HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]. HOKITIKA. Jan. 7. Sawmills in Westland commenced operations on Wednesday. To-day a special service was engaged transporting timber to Greymouth and Canterbury. Public Works employees will return to their jobs at Jackson Bay and the Haast by the “Gael ’ which is to leave Hokitika to-morrow for southern ports. The transport service to the glaciers is still being largely patronised,’ parties arriving dailv to go on to the scenic region.'Tourists during the holidays have complained of the lack of an information bureau to make known places worth visiting. Those who have visited Lake Mahinapua, Lake Kanieri, the dredges and Ross are loud in praises of the scenery. Quantities of hay and green teed are being railed to Westland from Canterbury.. It is understood that the fodder was ordered prior to the advent of the spell of dry weather, farmers preparing against a further drought. However rain has set in this afternoon, there being a gpoo downpour. During the dry period local farmers were able to harvest large quantities of hav. and with the importation from Canterbury, they, will be well supplied with winter Earlier this week the local trawler secured a fair catch one evening, conditions being favourable. . ■ Some visitors remark that, whatever shortages there may be elsewhere, beer is here in ample supply, . Mr C. J. King, formerly Police Sergeant here, who is this week leaving Hokitika to reside in the North- Island, was presented by the Bowling Club with a smokers stand. The president, Mr F. Ballinger referred to the many sterling qualities possessed by their departing guest who during his membership had given the club excellent services, both as a playing and an executive membep. The present condition ot the green was a tribute to his .stepling efforts, it beirig the best on the West Coast and the equal of an?/ in New Zealand. Messrs A. E. - Benjamin, J. Conning and R. Watson supported the president’s tribute In thanking the club, Mr. King said that health reasons made his transfer of residence necessary, but he was sorry to go - ' away from such staunch friends, but wa's pleased to know that his efforts to improve conditions for the players were appreciated. The members gave three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs King, who will .make their home in Napier. At a meeting of the Pacific Lodge of Freemasons, Mr King was made a presentation bv the W.M., who said that during his sojourn in Hokitika' he had been a valuable member, taking a very keen interest m the Lodge. ~, . Hon. J. O’Brien, Minister of Manne is expected to pay a visit to Hokitika next week . . , . Mr D. J. Evans, County Clerk, who has been confined to his home tor some days, is now reported. to be making a good recovery. Mr M. Dawe returned to Hokitika on Thursday morning after spending the Christmas and New Year ■ holidays in Canterbury. Bush fires have occurred south of Ross. The largest, in a valuable silver pine area, was put out on Wednesday, but before it was about £6OO worth of silver pine was lost by the cutters. To-dav’s rain should put out these fires. Forest rangers have been keeping a look-out to check fire damage. The racing mare, Flame Queen, a well-known performer on the Coast circuits, as in other parts of New Zealand, when owned bv Messrs Houston and Freitas was retired from racing some time ago, and is now in foal to Defaulter, and it is understood will return to Hokitika shortly-