EAST TO MEET WEST

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1927, Page 2

EAST TO MEET WEST

A RAILWAY EXCURSION. TO THE COAST. The following letter from Dir D. MeDavitt. Secretary of the AYcst Coast Association in Christchurch was received by Dir D. J. Evans on Friday ; “At a committee meeting of the West Coasters’ Association, ’it was decided to proceed, if possible, with the proposed picnic excursion to the West Coast on Saturday 26th March. The idea is to have a series of bowling, cricket, etc. matches during the afternoon at Greymouth. Ruuanga and Hokitika. Dir A. Mahan handed me your letter, and I am sure that your end will spare no efforts to make the gathering a success. The Railway Department requires a guarantee of 400 and wo have already about 200 promises. Personally, I think we can easily get the required number. You are already conversant with the particulars re fares, etc. and the first item alone, should prove an inducement for a large number of visitors from " this side. I would like you to ascertain at your earliest how many rinks would lie available in the event of a visit by howlers. It will take some time to find out how many are likely to make the trip, hut already a large number of howlers have promised. 1 am getting in touch with the various clubs here and hope in a week or so, to have some definite information. Other members of the Committee are arranging football matches at Runnnga and Greymouth. T w ill write you again after our next in about a week.”

Ah' Evans had Imxmi in communication. earlier with Air A. Mahan, who _ix on the Committee of the Association, and on receipt of the above letter lost no time in communicating with tho Secretaries of local sporting bodies with regard to extending invitations to Canterbury teams to visit Hokitika oil the 26th. March.

The Clubs communicated with included howling, tennis, swimming, football and cricket. The possibility of arranging a shooting match was mentioned, also to the Christchurch people. In addition it was stated Cass Square would Ik? available for picnic parties and it was expected the citizens would co-operate in providing hot water and tea if necessarv.

H the excursion is arranged, arrangements will lie made also for cheap motor trips to the dredge and other points of interest about Hokitika. For those who wished there would ho time for a run to Lake Kanieri. \ good deal of general information was sent across to Christchurch by to-day’s mail, together with advertisements to the Christchurch daily newspapers to \ attract the attention of general readers to the opportunity to visit Hokitika on a unique and special occasion and enjoy a splendid holiday jaunt.