WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 8 March 1921, Page 22

WEST COAST NEWS.

(Fbom Oua Own Cobrjsspondent.) GREYMOUTH February 28. A visitor from Christchurch who wa: taken to ihe iiuriliari Tints to inspect i model farm belonging to a Greymoutl resident lias expressed his surprise at tin unexpected possibilities ol ttie district What was a few years ago an area o 17,000 acres, cf swamp land has been drained arid is proving to be laud of great fertility ihe farm, in question, comprises ItXJC acres which was reclaimed only three year: ago, and in that short time has beer completely transformed. Pure bred short horn cattle, Berkshire pigs, and Clydesdale horses are flourishing, while English trees flowers and shrubs are thriving. The locality is 30 miles beyond the present rail way terminus, but is approached by a gooc road, on which there is only one river that requires bridging. I lie existence of such a prosperous and up-to-date farm would in other districts excite little comment, but the prevalent idea of Westland is that it is unsuitable for farming. Investors have only recently begun to discover its wonderful capabilities. Greymouth Water Supply.— In consequence of the continued dry weather tile Greymouth water supply is beginning to cause concern to the public. With tile exception of half an inch during one night last week, there has been no rain lor more than a month, and the residents who have been accustomed to the use of tanks are now dependent upon the town supply. This, on account of the fall in the river level lias become brackish, and indeed at any time is scarcely fit for drinking. A mild form of cholera, clue to the impure water, has been pretalent for sonic tune, and the public is beginning to agitate for a more up-to-date and wholesome water supply. Unfortunately the borough councillors are apathetic in the matter, and are trying to persuade themselves that the present scheme is sufficient. The time is certainly hot distant when a proper gravitation, scheme, notwithstanding its difficulties, will have to- be undertaken. The weather now shows signs cf breaking, and a good rainfall would no appreciated. Ban ytown Road.— Arrangements have been made bv the Minister of Public Works, at- the suggestion of the member for Buller, for the parly of men who recently completed a difficult section of the Barry town road to undertake a further contract on the section between Bullock’s Check and Brighton. This will not only be a great local convenience, but- will bring the important work of the Coast road between Greymouth and Westport a stage nearer completion. Wcstpart-Stoekton Coal Mine.— The following interesting points of comparison between the years ending December 31, 1914 and 1920, have been published by tho directors of the Wegtport-Stoekton Coal Mine:- life number of days worked per week were 4.63 and 4.53 respectively. The average net earnings per rear were £lB3 "lis Sd and £320 7s 3d. The average daily earnings of shift truckers were 11s and 18s 3d. The average daily earnings of contract truckers were 14s 6d and 26s 4d. ft be average daily earnings of underground shiftmen were 11s and 18s Sd, and tlie output of coal for 1914 was 20,050 tons greater than for 1920. Dei elopement of the mine is proceeding satisfactorily, and the appearance of the coal is very promising. Owing to the downward tendency in ihe cost of milling nm renal, considerable saving should be made this veer, and given continuous work, the results should be better than last year. The directors’ remuneration was increased to £690. to be ill located by mutual arrangement. Worker’s Educational Association.— Mr Manning, organiser of the W.H.A., has been in the district during tho past week endeavouring to establish branches of the association. lie has met with a favourable reception from the Labour Tarty, and the (Miner's Union at Runanga decided to affiliate with the association. At Hokitika and Greymouth the organiser was allowed the use of the Chautauqua platform for the advocacy of his cause, a privilege which brought him into touch with a much larger section of the public- than he could otherwise have reached.

Health Control.— A short time ago the Grey County y ouricl * passed a resolution reserving to itself the power of appointing a health inspector, under (he Act of 1920. A similar power was reserved by the Gobden Town Board. Dr Telford has recently induced both these bodies to rescind their resolutions and to delegate their power to the Health Department. He pointeci out that tiie housing conditions at tiie mines wore unsatisfactory, and that many schools were overcrowded. Local bodies * had an idea that their engineers could carry cut the necessary duties of an inspector, but sanitary inspectors were essential. An engineer could not order an infected person to hospital. Dr lolford intimated that ho purposed appointing a Senior Inspector to Greymcmtn, with others under him throughout the disti'icc. As the local bodies in question are, by the change, relieved of responsibility, and saved about £4O per year, they were readily' persuaded to agree to the suggestion. County Works.— The Grey County Council lias received advice from the Public Works Department of the payment to its account of £927, for various works, of £175 goldfields revenue for December from the Treasury, and of £358 timber and flax royalty. Kanieri Bridge.— The Kanieri bridge is in a bad state of repair. It is being thoroughly overhauled by special engineers, and it is hoped that it may be capable of repairing. In the meantime the Public Works Department has prohibited its use for heavy traffic. In spite of the prohibitions, however, it is being used, and it may lie necessary in the interests of public safety to close it altogether to vehicle traffic. ’ Runanga.—The people of Runanga are more sesthetio in their tastes than one would expect in a mining community. Their Annual Chrysanthemum Shows are of a high order. The residents are now entering upon a general scheme for town beautifying. Tennis courts have been completed, ground is being prepared for a bowling green, and provision will be made for cricket and football. A children’s park and playground is being prepared, which will be furnished with facilities for the amusement of the young. Trees for the park have been obtained from tho Forestry Department. The whole of the improvements are under the supervision of the Borough Council. Chautauqua.— Chautauqua has been touring this district during the past week and the entertainments have been highly appreciated. A good deal of prejudice, which existed against the movement last year has now mostly disappeared. There w’us no difficulty in securing the guarantee for this season, and already the guarantee for next year has been largely subscribed in small sums. The attendances of the public in Greymouth have been very large, quite filling the Town Hall.