HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 13 February 1946, Page 6

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent) . HOKITIKA, February 12. A welcome home social was tendered at the Social Hall, Al ’^ ura last Saturday, to Lieutenant Albany Tainui. Mr. I. Webb, presided and extended a welcome to all present, and' on behalf of the Tribal Committee he presented an envelope to Lieutenant Tainui. Mr. R. J. Bradlev County Chairman, Mrs. Rasmussen, President of the Women’s Institute, Mr. R. Elcock, on behalf of the Returned Services’ -Association, and Mr. D. Roberts of the 23rd. Battalion all joined in the welcome. Further envelopes, were presented by the speakers. Mr. Roberts said his battalion fought alongside the Maori Battalion, and he paid a sterling tribute to it. Mr. Tuhuru Tainui, master of ceremonies, said that Lieu tenant Tainui was the last of the Maori soldiers from the Maori Pa to return home. Two membeis had paid the supreme sacrifice, and the others carried the scars of battle. Decorations were won by Sergt. Jack Tainui, who was later killed in action, W.O. B. Webb won the M.M., and’Fred Tainui was mentioned in dispatches while serving with the Air Force. Mr. Tainui further expressed thanks to the people for the great assistance they had always given to the Maori war effoit. Dane ing continued until 2 a.m., and concluded with the favourite, “After the Bail.” . . , . ‘ Cement supplies in Hokitika are exhausted, and the motorship Gael will be directed from Wellington to Tarakohe, to load supplies in order to keep urgent works going in the district. The vessel is due to arrive in Hokitika on Thursday and will reload for Wellington and sail the next day. On Wednesday evening a meeting of all interested citizens is to be held at. the County Chambers to consider the forming of a Progress League. The meeting is being sponsored by the Hokitika Businessmen’s Association. Yesterday marked the twenty-first consecutive year of service on. the Westland County Council of Mr. James Donovan of Okarito. He was first elected to the Council in 1893, but did not seek re-election after serving for six years. He again contested the seat in 1924, and has been elected continuously ever since. Mr. Donovan is one of the surviving band of Westland’s pioneers. To attend a meeting of the County Council in the early days was a Herculean task, involving the crossing of many unbridged rivers and creeks. Mr. Donovan, who _is a storekeeper* at Okarito, which in the early days was a thriving port. Abel Tasman made his first landfall at Okarito, and an oblisk there marks the historic occasion. Mr. Donovan had to make his. rounds with pack horse* and with his jinkers transported many loads of merchandise to his clients. Now almost 80 years of age, this sturdy pioneer settler still handles his packhorses and jmker teams with his old-time , skill. He admits it is a great deal easier to-day to attend the County Council meetings, as he now journeys from his store to Hokitika in the comfort of a modern motor 'bus. To-day, Mr. Donovan is a force to be reckoned with in County matters, and his advice is always respected. Residents will well remember his fight to keep open the highway to. South Westland when the river washed .out the Big Wanganui River bridge. Some experts ruled out his advice to use a punt, but he swept aside the opposition, and guaranteed to work the punt and keep the district going. With the able co-operation of his South Westland members, notably Mr. George Rowley, he established the punt Which proved an outstanding success. He is still battling for the railway ,extension into South Westland. Mr. Donovan has’ seen the passing of the horse, the horse and coach,' the first motor-cars and motoi* lorries battling their way through rivers and creeks, until to-day, with a modern highway, the most modern 'buses cater for tourists and for the "people of the district. He thinks the railway is the one missing link to the road of prosperity for Westland, and will be happy to see this important work listed among the regional works for Westland. The .Hokitika Fire Brigade team has commenced training for the demonstration to be held in Napier this year. The team will be comprised of four men. Firemen L. S. Ross and H. Davidson will go to the Conference to receive their Gold Stars, Superintendent L. L. Ross will be Chairman of the Accident Committee and delegate to tjie Conference, Playing at Hokitika, on Sunday, the Hokitika Tennis Club beat St Columba by 25 sets 240 games to 3 sets 161 games.