HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 19 November 1946, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our O.wn Correspondent] HOKITIKA, Nov. 18.

Whitebait catches have latterly been very small, and some fishermen are of opinion that the season has ended. It is understood new regulations governing' the industry will come into force next season. Local fishermen have not,yet had an opportunity of reviewing the proposed regulations. Hon. J. O’Brien, Minister of Transport, has advised the Westland Hospital Board that a rumour about a cessation of the air services to South Westland in the event of National Airways taking over is without foundation. Should the National Airways take over Air Travel Ltd., the service would be continued, and possibly improved. On Saturday the Lake Mahinapua Acquatic Club held their opening day, the ceremony being performed by Mr. A. R. Elcock, Mayor of Hokitika and the Mayoress hoisted the pennant at the boat house and declared it open for the year. Mr. R. J. Bradley for the' County Council complimented the club on their improvements. Representatives of the Greymouth Acquatic Club also extended good wishes. Yachting races were held and patrons were taken for cruises on the lake in a hydroplane and speed boats, and children’s races were held. The Hokitika Muni-cipal-Band played music. The attendance was estimated at 800. At a meeting of the local Sports Committee, it was decided to affiliate with the N.Z. Cycling, Athletic and Axemen’s Union, and to hold a meeting on Boxing Day. The following officials were elected: President, Mr. W. H. Stopforth; sheep, Mr. T. Staines, senr.; chopping events, Messrs J. Gu'gich, J. Milner, J. Schroder, J. Phillips, and J. Cooper; stepping the pole, Messrs A. H. Thompson, J. McDonald, B. Algar, E. Olsen, P. Hurren, and G. Groufsky; soft drinks and ice-cream, Mr. H. Kortegast and St. Mary’s Football Club; running events, Messrs S. McDonnell and G. Davidson; eyeing, Messrs S. Havill, T. Gifford, J. Sheldon, and C. Schroder; local races, Messrs H. Wells, S. Moore, M. Davidson, E. Rankin, G. Davidson, and E. McHugh; programme, Messrs C. Schroder, M. Houston, and S. Moore; secretary and treasurer, Mr. R. Quinn; assistant-secretary, Mr. P. Kortegast; broadcasting, Messrs E. W. Heenan and I. Randall; competitions, Messrs S. Richardson, J. Rutland, E. McHugh, and clubs’ M.C., Mr. T. Gifford; afternoon tea, Messrs C. B. and J. Preston, and T. and H. Staines; sideshows, Messrs D. Hyndman, W. Wells, F. Groufsky and E. Rankin; gates, Messrs W. H. Stopforth, FI. Stapleton, and J. Hale; baby show, Excelgior Football Club (Mr. B. Kelly); booth, Messrs M. Houston and H. Kortegast; trophies, Messrs M. B. James, T. J. Stuart, G. Adamson and W. H. Stopforth.