WEST TOAST NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2735, 15 August 1906, Page 79

WEST TOAST NOTES.

CF»ou Oxxit Owh CojimiBPOHDjCHT.) GREYMOUTH, August 8. The coal trade is very brisk at the present time, and the West Coast coal companies are finding difficulty in keeping pace with the demand. The Grey mouth Harbour Board is promoting a private bill for the purpose of I raising £50,000 for improvements to the I wharf and facilities. J The Inanpahua County also intends to present a bill the object of which shall ' be a reversion to the old method of taxation of mining properties similar to that now in force in the North Island. A curious position has been created as the result of the. Grey Education Board election in two wards. Two candidates tied for third position, and as the act provides that where there is an equalityof votes the returning officer shall decide the matter by lot as the board directs at its next meeting. Only seven members so far have been declared elected. Legal opinion on the procedure to be followed regarding ties differs, as the act makes no epeoial provision for the first general election. The board will, however, meet on Monday night, when it will give its decision as to how ties shall be decided. On the one hand opinion favours putting '. the names in a hat and drawing, while on k 1

ay nig t h

c I the other it is contended that the proper B manner is to have a straight-out vote of a the board members.