HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 1 February 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.] HOKITIKA, Jan. 31. Before Mr. G. G. Chisholm, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court, John Edward Brough Wildey charged with rheft of £6 10s in money from a hut at Stoney Creek,- pleaded guilty, stating he went to the hut to get a drink of whter, and saw a wallet. On the spur of the moment he took the [money. The Magistrate said accused had been before the Supreme Court and admitted to probation. He was reluctant to send him to prison in view of the essential industry he was working in.. The case would be adjourned to February 9 to enable accused to make i-estitution, and the penalty would then be fixed. At a meeting of Hokitika Savings Bank Trustees on Saturday, Mr. M. H. Houston was elected Chairman in succession to the late Mr. D. -J'. Evans, to whom the Trustees all paid tribute, and placed on_ record their appreciation of his services, and also passed a motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr. Evans. The new Chairman, a public accountant, was formerly on the clerical staff of the late William Duncan when the latter was manager of the Savings Bank. Mr. Houston is Chairman of the Harbour Board, President of the Westland Racing Club, representative on the West Coast Provincial Patriotic Council, and one of Hokitika’s best-known business man, whose latest appointment will be a popular one. At a special meeting of the Westland County Council on Thursday evening, the Chairman, Cr. G. Rowley said the members desired to express their regret at the death of their Treasurer and County Clerk, Mr. D. J Evans. It was resolved that the Council convey its deepest sympathy to the daughters and relatives in the loss they had sustained by the death of their loving father. The Chairman said it was a sad day for all. The Council had lost a great man, and the district as well would feel the loss. In patriotic work, in the sporting world, and in the advancement of Westland, a guiding hand would be missed. In any movement that had for its objective .the advancement of Westland the late Mr. Evans was in the forei front. The Hon. J. O’Brien forI warded a telegram of sympathy, addiing that the completion of the Great South Road would be a fitting memorial to the late. Mr. Evans. Cr. John Donovan, as the oldest member, paid a sterling tribute to the late Mr. Evans, who had served the Council for 53 years, while he himself had been a member for 41 years. All councillors supported the Chairman, and the Assistant-Clerk, Mr. E. T Stoop, as one who had been closely connected with the late Mr. Evans, paid also a glowing tribute to him. Mr R G. Jordan, who is transferring to Ashburton from the local branch of the Bank of New Zealand, where he has for 12 y ear s been Accountant, was farewelled by a gathering of business people at the Hotel Westland. Mr. M. B. James, who presided, said .they wished to pay tribute to Mr. J'ordan for his assistance and courtesy as a banker, as abo for his' other personal good qualities and they also wished to express appreciation of Mrs. Jordan s assistance in various movements. Other speakers who eulogised Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were Messrs A R. Elcock (Mayor), Friedlander (W. J. Jeffries and Coy.), W. H. Stopforth (Chairman Of, the Business Men s Assn.), T. N. Mitchell (Manager, Bank of N.Z.), M. Dawe, G. -Perry and others present. On behalf of his friends, Mr. Jordan was asked by Mr James to accept a wallet ot notes as a mark of their esteem and appreciation. Me asked Mr. Jordan to consult his good lady and ptuchase some memento of their stay here. Mr. Jordan, in thanking those present for their expressions of goodwill and their handsome presentation. said he was taken unawares by their' kindness, . He appreciated ’ the kind expressions towards M'rs. Jordan. During his stay he had tried to do his best for the bank anH its clients at the same time to abide by regulations. It was hard to say farewell to such line People, whose hospitality knew no bounds. With Mrs. Jordan he would ever remember their friends, ana would look back with pleasant memories to the years spent in Hokitika. The singing of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” and hearty cheeps for Mr. and Mrs. Jordan brought a pleasant gathering to an end. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan left on Friday for Ashburton. The Gael sailed for Wellington on Saturday with a cargo of timber, and is expected to return, next week. A number of bridges in the far south of Westland are to be completed this year. It is understood .hat the Rope Construction Coy. will fin-

ish one and that a Christchurch firm secured a contract for the completion of another. A quantity of the material was sent south by the Gael last week.