THE WEST COAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 34

THE WEST COAST.

(Fbom Ouh Own Cop.riu’pondent.)

August 1

During the three months ending June 30 the timber exports from the district amounted to 15,642,000 ft. , This shows an increase of 3.500,000 ft on the previous three months’ output, and an increase of 1,500,000 ft as compared with the quarter ending June 30, 1927. These figures do not . include returns from Inangahua, these being credited to the Nelson province. The first eOusigmnent of 150,000 young Pinus insignis trees grown at the "Westland State Nursery at Woodstock were railed from Hokitika during the week to be planted out in the Nelson district. A similar consignment is to follow at an early date. The trees are being railed to Inangahua Junction, and thence conveyed to their various destinations. Some weeks ago a public meeting was held in Greymouth relative to the purchase of the Greymouth Native reserve. As it was then reported that a nfajority of the Natives itere prepared to sell the meeting was adjourned with a view to the terms of a Bill being discussed. The Mayor has now been advised that the Natives are averse to selling, so that, as several abortive attempts at- purchase have been made, it is improbable that any further action will be taken by the lessees.

Weather statistics taken at Hokitika show that for the first half of the current year there have been 1023 hours of sunshine and 52in of rain. For’ the corresponding period last year there were 1090 hours of sunshine and 57in of rain. The Customs revenue for tb e district for the year ending March 31 was as follows, that of the previous year being shown in parentheses:—Grevmouth, £47.996 (£45,880); \Vestport. '£22.329 (£21,691); Hokitika, £18.280 (£19,535). The aggregate shows an increase for this year of £1499.

The economic prospects of the district are generally considered to be good. The winter has so far been mild, snow and frost having been infrequent, and feed for stock has been plentiful. An increase in the timber exports for the past quarterly period indicate an improved tendency in that industry.

Good progress is being made with the erection of the tourist accommodation house at the Fox Glacier. The building, which will provide accommodation for about 76 people, is expected to be completed early in October in time for th e approaching season. Electricity is being installed for lighting, heating, and cooking.

It is reported that the Government is contemplating an extensive harbour improvement scheme at Westport, involving a considerable extension of the present wall. In the meantime some impatience is being felt at the delay on the part of the Minister in replying to the representations made, at a recent public meeting, and a decision has been made during the week by the Buller Progress League that unless an early reply is received a further public meeting will be called with to a PP°* n ting a deputation to visit Wellington on harbour matters.

At the monthly meeting of the Buller Hospital Board, held during the week, it was decided, on account of friction between the matron and a nurse, to dispense with the services of both and to call applications for the positions. Goods traffic through the Otira tunnel for the past week amounted to 11.246 tons, which was slightly less than that for the corresponding week of last year. Whitebait has been on sale at Hokitika during the week for the first time this season.

Two of the floodlight towers in the Westport railway yards ond on the wharves are completed, and have their lights in operation. The third is nearing completion. These lights have been erected by th e Railway Department, and will greatly improve the conditions of night work on the water front. The Public Works Department has approved the plans and specifications for a new bridge on the Weheka road. The structure will cost £2400. The Greymouth Borough Council has leased the Town Hall for a further term of three years to the present lessee at a rental of £425 per annum. A stipulation is made as usual for special rates for charitable purposes. Mild weather has prevailed during the past week. The Grey bar has maintained a depth of over 20ft. As a result of these favourable conditions the shipping movements have been without interruption.

The Main Highways Board has made arrangements for some improvements on the road through the Buller Gorge. There are to be 50 passing places for vehicles, and, in addition, improvements will be made on several bends and a number of the narrower cuttings will be widened. These changes will make the run much safer for motor traffic. The estimated cost of the work is £ll5O. Dr Bennett, of Christchurch, has, out of 10 applicants for the position, been selected by the Blackball-Roa Association as medical officer for Blackball/ The Greymouth Surf Bathing and Life Saving Club has voluntarily disbanded, and has handed, over , a credit of £ll and jte ’ gepr to the Greymouth Swimming Club, which has come into existence since the completion of the swimming baths.

OBITUARY AND PERSONAL. Two more of the rapidly diminishing number of West Coast pioneers died during the past week. Air W. King, of Reefton, a native of Cornwall, had "been resident in the district for over 50 years having followed the occupation of miner m the early days. He was 78 years of age. Air D. ATConnon, of Camerons, who died at the Grey Hospital at the age of 84 years, participated in the Kumara gold rush and was later engaged in the sawmilling industry. His Lordship Bishop West-Watson, of «> . has been during the weelc visiting the southern part ofLthe district. He conducted services at Hokitika and

Koeterangi, and went as far south as Bruce Bay.

Mr J. F. Downey, inspector of quartz mines ami quarries for the I nanealiu.-t district and northern part of the South Island, has received notice of' his transfer to Waihi. He is to be succeeded by Air C. Scoble.

Ihe Rev. J. A. Jermyn, of Westport, has accepted the cure of Holy Trinity Church, Greymouth, in succession to Archdeacon Carr, who'was recently transferred to Picton. He will assume charge in September;