WEST COAST NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 5

WEST COAST NEWS.

TUNNEL TRAFFIC SHOWS INCREASE. (Special to the “ Star.”) GREYMOUTH, January 3. Despite slackness in both the coal and timber industries during the year, the tonnage through the Otira Tunnel showed a big increase on last year s figures. The details are: 1929, 579,316 tons: 1930, 619,999 tons; increase, 40,683 tons. Many Travelling. There was heavy passenger traffic t^.r 3 The ordinary .express was fully booked, necessitating a relief express, which was also heavily booked. Personal. The Rev Father A. Burger, who was recently appointed rector of St Bede’s College, is visiting Coast relatives. Mr E. C. Fletcher, manager of the National Bank, returned last evening from Auckland. Mr W. Spindler, formerly station master at Greymouth, accompanied by Mrs Spindler, is spending the holidays on the West Coast. Mr Les Traill, of the loco department, left for Christchurch on transfer to-day. Mr Norman Sligo, who has been associated with West Coost dredging for many years, returned with Mrs Sligo to Dunedin to-day after a holiday visit. Increase in Tourist Bookings. The tourist bookings at Waiho and Weheka have shown a big increase on last year. The bookings extending to April are much better than was anticipated. . The Main South Road is in perfect condition. Bowling Tournament. A progressive pairs tournament was held on the Greymouth bowling green. The skip’s trophy was won by Shannon and Tabb won the lead for the prize after a play-ioff with Brisbane.

WESTPORT NEWS. (Special to the “ Star.”) WESTPORT, January 2. A special meeting of the Buller_ Hospital Board was held to deal with a request that the X-ray plant (when it arrives from England) be exhibited at a medical conference in Gisborne on February 24 and 25, and to approve or otherwise of the locum tenens Dr Foote had nominated while he was on annual leave. The chairman explained that this was the first British made X-ray plant that had been ordered for the Dominion for some years, during which it was claimed that that great improvements had been effected and ar. exhibition at the conference was of great importance to the makers. Personally he was in favour of the request. It would not mean any delay in installing the machine as the developing room would not be ready until about the end of February. Thfe criticism of the medical men was -worth having. The motion to grant the request was carried, Mr Nahr voting against it. Dr Foote had submitted Dr Dickel’s name as locum tenens and he was appointed. Cricket Match. The Canterbury cricket team played against a combined St Canice’s and Tiroroa eleven on Victoria Square, the visitors winning by eight wickets and 6 runs. , Wedding. The marriage of Miss Vera Wall, daughter of Mr and Mrs James Wall, of Westport, and Mr Bernard Montague, of Shirley, Christchurch, was celebrated at St Canice’s Church on Monday. The bride’s frock was of shell pink georgette with a full overdress of fine lace. The beautifully embroidered bridal veil was held in place with a bandeau of orange blossoms. She carried a bouquet of mauve and pink sweet peas. The bridesmaid, Miss Erna Wall, wore a frock of lemon georgette, a soft felt hat to tone and her bouquet was of lemon antirrhinums. Mr A. Turnwald, of Christchurch, was best man. Grant For Unemployed Declined. Mr 11. E. Holland, M.P., has received advice from the Minister of Labour that the Unemployment Board is unable to grant £l5O to the Buller County as the £IO,OOO available for this purpose has been completely allocated throughout the Dominion for unem-| ployment. Children’s Christmas Party. The Marshallvale Social Committee gave the children on the hill a Christmas treat which included a fully laden Christmas tree with Father Christmas to dispense the toys. Dances and games were controlled by Mrs M’Gowan and the following children helped with a musical programme: Lita Jones, Bunty Hamilton, Elsie Higgins, Nora M’Gowan, and Findlay Gillespie. HOKITIKA ITEMS. (Special to the “Star.”) HOKITIKA, January 2. The tourist traffic is being well maintained, and daily motor services are running to the south for the convenience of visitors. Many touring parties in private cars are also camping along the South Road. Cycling Sports. At the cycling sports at Cass Square yesterday the results were: Half-mile—J. Havill (40yds) 1, E. Best (55yds) 2, D. Greaney (75vds) 3. Time—lmin 4sec. One Mile—D. Greaney (40yds) 1, R. Little (170yds) 2, K. Hamilton (110yds) 3. Time —2min 19 l-ssec. Two Miles—J. Havill (SOvds) 1. E. Cook (120yds) 2, S. Havill (SOyds) 3. Time—smin 3sec. The medal for most points was won by J. Havill. Boys’ Race—D. Greaney (scr) 1, P. Duff (10yds) 2, L. Hogarth (20yds) 3. Personal. Mr Jules Keller left to-day by car for Blenheim, en route for Wellington. He was farewelled last evening by representatives of several sporting clubs. Mr M’Gregor presided. The guest was the recipient of a well-filled wallet. Gratification is expressed locally at the honour conferred on Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson. . Mr P. J. O’Regan, who has been visiting the southern glaciers, returned north to-day, after a very enjoyable trip. ASHBURTON TEAM MEETS THE WEST COAST ELEVEN (Special to the Star.”) GREYMOUTH, January 2. After a week of real summer weather, rain fell this morning;, delaying the start of the cricket match West Coast v. Ashburton till after lunch. The Coast team were much weakened by the absence of M’lntosh, Casey. Barlow, Nightingale and Baldwin. Knapp captained the Coast team, who hatted first, being all disposed of for the meagre total of 129. An appeal by Ntcol against the bad light was upheld, stumps being drawn twenty minutes before time. Ash-

burton had then made 44 for the loss of one wicket. Scores: — WEST COAST.

Total 129 Bowling analysis—G. Willis took on» wicket for 16 runs, R. Drennan four for 25, M'Sherry four for 22, P. Willis one for 30. Hanratty none for 9, J. Brown none for 2, and J. B. Nicol none for 7. ASHBURTON. First Innings. Hanratty, b Clark • J. B. Nicol, not out IS R. Brennan, not out 22 Extras ? Total for one wicket .... 44

First Innings. Morris, b Willis 6 Kennedy, c Richards b M’Sherry . 4 Dewar, c Hanratty b M’Sherry , Knapp, b Drennan Frew, c E. Willis b M’Sherry ... . . * . . 2 fi —