NEWS FROM THE COAST

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 954, 26 December 1933, Page 11

NEWS FROM THE COAST

GREY DISTRICT.

Election of Timber Union Secretary. (Special to the ** Star.") GREYMOUTI-I, December 23. The results of the voting for the election of secretary of the Westland Timber Workers’ Union are now to hand, Mr F. L. Turley being reelected by a majority of 51 votes over Mr R. Fitzgerald. The total votes recorded were 795, twenty of which were informal. F. L. Turley secured 413 votes and R. Fitzgerald 362. Presentation Social. A social and dance, under the auspices of the Runanga Tennis Club, was held last evening, the occasion being taken to make a presentation to two of their members, Messrs W. Timlin and 11. Ennor. The president, Mr E. Pattinson, spoke of the keen interest both these members had taken in the club and the work they had done to further the interests of tennis in Runanga. Mr Bowes, Deputy-Mayor, in making a presentation of a set of carvers to each guest, endorsed the remarks of the president and wished both members good luck and happiness in their married lives. Messrs Ennor and Timlin suitably responded. Music for dancing was supplied by Mr F. Fletcher, and the Monte Carlo was won by Miss Tyson and Mr Jenkinson. Automobile Diploma. Mr D. Eggleton, of Cobden. has received advice that he has been successful in obtaining his Diploma in Automobile Mechanics at the International Correspondence School’s examination recently. Hospital Donations. Additional donations to the Grey River Hospital Christmas cheer fund are as follows: —Returned Soldiers’ Association £2 2s, 11. F. Stevens and Co. (Christchurch 1 £1 Is, Sargood, Son and Ewen, Ltd.. 10s 6d. F. E. Roud 10s. Children’s Party. Yesterday afternoon an enjoyable time was spent by the children of the Brunner district at the Wallsend Miners’ Hall. Over 400 children with friends and parents attended a free talkie programme and were given an ice-cream on entering the hall by the Ladies’ Committee. On leaving each child was given a shilling, an ice-cream and a bag of sweets. A most enjoyable time was spent by the children and thanks are rlue to those who arranged the entertainment. Stillwater School. The annual break-up and presentation of prizes took place at the Stillwater School on Wednesday afternoon. Each pupil a bag of sweets, and the following prizes were present-ed:-—Proficiency: Stanlev Morrison. Competency: Agnes Blackadder. Attendance: John Bell. Ruth Little, Norman Adams and Claire Galligan. The occasion was taken to make a presentation of a silver teapot to Miss Rivers, who has been sole teacher during the last six months. Harold Curtis made the p4A station on behalf of the pupils and extended to Miss Rivers their best wishes for everv success and happiness in her future life. Mr Harper, chairman of the School Committee, referred to the good work of the _ departing teacher. Miss Rivers suitably replied. Oddfellows’ Christmas Tree. There was a large attendance of young children at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening when the Loyal Grey* mouth Lodge, M.U., 1.0.0. F., held the annual Christmas tree for the children of members. There were two heavily laden trees. Santa Claus, assisted by a willing band of helpers, soon disposed of the many presents. Members of the Junior Lodge assisted in supplying sweets, ice-creams and soft drinks. P.D.G.M. Brother E. A. Warnes extended the season’s greetings to the children and their mothers. Valedictory. On the occasion of her resignation from the staff of the Runanga Co-opera-tive Society, Miss Margaret Lhompson was met }-esterday afternoon by her fellow-workers and presented with several gifts comprising a crystal cake dish, wringer and preserving pan. The presentation was made by the manager, Mr T. Bowes, who referred to the sterling qualities of Miss Thompson as an assistant and wished her every happiness in the future. He presented Miss Thompson with several useful articles for her home. Last evening the junior members of the staffs of Grey mouth legal firms met to make a presentation to Mr W. Meldrurn, S.M., on the occasion of his retirement from the Bench. Mr A. Mosley eulogistieally referred to Mr Meldrum’s services and stated that the juniors had always received the same courtesy as the seniors, and this fact alone was appreciated bv the staffs of the various offices. lie asked Mr Meldrum’s acceptance of a fisherman’s kit and extended their best wishes for a long and happv retirement. Messrs G. T. Tovce and T. P. Ryan also spoke. Mr Meld rum, in reply, stated that law clerks were in a better position nowadays than when he started in the Auckland province. He thanked the gathering for their kind thoughts and good The staff of the Greymouth Justice Department met Mr Meldrum this morning and made him a presentation of a fisherman’s outfit. Mr L. \Y. Louisson. Clerk of the Court, made the presentation, and thanked Mr Meldrum for the many kindnesses shown to the staff. Mr Meldrum suitably replied. Personal. Passengers who left by this morning’s express were:—Messrs 11. Maitland and D. Tennent, Miss O. Tennent (Wellington), Messrs A. Bell and J. Tindall (Dunedin), Miss T. Watson (Ashburton), Messrs D. Caldwell, G. E. Perkins, J. Mahoney, J. Beban, J. Craig. D. M’Aulay, W. E. Frizzell, IT. Ryan. W. E. Reynolds, Mesdames Cooper, J. Williams, D. M’Aulay and W. E. Reynolds and Miss A. Flewellvn (Christchurch). Mrs Henley arrived yesterday from Napier on a visit to her daughter, Mrs W. A. Bird. Mrs F. Kilgour and Miss K. Kilgour arrived this afternoon from Christchurch. Mr and Mrs A. Skelton arrived today from Dunedin. ATr and Mrs F. Kennedy, Wellington, arrived yesterday on a holiday visit to Grevmouth. Mr and Mrs W. Meldrum arrived this afternoon from Dunedin on a visit to Mr and Mrs J. Mam. Brick Street. Miss D. R. M’Queen, Wellington, arrived this afternoon on a visit to her

parents, Mr and Mrs C. M’Queen, Omoto Road.

Mr and Mrs W. Coltman, Auckland, will arrive on Tuesday on a visit to their son, Mr W. H. Coltman, Shakespeare Street. Mrs Dean-Pitt and Miss R. Scott arrived this afternoon from Gisborne on a visit to Mr and Mrs N. W. Jones, Milton Road. Mr D. Wilson, Christchurch, arrived yesterday on a visit to relations in Greymouth. Mr Selwyn Grams and his mother, Mrs C. Grams, Whangarei, are visiting Greymouth. Mr and Mrs W. Russell, Christchurch, arrived to-dav on a visit to Greymouth. Mr and Mrs 11. Reid and Misses B. and S. Reid, Methven. arrived last evening on a holiday visit to Mr and Mrs R. Reid, Dominion Hotel. Mr P. J. Anderson, Christchurch, arrived yesterday on a visit to his parents, Mr and Mrs J. 11. Anderson, Preston Road. Shipping. Gabriella is due on Saturday from Westport to complete loading for Lyttelton. WESTPORT ITEMS. (Special to the “ Star.”) . WESTPORT, December 23. The Sergeant’s Hill Schoolroom was packed for the break-up concert and prize-giving when the children, under the able direction of Miss Harvey, gave a very enjoyable concert programme. Mr E. Jenkins, chairman of the School Committee, presented the prizes as follows: Standard Vl.—Helen Lewis and Cecil Mathieson. Standard V.—Noel Keoghan. Standard IV.—Jack Lewis 1, Stan Hunter 2, Morris Hately (progress) and Alman Keoghan (grammar). Standard ll.—Trevor Husband 1, Harry Lemon 2: Lex M’Gregor (reading and recitation), Pamela Curragh (knitting), Joan Keoghan (sewing). Standard I.—Gordon Stephen 1, William Curragh 2; David ITyndman (progress), Ralph Ilately (handwork). Primer 4—Phyllis Lemon 1, Joyce Husband 2; Una Leach (reading). Annie Cain (progress). Primer 2—William Monat and Bernard Duncan. Primer I—Dawn Wilson 1, Jack Curragh 2; John Cain (arithmetic), Edwin Mikkleson (attendance). Special prizes—Mrs A. Hunter’s prize for essay in “ Pakihi Reclamation”: Standard V., Noel Keoghan; Standard IV., Norris Hately; Standard 111.. Trevor Husband. Mr Lemon also gave prizes to the same three boys for a “ Pakihi ” essay. Knitting prize— Alma Keoghan, Miss Harvey’s prize for general excellence —Cecil Mathieson. Athletic sports—Cecil Mathieson. English—Helen Lewis. Arithmetic—Phyllis Lemon. Progress—Una Leach. Mrs Hunter offered three prizes for next year for the best description and drawing of native flora and fauna of the district. Dental Clinic. A concert organised by Mrs Chamberlain was held in St Canice’s Hall in aid of the dental clinic, when the following programme was presented: Overture, Mrs Chamberlain; chorus, the company; chorus and ballet, the company; recitation, Gerald Eggleton; song. Bud and Sam; solo, Jean Chamberlain; “Toy Shop,” the company and ballet: monologue. Nancy Radford: “Me” and “Shanty Town,” B. Smith and S. Davies; “ Five Foot Two.” F. Lee and B. Edmunds. After an interval and a short speech by Mr Bruning, chairman of the Clinic Committee. who thanked the performers and the audience for their generous help towards a very deserving cause, the concert continued: Overture, Mrs Chamberlain; “Please,” F. Lee. C. Edmunds and company; recitation. "Tim O’Gorman ; song, the company; Melody Four, C. Edmunds, S. Davies, B. Smith and Miss Markland; solo, Jean Chamberlain; “The Photographer’s Shop,” Misses Lee and Markland, Messrs Edmund.. Davies and Smith; fox-trot, Miss Markland and Mr Edmunds; military ballet, the company; National Anthem. Association of Commercial Science. The following passes were obtained by Westport students in the November examination:— T. E. Bird—Arithmetic and bookkeeping. S. Butterworth—English, principles ot commerce 1., bookkeeping 1., typewriting J. H. S. Hodgson—English, arithmetic, principles of commerce 1., bookkeeping I, shorthand 1., typewriting I. K. Brown—Bookkeeping I. E. Ilaiedorn—Bookkeeping T. M. Surgenor—Shorthand 11., typewriting 11. \ Kawatiri Rowing Club. In the final of the trial fours, rowed on the Buller River, J. Corbishley (s.), J. Caldwell, S. Daily and A. Daily defeated Hawkins (s.), Pryde, Green and Woodhead by a length and a half. Addison’s Flat Gold Mining Co. The latest monthly return from the Addison’s Flat Goldmining Co. was llOoz of retorted gold. Westport Carnival. The town of Westport has been gaily decorated for the festive season, both sides of the main street having greenery erected along the verandahs, and some business places having coloured lights across the street. The Borough Council has made a concession for electric lighting for the week, and the town shows signs of a return to better times. Yesterday afternoon the business area was very much busier than usual, in spite of the showery weather. To-day is showery, with heavy rain at times. Accident. The collapse of a wall in the Railway Workshops resulted in Hector Sexton being pinned beneath it, necessitating his removal to hospital suffering from abrasions and shock. The wall was being pulled down, but a stay gave way, causing the accident. Mr Sexton’s condition is reported to be satisfactory. Buller Hospital Board. The usual monthly meeting of the Buller Hospital Board was held last evening. Two months’ leave of absence Was granted to Mrs Forman : and, in granting leave of absence to Mr E. R. Fox, through illness, the chairman and members expressed t/ 4 e hope that he would make a rapid recovery. The Department of Health advised that it is considered properly a function of the board to give relief by supplying spectacles where parents are tinable to afford the cost. The department suggested alterations to the b3’-laws Of the board. In No.

242 it was considered undesirable that members of the nursing staff should make complaints orally to the chairman. It was suggested that the alteration read: "If still dissatisfied, complaint may be made in writing, through the secretary, to the board.” I his was ! agreed to. , A cheque was received from the “Happy Moments” art union for £6;j iA was allotted to Millerton and £2 to j Granity. Mr Hawes gave notice of motion to j the effect that the resolution regarding unemployed medical benefits be rescinded. Matron Wright reported:—Sister Levett, off duty from November 25, still off. Staff Nurse Ward is acting as sister. Staff Nurse Lissaman, off duty from December 12 to December IS. Resignations—Staff Nurse Lissaman and Nurse D. Bird. The Director of the Nursing Division had paid an official visit. It was left to the chairman and secretary to arrange a locum tenens for Dr Foote while on holiday. Mr Ilawes stated that a list of days off was not kept. The Visiting Committee could get little satisfaction from the matron, who was instructed to I have a book in the secretary's office ! and a full record of leave kept. If the matron had not time to do this j she should pass the book on to a sister to keep. The secretary explained that they were waiting for a suitable book. The chairman stated that the hospital would be reduced in status as a training school, probably in March, when it would be classed B grade. At the end of the second year it would be necessary for a nurse to go to a big centre for specialist training at the local board’s expense. In time there would be only one training hospital on the West Coast—at Greymouth. Mr Hawes did not see that they should supply the main hospitals with free nurses at the local ratepayers’ expense. Mr Caldwell said workers’ families could not afford to let girls go in for a postgraduate course. The chairman stated that this board had nothing to do with the post-graduate course. The meeting closed with season’s greetings from the chairman. Primary School. The break-up of the Westport Primary School took place on Friday morning. Class prizes had been abolished for some years past. Mr Parfitt, chairman of the School Committee, presided, and the headmaster, Mr Eggleton, addressed the children. Mr Parfitt made the following awards:—Dux, Athol G. Anderson; runner-up, Margaret Crowell. Forty-nine proficiency certificates, eight competency certificates and 146 good attendance certificates were also given. The infant classes had their annual ; Christmas tree in the assembly hall, the j funds for the tree being raised by concerts bv the children. The function was ably directed by Miss Laurenson, ! assisted by “ Father Christmas ” and i the infant class teachers. At the con- | elusion of the party the children were I served with ice creams. Personals. Miss Irene Lassen, daughter of Mrs Lassen, Palmerston Street, Westport, has been very successful with her music pupils this year in Christchurch. Mr Arthur Neighbours and Mr George Campbell, Upper Hutt, arrived yesterday on mining business. Mr J. Ilawkes left to-day for holidays in Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Bayldon and Mr and Mrs Holdgate left to-day on a motor tour to Motupiko Valley. Miss Rita Brown arrived to-day on a holiday visit to her parents. Mr and Mrs R. Glen left to-day for Invercargill on holiday. Miss Grant left yesterda}' for Invercargill. Mr J. H. Chapman, Secretariat of the League of Nations, Geneva, accompanied by Mrs Chapman, is visiting old friends in Westport, where he was formerly on the staff of the Customs Office. Miss R. Seaton is spending annual leave in Westport. Mrs Hans Larsen and Mrs Sunsirum are stated to be the oldest living pioneers of the Borough of Westport. Miss D. Bayfield left yesterday on a visit to Taihape. Wedding. A pretty wedding took place at St John’s Church on Thursday, when Miss Ethel Kelly, Westport, and Mr Frank Kerr. Karamea, both teachers under the Nelson Education Board, were married. Miss Z. Eggers was bridesmaid and Mr W. T. Kerr, Weber, acted as best man. Canon J. W. Bloyce was the officiating clergyman and Mrs Chamberlain presided at the organ. REEFTON ACTIVITIES. (Spec ial to the ** Star.”) REEFTON, December 23. Mr I. Patterson presided at a meeting of the Gymnasium Hall Committtee, when it was decided to pay the contractor a further £l5O on account of his contract. The secretary reported tjiat the application of the League Football Club for the use of the hall : on Boxing Night had been withdrawn. The application of the Public Picnic Committee for the use of the hall on Boxing Da\- in the event of wet weather being experienced was granted, subject to precautions being taken to prevent any damage to the floor. Personal. Mr and Mrs Roi Donn and family are spending the school holidays in Dunedin. Christmas Party. The members of Lodge Robert Burns gave a delightful children’s Christmas party in the lodge rooms last night, there being a large gathering of children and parents. The evening was spent in games and dancing, the music being supplied by Mrs IT. Campbell. Miss Heather Wright contributed two solo dances, Miss Patricia Pratt a pianoforte solo, and Wor. Brother H. Smith delighted the audience with two !of his elocutionary gems. “ Father i Christmas ” arrived later in the eveni ing and gave each child present a gift ! from a well-laden Christmas treet. Sup- : per was dispensed by the members. HOKITIKA NOTES. (Special to the “ Star.”) HOKITIKA, December 23. I Word has been received from Pitman’s Examination Department. Mel- : bourne, that the following pupils of the i Sisters of Mercy have been successful | in the senior shorthand grade: ! First-class Business Certificate — j Eileen O'Connor.

Speed Certificates—Eileen O’Connor, 80 words per minute; Margaret Harris, Caroline Keenan and Kathleen Smith each 60. Full Theory Certificates—Margaret Harris, Caroline Keenan, Eileen O’Connor and Kathleen Smith. Book-keeping, National Business College, Sydney, advanced grade—Kathleen Smith, 98 per cent ; Noeline Wormington, 97, Eileen O’Connor a nd Caroline Keenan, 96; Margaret Harris, 90. Book-keeping, elementary grade— Mary Drennan, 91 per cent; Michael Keenan and Mary Sullivan, 85; Kathleen Minehan and Minnie Haddock, 78; Frank Ballinger, 76; Erin Teen, 74; Patricia Burger, 72; Lester Keen, 71; Mary O'Donnell, 70. Shorthand, intermediate grade Kathleen Coakley, 89 per cent. Elementary grade—Mary O’Donnell, 100 per cent; Minnie Haddock, 98; Mary Sullivan, Mary Drennan and Patricia Burger, 96; Kathleen Mine* ha, 95; Michael Keenan and Erin Teen, 94. Typewriting, junior grade—Kathleen Coakley, 9S per cent. R.S.A. Christmas Tree. An enjoyable function was held this week when the Hokitika branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association held a Christmas Tree Party for the children of ex-servicemen. A well-laden Christmas tree was given pride of place in the centre of the hall, from which Father Christmas distributed gifts to the large number of children who were present. A welcome to Father Christmas was given' by the president (Mr W. E. Brown). South Westland Medical Service. The South Westland Medical Association has accepted the offer of £225 per annum by the Westland Hospital Board toward the cost of establishing a medical service in South Westland. Toward this, the association advised the board at its last meeting that it was prepared to find the sum of £250 if the board would find a similar amount. *