HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 January 1946, Page 3

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent! HOKITIKA, January 28

Gordon Davies, a member of a party of forestry workers engaged in assessing timber in the Kumara district, met with a nasty accident this week. Davies was making his way along the terrace edge and intended to go down the cliff side to the bottom of a ravine, when his foot slipped and he crashed down the cliff face a distance of twenty feet. In an effort to save himself, he 'caught hold of a tree branch, but the speed of his fall tore the branch through his left hand. He crashed to the cliff bottom. The flesh was torn off the first finger and another finger was broken. He also received severe bruising, and was suffering from shock. First-aid was rendered by his workmates. A. tramp of one hour was required to bring the injured man through the bush to the roadside, when he was taken to the Westland Hospital, receiving medical attention. He will be in hospital for some days, his condition being now reported satisfactory. The Gael is expected to arrive at Hokitika on Wednesday from Wellington, and will sail the following day for southern ports.

Mr T. D. Gillespie, of Hokitika, is at present a patient in the Westland Hospital. Mr T. Browne, of Wanganui, the 74-year-old cyclist at present on a tour of the South Island, is a patient in the Westland Hospital, suffering the effects of a poisoned hand secured on his trip from Hokitika to Haast. He intended to continue over the Haast Pass into Otago, but it would have been necessary to carry his bicycle and heavy packs, and he returned to Hokitika. As soon as he is able to leave hospital, he will continue his cycling tour over the Otira Gorge to Christchurch, then on to complete his tour of the South Island. Mr Steve Havill, of Koiterangi, is a patient in the Westland Hospital, following an operation. He is well on the way to a complete recovery. Mr Ned Walsh, of Wataroa, is making excellent progress in hospital.

Members of the Westland Racing Club are right out to make their summer meeting the most attractive of the circuit. Working bees have been arranged, and the fences, buildings, etc., will be painted. Further improvement will be made for catering at the buffet. The kitchen will be enlarged, and a modern slide type servery fitted. The course committee is giving attention to the track and stabling accommodation. Visiting- owners and trainers will appreciate the efforts being made on their behalf. The Club, if favoured with line weather for their meeting in February, should establish fresh records in every department. The Hokitika Borough Council is carrying out an extensive tar-sealing programme. The secondary highway in Weld Street from the Railway Station to the intersection of Sale Street is to be sealed for its full width. Tancred Street will be scaled from Weld to Hamilton Streets. With the completion of these two sections, road users should notice a big improveMiss Ramsay (Matron of the Westland Hospital) left on Monday evening’s rail-car for Timaru. Miss Ramsay will be absent on annual leave for one month. The Sub-Matron (Sister Cross) will be Acting-Matron untill Miss Ramsay’s return to duty.