HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

LOur OWn Correspondent], HOKITIKA, May 11. In Westland County, keen interest is being taken in the coming local body elections. For the four seats in the Southern County Riding it is expected eight candidates will be nominated, while a similar number will be nominated for the three seats in the Central Riding. In the Northern Riding, so far only two candidates have been nominated, the sitting members. In Hokitika, although some days ago there was talk of a Mayoral election, no nominations have vet been received. It. would not be surprising to find that the present Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock will have no opposition. For the Hospital Board three Hokitika members are required. One sitting member, Mr. D. F. E. Freitas, now resides in Greymouth, while another member is not keen to seek re-election. It is quite possible that a lady will be nominated. For the Borough Council more than the required nine will be offering. Some sitting members have stated they will not seek re-election, but there will be new aspirants. The Harbour Board is not creating much interest. Three town members are required, and two County members. Nominations close on Monday at mid-clay.

At the Harbour Board meeting last evening, there were present Messrs M. H. Houston (Chairman), P. H, Renton and H. C. Harvey, apologies being received from H. G. Park and W. Stopforth and F. Freitas. A report received that carters were removing shingle from the river bank Upper Gibson Quay, .was referred to the Borough' Council for immediate attention. R. Ferguson was granted lease of a section on the Board’s Reserve, year to year, at a rental of 11. The tender of T. W. Wall was accepted for troliev wheels. It was decided to advise the Railways Department that the Board did not desire to purchase a capstan offered for sale. The Treasurer reported receipts, at £36 Is 3d; payments £B2 18s 6d; special loan account, principal £250, interest £42 10s; total payments £385 8s 6d. Credit at bank £lO9 9s 3d. The signalman reported that the channel over the bar was in good condition, carrying 10 to 12 feet of water. Repairs to the timber wharf backing had been completed, and the trouble appeared to be remedied. The chairman expressed thanks to the members, for their loyal co-operation during the past three years. The port had been kept open, and if more ships of a suitable type were available, the trade would improve It was unfortunate that the tvne of ships available for Hokitika had been taken over by the authorities. When conditions were back to normal, there would be a revival of shipping, and of cargoes available. Parties of shooters report the present duck season a complete failure, so far,. Weather conditions were atrocious for the opening, and shooters blame incessant rain for an absence of ducks. In one or two instances parties report success, but not the great maiority. One party ■but from four o’clock in the morning until eleven at night secured four ducks. With a return to better weather. the season ma v improve. One enthusiast reckons the ducks know the opening dav i