LOCAL NEWS

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1949, Page 4

LOCAL NEWS

“There are now 1858 licensed amateur radio stations in New Zealand, representing an increase in the last year of 283,”. stated the PostmasterGeneral, the Hon. F. Hackett, yesterday. He paid a tribute to the valuable services of radio amateurs in times of national emergency.

A return of 1990 z of gold was obtained by Rimu Flat dredge in the first, halt of the present month, from 59,639 yards in 249 hours.

The staff 'of the Greymouth branch of the Land and Income Tax Department yesterday held their annual picnic at Lake Mahinapua, which proved an ideal resort.

In the Police Court at Greymouth yesterday, William Royd Donaldson, aged 31, a stranger, to the West Coast, was charged with being a rogue and a vagabond, having been found without lawful excuse at night in a bedroom of a local hotel. Mr M. J. Fogarty J.P. was on the bench, and Sergeant B. W. Wootton, who prosecuted was granted a remand until Monday next so that further inquiries could be made. Donaldson was remanded in custody.

During shunting operations at Ngahere, three coal hoppers and a guard’s van were derailed. No coal was lost, nor were the trucks on the track damaged. The trucks were not turned over, and after being jacked up from the ballast into which they had sunk, they were pulled back on to the rails by a locomotive. The hoppers, which were filled with Blackball coal, were being brought to Greymouth, and were being shunted in the Ngahere station yard when the mishap occurred.

Mrs Moreland presided over the February meeting of the Blaketown Women’s Institute at which two new members were welcomed. Nominations were taken for President, Executive and voluntary organiser for the West Coast Federation and for president and committee for the Institute. The roll-call “sing, say, or a penny pay,” was well responded to. The wandering shilling was won by Mrs M. Gordon, and a child’s apron was won by Mrs Coll. Competition winners were: Linen patch: Mrs Mathieson. Vase of asters, Mrs Mathieson 1; Mrs McNee 2. Cold sweet, Mrs Mathieson 1; Mrs Stewart 2; Mrs McDowall 3. An interesting demonstration in care of the skin and hair was given by Mrs V. Thompson. Popular songs were sung during the social half-hour.

Have you seen Jeff’s new bar ? Empire Hotel. Ross.—Advt.

The meeting of the Dobson Women’s Institute was held in the Dobson Hall, when Mrs Mellett presided. The meeting opened with the Institute Song. The aspirations were read by Mrs McMinn. One visitor was welcomed, and three apologies were received. An invitation from Moana Institute to attend their birthday party was accepted, as was one received from Kaiata Institute to a bring and buy evening. It was decided that a shop day be held on Friday in Dobson. A demonstration of a rucked .cushion was given by Mrs G. Smith, a vote of thanks being accorded her. A money box for Baby Erskine was handed round and will be given to Mrs Erskine with best wishes. A Splendid supper was served by the hostesses. Competitions resulted as follows: Tray cloth, Mrs Batey 1, Mrs Smith 2; flowers, Mrs Finch 1, Mrs Smith 2. The social half-hour was taken up with various games. The meeting then closed with the singing of “God Defend New Zealand”.

The first meeting for 1949 of the Harihari Women’s Institute took place in the hall on February 16, when Mrs R. Ferguson presided. All present read the aspirations, and sang the Institute Song, with Mrs J. Glass at the piano. Mrs R. McMillan gave her “Thought for the Month”. Two letters were read from the link at Bishopstone. Mrs H. Shearer volunteered to send the February food parcel. Mrs E. Chisnall was appointed executive member for the year. Competition results were: Best bloom, Mrs Clark’s magnificent hydrangea won. easily in this s'ection. 'Mrs L. Wall came second with a very fine dahlia, and Mrs H. Shearer’s hydrangea came third. In the felt work section, Mrs McLaren took first, second and third places with her entries. The third competition was a vegetable bouquet. Mrs D. P. Graham was first, with Mrs McLaren second, and Mrs J. Searle third. After lunch came the roll call, “Things not to do —Safety measures”. Nominations for the new committee were then taken, and the full complement was reached with several new members. Mrs R. Ferguson demonstrated a method of making wool or rag mats, using a sewing machine.

One new member was welcomed at the monthly meeting of the Karoro Women’s institute. Mrs Thompson gave a very interesting demonstration on beauty make-up for daytime and evening. Advice was received from the link institute in England that Christmas cakes sent by members arrived in good order. There was a splendid response to an appeal for food for Britain this month. Competition winners were: Bloom, Mrs Batty 1. Mesdames Trowbridge, Reynolds, Fleming, and Murray, equal 2: Mesdames Dunwoodie, Dodd, and Shepherd, equal 3. Fruit scones, Mrs Robertson 1, Mrs Shepherd 2, Mesdames Dunwoodie and Murray, equal 3. Patch, Mrs Murray 1, Mrs Hazeldine 2, Mesdames Shepherd and Dunwoodie, equal 3.

An unusual request came before the Grey Electric Power Board last evening when the Gladstone Scout Committee wrote asking for assistance in supplying power to the Scout den recently opened by the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan. Th.e committee stated that it had sufficient conduit, and the request was for assistance in the installation of the power. The Engineer, Mr S. Trotter, stated that the cost might be up to £lO, and a grant of £5 was made. The Board also granted £5 5s each to the Greymouth Surf Life Saving Club and the Mission to Lepers.

Two yachts representing the Greymouth club, namely the Lanoma and Popeye will to-day sail in the annual competition between the Nelson. Marlborough and West. Coast clubs for a cun donated by the three provinces. The cup which was contested for the first occasion last season is held bv Marlborough. This year’s race will be sailed in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. The local crews left last evening for Picton. W. Longstaff will be in command of the Lanoma. while A. Kroening will sail the Popeye.

Moscow newspapers (according to a London cable) state Soviet polar workers in northern Siberia have discovered a complete and perfectly preserved body of a mammoth, which lay in perpetually frozen soil with only the tusks emerging. The spot has been marked for scientists who in the spring will lift the body, which the intense cold has preserved for thousands of years.