The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1933 COUNTY FINANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1933 COUNTY FINANCE.

The report published on Tuesday, setting out the financial position of the Westland County, revealed a satisfactory state of affairs.. Over.the half-ybarjt the local body rather more than held its own, and finished up the .period with a credit balance somewhat better than that of a year ago, Phis solvent state of affairs will bo appreciated by those concerned. Judging from the figures given, there was a substantial turn-over, and the considerable expenditure betokens a large number of matters attended to. The treasurer in the interests of sound management, very properly refers to the value of ratepayers discharging their rating liabilities promptly, so that estimated revenue may be realised, and commitments discharged without the necessity of relying on overdraft accommodation. In that way there would be a direct saving, and it is pointed out if prompt payment were the rule, the possibility of a further lowering of the annual rate is not remote. To encourage early payment of rates, the Council offers a rebate, and this appears to be an inducement to many of the ratepayers, a fair percentage being returned promptly. If the practice were more general, the ratepayers would be helping themselves as well as the Council, by ready payment of rates. Naturally, there is a stringency abroad at present, and ready money is not at hand always, but- judging by the number who meet the claims promptly, the general situation here is not as difficult as in some centres. The measure of unemployment in the country district is disclosed to some extent by the cost of relief work and mining subsidy. The sum of £4,560 was distributed over the six months, which must be regarded in a community such as this, as substantial. The work performed under No 5 Scheme, judging by the Riding Accounts, lias been helpful to the northern and central districts, where the majority of the> registered men are, and this in time would be a relief to the direct county expenditure. Revenue in general has not fallen unduly. Goldfields revenue, thanks to the mining activities, has been maintained. Timber royalties are not now the help they were, duo to the slackness in the timber trade. What lias been possible, evidently, is that revenue such as it was, has been used in keeping with tile expenditure. Or, rather, it might be iput the other way, ('expenditure has been checked to the measure of funds available. In common with other aspects, there lias been a decline in road grants, but again, the expenditure has been well-controlled by the outdoor staff, and the work done is reflected in the general satisfacfcerv condition of the county roads to-day. Reads in regular use are well eared for, and the highway sections are in firrt class order. These results in the light of reduced revenue, are commendable. Some of the baekblock roads, however, are reported to be not at such a satisfactory standard,. But from those sources, revenue is inadequate to provide first class roads, and at the

same time carry out the general administration and meet the special commitments which arc obligatory on the Council. More has been hoped from the Government in that respect, and provision was made to appropriate a percentage of the highways income for the backblock roads, but the requisite help is as yet unprovided. On the whole, the report discloses Westland County finance to be in a sfltislhitory position. There -asne. not any heavy liabilities, nor any floating debt. The local body while not in an affluent condition, is in a fairly easy one, and the position cannot give the ratepayers /any clause for alarm in regard to the immediate future.

Jn bis presidential address at tho conference of the .British Sanitary Inspectors’ Association, Sir Leonard Hill said that there was less “air” i u each ■pint of air at any alpine resort than m a crowded room in London. Men could go to heights wher.3l the air was so til in that there was only half the normal amount of oxygen. This discomfort felt in crowded rooms arose, not from chemical vitiation of air, but from interference with the loss of body heat. It was known now that the chill felt before the heat of fever was not the cause of the fever but J the shivering stage which ushered in an infection. Yet to this day children were mistakenly kept indoors in air polluted with microbes for fear of catching a cold outside, Schools as at present built and run were often places which improved the man* nm and sharpened the mind, but weakened vigour and health, When an epidemic was going round they had to be closed. They should be gently heated by panels ip the ceilings apd given plenty of open air and the children should play a game every half hour to keep them warm and lively. Exposure to cold air out of doors might double the heat production and oxidation of food in the resting man, and hard exercise put it up five and even 10 times. Hence the great improvement in health and vigour of clerks, shopmen, and factory hands when they were enlisted, well fed and trained for the war. The fact should never be lost sight of that ■ a welil-chosen diet of fiatural fresh food was of first importance. A great deal of adjustment could be done by altering the clothiug, and custom should not- forbid but encourage workers to adapt their clothing to the atmospheric conditions of the workshop.

The Railway Debarment advertises in this issue particulars of train arrangements in connection with the trotting meeting at Greymouth on 21st and 23rd October.

A good audience at the Princess Theatre last evening enjoyed a very attractive comedy “Palmy Days,” the Stair picture of the programme. It was full of clever, amusing situations, interspersed with attractive dancing items.

Applications for tho position of assistant county overseer close at the County offioe at 5 o’clock on Monday afternoon. Mr Millner, who has been in the service of the Council since 1900, will retain his position as County overseer, a position he has filled with satisfaction to the Council. 1

The ipiiogramme of the Westjland Racing Club for the Christmas meeting is now being circulated. It has had a very friendly reception from several sporting writers, all commenting on the stakes being kept up, and the useful provison of special events for hack entrants. There are a larger number of hacks in training at present than, is the case usually.

The Westland County Council is carrying out various river protection jobs at Ivokatahi, Kanieri Forks and Arahura at present. As soon as these are out of hand, the widening of a section of Ivokatahi road to improve access in flood visitations, will be put iu hand. It is hoped to have the work completed during November.

Archbishop Julius will celebrate his eighty-sixth birthday to-morr 0 w at Christchurch. There will be many in Westland who will wish him many happy returns of the day. Although lie has been in retirement for many years now and has reached the fortythird year of his episcopate, he still does what he modestly calls “his little bit” to help in the work of the diocese. He preaches fairly regularly and attends many public functions. Although his more vigorous activities have been curbed by advancing age, his Grace is as amusing a conversationalist as ever and the twinkle in his eye is still undimmed. He is always ready to talk of early days in the diocese—days when he travelled .600 miles through Canterbury and Westland on horseback in the course of a single journey, or later days when he rode one of the first motor-cycles end drove one of the early motor-cars in Canterbury.

Do not delay. Order your Sincerity suit for Xmas—Sincerity suits made to yiaur individual measurements are superior to most others W. H. Stopforth’s.—Advt.

In tne windows of Schroder and C°. will be seen the latest in curtain net, frilled bungalow curtains, printed and plain oi , gandi ) crepe marocuin, spotted tobralico, Tootals art’s tor us h fabrics, and the latest in ladies" underwear. These are all in the latest what you are looking for.—Advt.

British and best —Fairy Eyes for nil household purposes.—Advt.

The m.v. Gael sailed last evening for Wellington, and will leave on her return next Tuesday.

A full rehearsal of cast and chorus of “Betty” will be bold in All Saints’ Hall on Monday at 7.30: .pin.', when, a full attendance is requested.

Just to hand new season’s sports coats, 'blazers, flannel trousers, belts etc. W. H. Stopforth’s— Advt.

A presentation ball to wind up the Kokntahi-Koiterangi football season will be held in the Koiterangi Hall on Friday, October 27, when the cup will be presented to the winning team. Music by Happiness Bovs dance band.

A dance will be held by the Old Girls’ Basket Ball Club in All Saints’ Hall this evening, and patrons are assured of a good evening’s entertainment. Good music and efficient M.C. Ladies 1/-, gentlemen 1/6. —Advt.

In connection with the Mt. Greenland quartz mine near Ross, it i s understood that an option lias neon given to an Australian party. The price set down is £30,000. For some time past the stone crushed lias been giving a return in the vicinity of 2ozs to the ton.

A visto-r to Hokitika yesterday afternoon was Air J. Smeaton (Mayor of Brunner), who arrived by piano from Wellington, via Nelson and Westport. The machine was piloted by Mr A. H. Nancekivell. Air Smeaton

returned north by train last evening.

No word has so far been received

of the party which set out from Hokfi tika. on Wednesday to search for Arthur James Michael Cox, who left a fortnight ago to cross the ranges to Canterbury. The party has been searching from the 'Styx to tho Whit* combe Pass, and some word should be to hand during the week-end.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith is expected to reach Ala scot aerodrome, Sydney, on his flight from England at 4 o’clock this afternoon. He will speak over the air in a national broadcast, and should be heard here at 6 p.m., New Zealand time. He was at Brisbane last night, but it was reported had retired, being too weary to make any broadcast.

A reminder is given of the dance to be held in AH Saints’ Hall.this evening by the Old Girls’ Basket Ball Club Let to-night provide a happy conclusion to tile week—an enjoyable time guaranteed. Good music ,and M.C.—Advt.

During the week the prospecting of the Humphrey-Blue Spur area has gone ahead steadily. Some of the reports are very encouraging, not only as to the returns, but as to the considerable area likely to be gold bearing. Over one section of the area a large extent of

sluicing ground is being tested,’ and shafts will be sunk at the back to ascertain values. Some nice samples of heavy gold have been brought in, and given the the prospectors over portion of the field great encouragement. The enthusiasm in regard to the proposition seems to be rising.

Thrifty buyers, should make it their business to inspect the special line of quality shirts now displayed by “The Bristol.” These shirts represent quality in every detail for tho cash price

of 5s lid. Also ask to be shown ties, fancy sox, underwear esc. and you will find that Bristol prices, for quality goods are the lowest in town. —Advt.

Winter’s over. Make hqme beautiful for spring and summer, with your choice' from Addisons’ tasteful range of shadow tissues, cretonnes and curtain nets, at prices that add to the joy of buying,—Advt

Dissatisfaction with the remuneration u; present being received by them for their services was expressed in a petition signed by 15 stipendiary magistrates, which w,as presented to the House of Representatives. The petitioners take the ground that whatever economies may be necessary, no steps should be taken which might tend to Effect the .administration of justice. The petitioners state .that before April 1, 1930, the annua! salary of each of the four principal magistrates was £IOOO, and that of each of the other magistrates was £9OO ; but by legislative enactment these salaries have n o w been reduced to £787 10s and £7OB 5s respectively. These incomes have been further .reduced by additional taxation, and by ia proportionately higher rate of deduction therefrom, to 'provide for their retiring allowances.

New Zealand at its most beautiful, with all its varied and charming scenery, 'is depicted in the pages of the 1934 edition of the “New Zealand Illustrated,” the pictorial annual published, by the Christchurch Press Company, L'iinited. Photographs of all parts of the Dominion, ami particularly of Christchurch and Canterbury, printed from fine half-tone blocks make the annual an artistic triumph. Many of the Dominion’s best-known photographers, including Ml George Chance, Messrs Gfeen and Hahn. Mr E. Rillstone, Mr C. P. S. Boyer, and Miss Una Garlick, contribute to its pages, so that it is representative not only of New Zealand’s beauties, but also of an art in which the Dominion has won fame abroad. Included in the annual is a fine colour reproduction of the painting entitled “The Last Load,” by Mr William Greene, which is mounted so as to be suitable for flaming. The annual, besides being a publication of great ’interest to New Zealanders, should make a very attractive Christmas gift for friends overseas.