HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 2 February 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

■ ■ (Our Own Correspondent], HOKITIKA, Feb. 1. There are at present only about forty patients at the Westland Hospital, one ward being about free, and the number is daily decreasing. The / hospital is equipped for normally 66 patients per day. Should the present position continue the Board would 1 soon have to make staff reductions, ■ as the finances would not stand the 1 strain. One reason given for the decrease of patients is the excellent weather conditions being enjoyed ’ n • the district. The Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock, presided at a meeting of the Hokitika Patriotic Committee last evening, also present being Mesdames Boyd, ■ (Secretary), Lynch, Miss Knight. ' Messrs C. Caliari, M. Houston, J. ’ Hutchison, P. W. Whitford, E. Heenan and D. G. Gilchrist. The Secretary reported Hokitika’s quota for the vear, up to September would be £1,226 and the sum of £4OO was al- ■ ready in hand. The chairman suggested that the town should endeavour to exceed its quota. West Coast ■ Cinemas notified inability to make . the Regent Theatre available for pat- • riotic concerts owing to extensive' film contracts. The Princess Theatre would be available at all times. The Secretary reported that the Company ' had charged £2 10s for the first night of Miss Duff’s concert, and £7 10s for the second night, plus 30s staff ■ charges. The letter created some | adverse comment. The Company l refunded £2 10s as a donation. The I Secretary reported that 400 parcels would be packed and forwarded during this period. It was decided to raffle a section donated to the Committee by the Kanieri Hokitika Sawmilling Coy. The R.S.A. offered to distribute 'parcels to soldiers on leave and to arrange suitable farewells. Lake Kanieri Regatta Club .offered to hold a special regatta on February 19, which was accepted, and it was decided that a committee be set up to assist. The Chairman said launches and yachts would be available for the public. An effoit would be made to secure an extra allocation of petrol for the day. The Self Help Company were thanked for their assistance in advertising patriotic concerts, the cost in each case being £lO.