WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 26

WEST COAST NEWS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) May 15. Floods.— The exceptional rains in the Canterbury, and the serious interruption of railway communication with Arthur’s Pass have accentuated the isolation of this district. Commendable enterprise, however, on the part of coaching- firms has minimised the disadvantage to some extent. The district ■usually so dependent on outside help, has actually been sending supplies of necessaries to Arthur’s Pass and neighbourhood. A Hokitika firm lost no time in establishing motor communication with Christchurch, and daily services are being run. 'I lie journeys have been arduous and long, but conditions are now improving-, and passengers to and fro find consolation for their hardships in the- long feast of scenery which they enjoy It is a reversion to the condition ot 20 years ago, when coaches ran from Springfield to Jacksons. The irony of the situation lies in the fact that during all the rain and tempest elsewhere this district with its reputation for bad weather has been basking in almost unbroken sunshine. One hundred hours of sunshine in a fortnight, during which other places were despairing of seeing the sun again is a wonderful achievement for the West Coast. the extent of the damage on the Arthur’s Pass line requiring, it is feared, some months to repair, has naturally aroused concern m the hearts of those who are so eagerly waiting for the establishment of communication between East and West. Their _hcpes appear doomed to be furthcr deferrCu, though there is no reason why the opening of the tunnel should be delayed. A temporary line should be completed at the scene of the interruption in time for that event. Grey Harbour Board.— At the annual meeting of the Grey Harbour Board Mr Jesse Steer was unanimously re-elected chairman. He reviewed the past year's werk, which had been very satisfactory—the finances showing a profit of £IO.OOO. In view, however, of the approaching opening of the tunnel, and the diversion of traffic, he considered it imperative to maintain a policy of strict economy and retain the present charges. It was decided, at an estimated cost to the Board of £IOO, to agree to a suggestion of the Mines Department to take a share m coal boring operations at Brunner in order to prove the Board’s leases. Sports.— A member of the well-known firm of Newman Bros., Ltd., has presented a shield for Rugby Football, as a trophy to be competed for by the Duller and West Coast Unions. The trophy is a handsome one of kauri, standing three feet high, and surrounded by a silver shield, encircled by smaller shields upon which will be inscribed each season’s winners. It has been decided to play two competitions, one for primary and one for secondary schools, in order to determine which will be the better for the permanent allocation of the shield. The competition not receiving the allocation will he awarded a shield to be subscribed for by the various unions, and this will also be made a trophy for annual competition. Rainy weather in'terferred somewhat with the competition for the Grey Golf Club’s men’s medal. The competition was won by Mr Kettle, Mr Rimes, coining third from scratch. The latter player is in splendid form and recently completed a round in 71. Soldiers’ Club.— Work on the foundation of the new Soldiers’ Club at Hokitika has been commenced. The building when finished will be an imposing and worthy structure, with a concrete frontage of 50ft. For the present concentration will be made on the Social Hall until further funds are available. The complete design provides for a splendid suite of club rooms, and all conveniences for socials. The building will be worthy of its purpose, and a credit to tho town. The annual accounts of the Hokitika Savings Bank show the institution to be still

in a sound position. During tho past 10 years the deposits have increased by £30,184 and the total funds by £55,494, now standing at- £99,854. The deposits for the year total _ £34,390, and interest accrued was £3457. Ihe number of depositors is 1364. This bank has achieved a leputat.on for generosity towards all deserving objects. It has during recent years voted consider able sums to philanthropic causes and local enterprises A fish weighing 501 b was last week found on Vile beaen near Okarito, and a number of smaller fish of the same kind. They are supposed to be quin nut salmon, ami the suggestion has aroused considerable interest in tire locality. At the annual meeting of the South Westland Saleyards Company, recently held at Wataroa, the shareholders decided to enlarge tiro accommodation of the yards. When their programme is completed these yards will be the largest and most convenient in this part of the district. The Waita-ngi bridge is at last ing completion. The last two chords are being placed in position, the approaches with their high filling are almost finished, and with fine weather the whole work should be out of hand in a short time. A public meeting at Cobden last week, after considering the question of erecting a war memorial, decided to place memorial gates at trie entrane to their new school grounds. An effort is to be made to raise £350 for this purpose. A somewhat serious position has temporarily arisen in relation to trie medical staff at Greymouth. One of the two local practitioners is away on holiday, and the superintendent and matron of the Public Hospital recently resigned and left the. district, so that for the whole requirements of the town there is only one doctor. The Hospital Board has been criticised for not having taken steps to secure the immediate appointment cf a doctor to that institution. The question of permitting the superintendent, however, to engage in private practice has been under discussion and in view of a possible change, in the controlling board the appointment was deferred. The position is nevertheless, too dangerous lo be allowed to continue. Exports from Greymouth for the month of April were 18.117" tons of coal, one-haif of it from the .Stale mine; 69 bales wool, 29 bales flax, and 5,716,351 ft of timber. The export, of timber is considerably above the average.