrews, C. Hart, W. M. Fraser, ; P. Lloyd, G. A. King, H. Wells, R. Paterson. A credit balance of £2Bl Ils 4d was disclosed. Poppy Day sales realised £9B 17s. Receipts tor the past year exceeded £606. The retiring secretary was voted £5O for the past year, and it was decided to | instal the telephone at the secretary’s , office. The secretary’s salary was I fixed at £72 per annum. It was decided to invest £l5O in the Liberty Loan. Mr T. N. Mitchell congratulated the Association on its creditable report, and the healthy state of its finances. Mr G. Gilchrist gave a report on the conference in Wellington. It was resolved to ask Headquarters to issue a* certificate of merit to Mr R. Paterson, who had been the secretary for a lengthy period, and it also was decided to present him with a token of appreciation. The committee reported an absence of distress and unemployment among members. It was decided to afford all soldiers in the service weekly allocations of tobacco while in hospital. An expression of sympathy was accorded to Mrs Fane, a patient in hospital, the Association being much indebted for her services. A vote of apreciation was also accorded Rev. H. A. Childs for his splendid address on Anzac Day.