HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 December 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]. , HOKITIKA, Dec. 28. The streets were thronged on Christmas Eve and the report excellent business, witn figures well above last year. Hundreds of tourists are passing through Hokitika on their way to the Glacier regions, and both tourist houses at Weheka and Waiho Gorge are going all out. The Railway Road Service has to cope with a stream of holiday makers, entailing long hours for the staff, which Is kept up to strength with difficulty, owing Jo lack’ of experienced men. The continuance of fine weather encourages travel, there being only an occasional shower at night or in the early morning. Christmas was celebrated at the Westland Hospital in the customary style. On the evening of December 23, the Band played there a programme of carols, and on Christmas Eve the Nurses traversed the decorated wards singing carols. In the ! children’s ward, which looked very attractive, a Christmas tree, was laden with presents which delighted the young patients. Father Christmas at 10.30 a.m. on Christmas Day passed through the wards and made presentations to the patients, especially pleasing the children. At the same time the Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock, with h ; s daughter, Mrs. Harris, paid aii' official v’sit to the hospital. Accomnaned by the Board Chairman (Mr E. W. Heenan) and the Matron. M ; ss Ramsay, the Mayor chatted with the patients and extended Christmas greetings to all. At the Old People’s Home, the inmates received a gift of 10s each ' from the Board, and gifts from townspeople, making their Christmas a happy one. The Mayor visited the men and extended Christmas greetings to each. The Municipal Band enjoyed a highly successful Christmas, playing carols throughout the town. The response of the people to their collection realised £7O. showing appreciation of the services of the Band. On Christmas Eve people were in high spirits, and money was free. Although the selection of goods was limited, spending was ahead of previous years, and business people generally were well satisfied. . Mr. A. G. Buckland, who has been the Managei’ of the Hokitika Branch of the National Bank of New Zealand for the past three and a-half years. has received advice of his transfer to Pukekohe. During his stay he has associated himself with any movement for the betterment of the town. He was a lieutenant in the Horne Guard. Treasurer and Warden of All Saints’ Church, and a foundation member and Secretary to the Rotary Club. He was able to forsee great possibilities in Westland, and assisted in development that has taken place in the district during his isoiourn. The people will say farewell to Mr. Buckland with feelings of genuine regret.