HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1945, Page 6

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent) HOKITIKA, Sept. 21. . Mr Alfred John Thorn, of Hokitika, a well-known former resident of Kumara, was found dead on the southern bank of the third channel ot the Hokitika River. He had engaged in whitebait fishing during the past season or two, and was well-kn among those who frequent the back channel. He leaves three sons, Allred (Hokitika), Ronald (at present overseas) and Charlie (Kanieri , also two daughters, Mrs Pratt /./*// mouth) and Mrs Clelland (Hokitika). Last evening nearly a hundiea were whitebait fishing at he mouth of the river. Starting on the beach they worked to the river mouth as the tide rose. A run lasted from a p.m. till dark. At 7 p.m. the main shoal entered, being several chains long and fully a chain wide. An experienced ' fisherman said it was the largest he had seen. In single hauls half a kerosene tin full was occasionally secured. One man filled with fish a hole in the sand which he dug after filling his bucket with his first haul. Whole families were fishing and there were many good catches. This morning fishermen in Mahinapua Creek and in the back channel of the river had their first run, and large hauls were netted. A woman using a trench netted twelve kerosene tins, while drag-net fishermen caught from one to three tins. Buyers are now operating at Is 6d per pound. The canning factories are paying the same price. Irvine and Stevenson have installed a travelling oven in their Hokitika factory, to ensure quick handling. At Harihari the river mouth is practically blocked. Fishermen expect it to be completely closed this week. They intend then to cut a channel. This river, the Big Wanganui, when clear, is one of the most prolific. Further fish are coming by plane from far South Westland.

On Wednesday evening a meeting of mountaineering enthusiasts was held at Mclntosh’s Club Rooms, representatives of the Police Force being in attendance to consider the formation of a Rescue Branch of the ■Mountaineering Club, with the object, of joining in searches for lost Hampers; stalkers or aircraft within the limits of the Westland district. It was decided to call a special meeting to form the branch on October 1.