HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent!) HOKITIKA, Oct. 22. In the early part of the week whitebait were plentiful, but to-day were scarce, with-very small catches in the morning, although there was a large number fishing; Two ’plane loads arrived from South Westland to-day, one from Paringa, and the other from Jackson Bay. The canning factory is receiving fair supplies, but most fish are going overland, the market prices remaining very firm. Some fishermen are doing very well. On Thursday a meeting was held to consider the formation of a Rotary Club in Hokitika. There was a large attendance, representatives of every business and profession. . Rotarians from Christchurch Outlined the activities, aims and objects. In the atltemoon Ithe (victors werfe entertained at afternoon tea by the local sponsors. There was a representative attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last evening to consider the formation of a Home Servicemen’s Association. Mr. O. J. Hutchison (Deputy-Chairman of the Returned Services’ Association) and Mr. Gilchrist (Secretary), outlined the. proposal, and offered suggestions. A draft set of rules was considered. The following committee was elected: Messrs F. Freitas, A. Neil, E. Heenan. J. K. Aitken. G. Bryant, C. Wells, W. Stickles, J. Connors, K. Reece, S. Lakin. The committee is to be a provisional one to consider the draft rules and to bring forward remits for submission to the Dominion Conference to be held in Wellington on November 26. Mr. F. Freitas was elected chairman, and Mr. C. Wells secretary, until a general meeting is held here next Tuesday evening to consider the rules and remits. Messrs E. W. Heenan and K. W. Reece were nominated for the office of delegate to the conference and Mr. Heenan was elected. The Association >is to foster the needs of the men who served within New Zealand, especially men who suffered, disabilities during service, and those who mav experience trouble from service in the years to come. The committee expressed thanks to the Returned Services’ Association lor their help and an .invitation was extended to their officers to be present <it the meeting on Tuesday evening. Miss Dick read the aspirations at the meeting of the Three Mile Women’s Institute, Mrs. Rasmussen presiding. Arrangements were completed for a birthday celebration on November 14. Competition winners were: Mrs Hamilton and Miss D Collie.

At the October meeting of the Harihari Women’s Institute, Mrs. W. Wall occupied the chair. The wandering shilling was won bv Mrs. C. Searle. Mrs. Barnicoat (Dominion President) gave a talk on Institute matters, and an account of the packing of soldiers’ parcels. Competition winners were Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. Wall and Mrs. W. Wall. Mrs. Barnicoat was the judge of the competitions. At the meeting of the Westland Hospital Board on Thursday evening the chairman, Mr. E. W. Heenan, referred to the death of Dr. Shore of the Health Department, who had proved himself a highly efficient officer, and »extremely sympathetic towards the Hospital Board, and it was with deep regret that the Board learned of his death. Mr. T. W. Duff also paid a tribute to the late Doctor Shore. The Board passed a motion of sympathy with the relatives, and resolved to write the Department expressing deep regret at the passing of such a capable and loyal officer. A sitting of the Armed Forces Appeal Board in Hokitika has been set down for Friday, November 12 at 1.30 P-m Last week the quota for national Savings at Hokitika was not subscribed, but there was sufficient in reserve fund to meet the quota. The ball this week is barely half-way. It is expected that the week-end deposits will enable the town to reach the quota. Last week made the 100th. successive one for Hokitika to obtain the quota. . .. , „ Mr. W. Chetwyn of the Lands Department, Wellington, is at present on a visit to Hokitika. At the Westland Hospital Boards ordinary meeting there were present Messrs E. W. Heenan (Chairman), F. Freitas, T. P. O’Neil, T. W. Duff, G. Hainz and J. A. Murdoch. Apologies were received from Messrs J. Richards, W. Jamieson and A. R. Elcock. The National Service Department advised of a continuance of Scheme labour for garden work for a period of thirteen weeks. It was decided nor to be represented at the annual conference in Dunedin next February. It was decided to support Ashburton Board in regard to salary increases suggested by the Hospital Boards’ Association. The resignation of Miss Burn. Sister in charge of the Maternity home was received. It was decided to erect a milking shed at the farm and instal a milking machine. The secretary reported that with State subsidy payments and the levy on local bodies, the Board would be in credit. The Health Department forwarded approval for an overdraft limit of £7,000. Tenders for six months’ supplies were accepted as follows: Meat. W. S. Howson, bread, J. Hurren; fish, G. H. Preston and Sons; carting, P. M. Coyle. The patients in hospital on September 30 were reported bv the Medical Superintendent as 72. There have been 112 admitted, and a total of 170 treated during the month. The Matron reported operations as numbering 31, X-rays 101, screenings 3, massage and theraphy treatments 249. highest number of occupied beds 79, lowest 51. average 69. Nurse Searle had resigned. The farm report stated produce supplies .in the hospital had totalled £73 15s 6d ; including 628 gallons of milk, produced by 13 cows.