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Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1927, Page 2

Tt seems hard to understand just why a section of the shareholders in a northern newspaper should object to the late visit of tile Duke of York being “boomed.” Perhaps the attitude is due to pique or some other personal feeling—or the lack of it—but the fact remains that the Ducal visit appeared rather to ‘boom*’ itself. In many hamlets and remote quarters there were no newspapers to “boom” the occasion. Yet there were gatherings and those little ebullitions of feeling which come so naturally to the truly British when there is a. necessity to justify the Empire and what it stands for. There were all the outward and visible signs which go to show how firmly patriotism is rooted in the people, and the “booming” came spontaneously from the masses. "Why ? Because the British Empire stands for justice, freedom, order and (good * government, and the citizens of the country were pleased and proud to honor the direct representative of the head of the Empire in the person of the King’.s" s son. What happened up and down New Zealand was typical of all other parts of the Empire, yesterday, to-day and tomorrow. The people believe in and appreciate constitutional government, and on the rare occasions which offer they are not above demonstrating their feelings by “booming” methods. It is in the blood, ingrained in all loyal and law-abiding citizens, who are not ashamed to display their fervour on occasions as evidence that they are prepared to maintain the heritage handed down by their forefathers. As to the Royal visitors who called forth so remarkable a demonstration of loyalty, a Lnltour Mayor has given a personal opinion of the personal contact which should satisfy some of those exacting folk who object to the ‘dooming.” The Mayor’s opinion, we noted, was expressed for the benefit of Australian Labour—not for New Zealand. He took it for granted, no' doubt, that the latter had understood the position already, but his words were sent across the Tasman Sea in advance for the benefit of comrades over there. Even the Mayor’s opinion was superfluous so far as Australia is concerned, judging by the preparations for the Ducal arrival. The same feelings exist there as here, and tjie “homing” will go on in Australia as naturally as it did here and by reason of the increased numbers, doubtless with greater vehemence. It is well that .it- is so, for it is in keeping with the natural and national sentiment of the people. Another example, if such were needed, of the abiding loyalty of the people in the mass.

Notice of train time-table alteration on April 2nd appears in this issue.

The monthly meeting of the Progress League takes place at 8 o’clock on Monday night at the County Chainbers.

The Hokitika Fire Brigade acknowledge with thanks the donation of .Cl Is from the National Bank oi New Zealand.

The Koikatahi-Koiterangi Sports Carnival takes place at Kokatahi on Thursday, April' 21st. 1927. Nominations close on April 11th.

The examiner for motor drivers’ licenses will bo in attendance at tbo County Office from 9 a.m. on Monday forenoon. Applicants please attend early, or arrange time of visit.—Advt.

The annual meeting of the Westland Competitions Society is being fixed for Monday week when it is to he hoped there will be an increased local interest in the movement and so ensure a strong executive being set tip. Arrangements will be made for the competition session which is to take place about August next, at the annual meeting.

Wednesday’s heavy rain was responsible for a general flood in South Westland. All the rivers were high. The Mikouui and Little Wanganui rivers were responsible tor further erosion. The position at inter-Wanga-nui is viewed with some alarm by the settlors who consider the Ilarihari settlement is jeopardised unless protective measures are put in hand quickie. The southern folk are anxious to see a Minister south to bring the position directly under government notice.

The Borough of Greymouth is now illuminated by 206 electric lights of 10f)-candle power each. The Chairman of Hie Lighting Committee (Cr. H. 1 • Doogan) stated last evening that the total annual cost of lighting will be £BSB, including 200 streets lights at 24 each; £l6 per annum for the lighting of the Post Office clock; and two special lights outside the Town Hall, costing £9 each per annum. The gutter should he ready for installation at an cf.rlv date.

Several ladies will In? assist i nsi in tin* musical part of the programme at the Blanket Society benefit next Friday which will assure a well diversified programme. Among those kindly helping will he Miss ‘Coburn. of Oreymoutli. who will render two violin solos. In addition there will lie other instrumental items as well as vocal numbers. Miss .Tames, of Greymniiili. and Miss Fvaus of Boss will !•'• responsible for the elocutionary items embracing character sketches, drama! ir recitals, monologues, dialogues and humorous numbers. The programme should nrove one of the best put before a local audience.

At the Magistrate Court. Westport, on Wednesday, Hebert Patterson, and Oscar R. Hove were separately charged with obstructing a mail ear on Tnangalina Bridge on March 9th. Both pleaded not guilty Evidence was heart! at length, and Magistrate Melilrmn said it reminded one of the old story: Two goats attempting to cross a stream on a Ipg. Neither would give way and they both fell in. This was tin' same. It- did not matter so long as defendants obstructed one another, hut when they obstructed Iho mail car. they committed an. offence. Each would lie fined £5 with costs, which amounted to .03 2s Gd each.

In the Hood last Wednesday the AAaitangi river overflowed its hanks, one elfeel being the Hooding ot ltidiVrdson Hoad, lately constructed. A settler, Norman Brown, of the Loan Block, when proceeding along the road in a horse and cart, got into diliiciilties when attemoting In negotiate an oneii crossing. The ford was deeper than expected due 1o extra scourings and the vehicle was carried down stream. The horse was unable to extricate ,itself and v.as drcwup.d, while the cud was damaged. Mr Brown had a ndrnow escape personally, being also carried away liy the Hood hut was caught in a wire fence on the bound. l ary oi the road and managed to save himself, experiencing a very narrow escape indeed. Richardson Hoad serves the Loan Block settlement which is menaced by the overflow in flood time. Engineers have reported as to a necessary stop bank and protective works, which are now awaiting deparmcntal approval. ’lhe homes oi five or six married settlers with families are in immediate danger under present conditions. and protective measures are urgently necessary. ’Hie restoration ol tlie road is an urgent matter also, the roadway being badly scoured and dr.Vgoroiis in places. ,'lt would . appear it will now lie necessary to bridge the open crossings to render the situation safe tor luture traffic.

.Ho re than double value for vour mono;.-. Extraordinary clearance of summer goods sit the popular price of -Is l lil each and 2 s for Is lid. This wonderful bargain -Is lld sale begins at 9 o’clock Saturday, March 2(>th. The bargains arc mighty and many and wiVI eclipse for value any 4s lid sale of the past. C'ome prepared for astounding bargains. McCrucr’s, Hokitika and Clreymouth.—Advt.

Now landing, large consignments of choice dessert, and cooking apples, Nelson tomatoes etc. Paterson. Michel and Co. (’phone No. 2).—Advt.

When buying sheetings, pillow cottons and damasks it is essential that you buy goods that will wash and wear well. The qualities we sell have proved their genuineness. We guarantee every yard distributed, and will replace free, any cloth bearing the ‘Aibnnco” brand not giving absolute wash and wear satisfaction, 54in. from Is 9d. 80in. from 2s .°,d, pillow cotton from Is 2d.—Schroder and Co.—Advt.

Special line of Silk Hose in all want ed shades, ’ibis week’s price 3s lid —Addisons.—Advt.

Xtainv days, lubber coats!—Ladies’ rubber coats, black, brown, saxe. 21s, 255, 29s 6d at McKay’s.—Advt.

Latest popular songs—‘ Leila Donna Bundaberg,” “Thinking of ion,’ “Smile a Little Bit,” “Gimme a Little Kiss,” “Any Ice To-day, Lady?” “I Can’t Forget,” “Just One More Kiss,” “Who,” (from the musical comedy ‘Sunny’), “At Peace With the World “The Letter Edged in Black,” “Cuckoo.” ‘ ‘Every Little Thing,” “It- Made You Happy,” “Matador” the new* “Valencia.” Price 2s, iwstage Id extra. Obtainable from A. W. Aarrall, gramaphone and musical dealer, Tie veil St. Hokitika.—Advt.