WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 30

WEST COAST NEWS.

(Fiton Ous Own Correspondent.) . June 5. Ihe question of the protective works erected by the Greymouth Borough Council on railway reserve on the river bank close to Greymouth was brought up again at the last meeting of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce. The sum of £IOOO has been spent oy the council in works preventing river erosion, and as the railway line shares in the benefit attempts have beeh repeatedly made to induce the Railway Department to refund half the cost. The Prime Minister and other public men who have inspected the work admit tho justice of the council’s claim. Mr M'Villy, however, emphatically declined the request for a refund, and said he would use his influence to prevent its being granted. The Greymouth local bodies are not disposed to accept this ultimatum and the Chamber of Commerce decided to support a proposal to be brought before the next meeting of the Borough Council to have a public petition drawn np pretesting against the Railway Department's attitude. The question of the frequent receipt of short shipped goods from overseas was con sidered by tho chamber, and as the shipping companies repudiate any responsibility in the matter it was decided to write to tho AVellington Chamber of Commerce requesting it to fully investigate the position. Gratification was expressed at the further reduction by the Union Steam Ship Company of 6d per ton on freights. It is surmised that the establishment of a local coasting company is partly responsible lor tho reduction.

The question of tho Greymouth Native lease .was again discussed. The Bill empowering the borough to purchase the freehold had been dropped last session, but a suggestion was made by tho Native Trustee that individual leases might be dealt with on their merits. 'Lius proposal was. tiowever, not favoured by Ihe leaseholders generally. It is now proposed to reconsider that offer, or to make an attempt to have ihe lease extended to 66 years instead 21. A committee was finally appointed to take what action it considered advisable. Tho whole position from the standpoint of the Native owners is now changed by ihe Government's reduction of the tax oil the land. One of the strongest inducements to the Natives to sell had been the fact that their revenue would be largely increased. The same result is now secured by the tax reduction, the Native income being more than doubled thereby. Grey Power Board. — The Grey Power Board has appointed the National Electrical and Engineering Company, of Christchurch, to report on the best sources of supply for ihe district, ft is applying- for permission to borrow £6OO during its first year. Old People's Home. —- A vigorous campaign is in progress in aid of the long-contemplated Old People’s Home at Greymcuih. A variety of subsidiary efforts are being made to supplement "the R.S.A.'s main scheme. The sum cf £ISOO is in hand, but £SOOO wifi be required in addition to the Government subsidy. The present condition of the old building is such that the Mayor considers that the Hospital Board would be warranted in proceeding with the new premises on borrowed money. -PersonalMatron Kitto, of Grey River Hospital, who lias just left for a position in Christchurch, has been, during her long association with the hospital, a most devoted and popular nurse. From the hospital staff, the inmates of tho Old Peoples’ Home, and from the public, she received cordial testimonies of high esteem, and several valuable presentations. She had exceptional capacity as a trainer of nurses, and during the influenza epidemic, and in connection with the wounded amongst the returned soldiers, her services were invaluable. The removal of Air H. Belshaw, M.A., the W.E.A. lecturer who has been for the past two years in the district, will be seriously felt. His lectures have been greatly valued, and during his short term the movement Isas rapidly grown. He is removed to Timaru. —Jottin gs The Greymouth dredge, which has just finished a period cf heavy work there, has been commissioned for a term at Westport. Dr Smith, of Hnnterville, lias been appointed medical officer for the SfocktonMillerton Medical Association, and commenced his duties last week. i ln reply to representations from Buffer, tho Minister of Public Works has agreed to take over the maintenance of the Loopline read on condition that, the Buffer County and tiie Westport Borough Council undertake to contribute equally to the upkeep of the Buffer Bridge, and agree to the abandonment of the Nine Mile ferry service. The Okarito channel in South Westland, whicn has been blocked for some time, has been successfully cut out, .The King s Birthday was lov'allv commemorated throughout the district. Special programmes of sport were arranged tor the school children, and football matches and golf tournaments were pLaved The chrnf event at Hokitika was the unveiling oi the Burns statue. The ; struggle between (he New Zealand Miners Federation and the leaders of this district, who wish to form a separate union continues. The State Miners’ Union appeals to be drifting into a state of apathy A Plaintive appeal from its executive was recently addressed to its members to show more interest in its meetings. -Our union at the present moment,” it =tatos 'is a living example of the downward trend ot working class organisation, and of the rot that has set in right at the very roots ” • r foll( >wmg characteristic challenge indicates the tone of the circular:— “WorkMhl 01 r?- - Stale . Mines ! Show the miserable politicians journalists. and parsons of the Capitalist class that Red is the correct teim to apply to you 1 Show them it is the red Lighting blood of the proletariat, veins !”' 6 b °° d ’ that fl ° Ws throu Sh your

T"“ r , Coast Agricultural, Pastoral . Industrial Association is awarding a shield for competition amongst the public and private schools of the district, i ciJlivatror l of vegetables and ’ flowers -.larks, are to be allotted on a result of three visits during the year, by the Fdnation Board S’ Instructor, together with the inspector ana s member of the Association The winning school is to retain the shield one year. Three special prizes will also be awarded to the schools showing the hig the ;X' ovement in their gardens” dii—4 Hlmstchurch timber merchant, who SifSp'xsi is risa l? Best. Railway before November or December. The wiring in the shuiiDn"yards at Otira is still unfinished TL m ° ister of Public Works, when askS as To the piobable date of completion of th“ works, staled that he was unable to say He proposes to pay a visit of inspection piioi to (he opening of Parliament P fereT'wfilTtf L lel ' f West Port has interof eIL r C T J «P° rt -. .Q u *te a fleet to nnrt i been awaiting admission should follow the r Tdf WGek ° f Shippin °