HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1948, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Otir own Correspondent]

HOKITIKA,. April 21. , At the meeting of the Borough Council, the town clerk reported that 92.37 per cent, of the collectable sales had been secured. The borough fund had £lB5 credit. Cr. HaviH said the council had paid two instalments to the Westland Catchment Board totalling £2OO. The surplus, taking ail accounts into consideration, would oe nearer £6OO. Cr. _E. W. Heenan said that the position was the brightest he could remember. The town cleri< and rates committee deserved creait which was accorded in a motion. The Hospital Board advised of a levy on the Borough amounting to £ll4/ z l/1..-. Cr Armstrong urged seeking a visit here of the Royal Family, Ur Heenan agreeing. As the aerodrome was just being constructed, the council could offer any help in having it fit for the olane in which the Royal visitors would travel. It was decided to co-operate m any effort to ensure a Royal visit. Westland Hospital Board notified that it had received authority to negotiate with the council as to a new water sunnlv from Lake Kanieri. Cr. Havill, chairman of the water committee, said this was pleasing news and the council could go ahead with its proposals. It was. decided to invite the consultant engineer. Professor Campbell, to visit HokitiKa and discuss the scheme with the interested parties, and draw up ine plans for the work. It was mentioned that other Government Departments would be interested, as fire protection for Seaview Mental Hospital, National Airways Corporation and for Westland Hospital. The borough health inspector forwarded an analysis of water taken from a supply tanned near Kanieri township. Cr Heenan asked whether the council was under obligation to make a payment for the analysis. Members agreed that it had not been authorised bv the council. The Mayor said there would be no payment. Mr J. B. Kent. M.F'. notified that Cabinet had approved plans for a new post office at Hokitika,- and tenders for its construction would be called within two weeks. The council resolved to forward a letter nf appreciation and thanks to Mr Kent, for his interest, in the work, and for the happy results that had attended his efforts. Mr Kent also notified the council that ever.v effort, was being made to have more State houses erected in Hokitika. Tenders had been accepted for three houses. More sections were required. It was largely a matter of getting builders to tender for the work. The council resolved to ask the Housing Department whether they intend to build on the remaining sections in the Botanical Gardens area. and. if not. to' offer these sections for public tender.

The council i pproved the Beautifying Societys’ offer to plant cypress trees in Fitzherbert street. Members paid tribute to the work of the society.

The Public Works Department requested payment of £250, the council’s spare of the cost of the havboiw flood wall. The harbour board advised that the borough would be relieved of tne harbour rate. The final payment would be made on August 21. This would complete payment on two loans raised bv the board —one of £12,000 in 1912 and one of £I3,GuO in 1913. The rate amounted to 2d in the pound. Mr H. C. Peart was appointed to a vacancy on the hospital board caused bv the resignation of M r McDougall. Cr Armstrong was elected to the advisory committee of the Plunket Society. It was agreed to make an improvement to the entrance to the Plunket Rooms, Sewell street. A report on the library was received from Mr A. V. O’Brien, and was referred to the library committee. Mr W. J. Bruce was appointed borough member on the committee.

The' reserves committee was directed to make inquiries for the purchase of a modern motor mower for Cass Square. The foreman was directed to mow the olaving areas at H.D.H.S. and arrange for a general clean-up of the streets surrounding that school. It was decided to recondition the covering of the wells m Revell street. The Health Inspector drew attention to the state of several homes in Hokitika. He staled there was need for.more State houses. It was pointed out that the Housing Department recently let tenders for three houses. The difficulty was to secure builders who would tender fo>- State houses. The Housing Department was willing to build homes, provided it could secure tenders. Mr J. B. Kent, Member for Westland, was doir- his Pest to assist, and his efforts were now bearing fruit.

An offer bv Cr Heenan to place on. view a picture of Hokitika harbour as it. appeared in’ 1888. was accepted. At a meeting of the Library Committee, it was decided to nominate Mr W. J. Bruce as a Borough Council representative. Pleasure was expresed at the librarians’ willingness to open the library each afternoon at 2.30 instead of 8.30 p.m. It felt the earlier opening in the afternoon would be a convenience. Receipts were: £6 14s 6d, and books issued for the month, 1610. The book selection commitee reported the purchase of new books, including an up-to-date dictionary, and for the minor library an encyclopedia. The West Coast Sailing, Rowing and Motor Boat Association, held their annual Smoke Concert in the R.S.A. Hall, Hokitika, and the following trophies were presented:-— Lake Kanieri, juniors.—Gilchrist Trophy: R. Messenger; Bennett Trophy: G. Lakin. Senior.— Darwell Cup: E. Smith, Elcock Trophy: G. Roberts; Shan-non-Robinson Trophy: E. Smith; Brokelhurst Cup: H. Thompson: Rose Bowl: F. Barltrop; Outboard Cup: W. O’Brien; Stuart Memorial Cup (for most points over the season) : R. Anderson. Lake Mahinapua, (junior).—Renton Cup: R. Havill. Senior. —Westland Breweries Rose Bowl: W. Longstaff: Freitas Cup: R. Eager; James O’Brien Rose Bowl for inter-Club racing: Greymouth Club. Items were given by Messrs A. Neil, S’. Brookes, F. Barltrop, P. Crough, G. Searle, D. Smith, G. Kennedy, C. Fowler and W. Dini. Music was supplied by A. Morton, G. Searle, F. Barltrop, B. Stephens and B. Stevenson. Mr M. Houston snr.. president of the Mahinapua Clup presided. The following toasts were honoured: The King; West *Coast Association, (G. Bryant—W. Messenger); Grey Ciuo (G‘ Kennedy—R. Blacktopp); Lake Kanieri Club (W. Dini —H., L'liompson and J. N. PvObinson); Lake Mahinapua Club’ (A. Robinson —vv. Dini); The Ladies (E. Johns—t-. Smith); Press and Entertainers (vv. Messenger—F. Barltrop and L. derson); Kindred Sports (D. and M. Houston).