WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1945, Page 6

WESTPORT NOTES

ronr Own Correspondent] LUUr WESTPORT. March 19. Thp Wingatui sailed yesterday morning to Wellington. The Kiwi\ailed yesterday morning for \ ea i innH The Kaimai sailed this to/ Wellington. The Kaimiro sailed this morning for AuckNnd The Holmlea is loading to-day for Castlecliff and is to sail to-mor-row' morning. _ . r ~ Mr J Dowgray (Chairman of the Coal'Mines Council), returned on Atnrdav from an eight weeks’ tour of the coal mines in New Zealand, where the Council has been engaged in dealing with disputes. Corporal W. Eddy and Miss Joan Eddy, Wellington, are visiting Mrs. J. Craig, Queen Street. Mr. C. E. Petersen returned from Wellington on Saturday. Mr H. J- Neilsen returned from Nelson and Wellington on Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Tyso Davis, Christchurch, were visiting Westport for the race meeting. The death occurred on,. Saturday at the Buller Hospital of Laurence Shewan, aged 57 years, a native of Shetland Islands and a single man. The late Mr. Shewan had resided at Buri nett’s Face where he worked as a miner, for many years. Mr. William Dunn, aged 69, a former resident of Granity, died at Wellington on Sunday. The late Mr. Dunn was a son of the late William Dunn, who for many years was manager of the Millerton Mine. He was employed as foreman of the coke ovens at Granity for 15 years prior to going to Wellington in 1923, where he entered the employ of the City Council. Since his early days the late Mr. Dunn was well known in Rugby and cricket circles on the Coast and was a foundation member of the Granity Boxing Club. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. J. C. King and Mrs. F. Eager, and one son, Mr. John Dunn, all of Wellington. The Westport Competitions Society has decided to include in its programme at the third Annual Festival a West Coast elimination contest for the Melba Scholarship. The competition is open only to ladies and is for those over 17 years of age, and who were born in either Australia or New Zealand.

J. McFarlane rode five winners and one second in eight mounts at the Westport-Nelson Jockey Clubs’ meeting. Other successful jockeys were C. Stokes (2), R. Frame (2), C’. T. Wilson, G. Hampton and C. Mackie (1 each). G. Withers (2), J. Carmichael and D. Bennett (one each) drove winners in the trotting events. Mr W. Jackson, parents’ representative on the Board of Managers of the Westport Technical High School, who, after a‘ difference of opinion with the Principal and Secretary (Mr. J. Melson) over school and board matters at the December meeting, resigned his seat as a protest, was subsequently ije-elected unopposed when nominations were called to fill the vacancy, took his seat on the Board at this month’s meeting. He asked if it was the decision of the Board to write to the Director of Education regarding his resignation, or was it done by the Principal personally. He considered it a slur on his character, and stated that he was seeking legal advice on the matter. The Principal, Mr. Metson, said the letter was written by him, not at the instigation of the Board, for his own information. The Chairman (Mr. J. Robertson) said it was unfortunate that the position arose. He had thought Mr. Jackson was a hostile member, but had since changed his mind. They were all endeavouring to do their best for the school. Members were all doing their duty. Mr. Jackson: I have never been hostile to school or board, and on more than one occasion had reason to support the Principal. I have lost time from my work to attend to affairs of the school and have used my own material to construct and make repairs to school property. Because I am blunt and outspoken, it does not mean that I am antagonistic. My reason for resigning was the method adopted by the Principal in the awarding of the Dux honour, and certain remarks made by the Principal.” Mr. Jackson claimed his reelection unopposed, was an indictment of the Board. He had talked the matter of the Dux award over with his wife, and they decided to reconsider their previous decision and to allow their son, Clifton J'ackson, to retain his prize, as the Board had endorsed the Principal’s, action.' Mr. Metson expressed regret at the statement he had made concerning interference in all his years on the Board, but would endeavour to' substantiate, them if called upon. The Principal’s regret was accepted by: Mr. Jackson, and general business was proceeded with. The resignation of Miss C. I. Slater (commercial mistress) in view of her approaching marriage, was received with regret; and a vote of appreciation for her two years’ service*was recorded and best wishes for her future were expressed. It was decided that proceeds of the annual garden party: on Saturday be devoted to a fund for provision of a projector and radio installation and other amenities at the school. For the visiting committee, Mr. J. Ward said he was surprised and greatly impressed with the school and amenities on his visit. He suggested that an electric drill be' provided for the woodwork class and that a' footpath be formed in the vicinity of the woodwork room and armoury. It was decided to procure the drill and to get an estimate for the path. Mrs. A. B. Ridsdale suggested that, in view of the difficulty in procuring books necessary for the school, the board purchase the best projector available. With the films available from the Education Department,. Mrs Ridsdale said, the machine would serve a good purpose. A motion on these ... lines was carried.