WEST COAST GOSSIP.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIII, Issue 29, 15 November 1895, Page 8

WEST COAST GOSSIP.

(From our own Correspondent.)

October 30, 1895. Although a partly mir.ing community, we are not forgetful of the higher avenues of life. I notice with pleasure that a museum is to started in Greymouth. We hava no antiquities, from an historic point of view, but we have material enough to let oar progeny see of what calibre the pioneers were who opened up the" Golden Weet." The crude processes by which the old digger used to wrest from nature her golden store are fast giving way to the modern labour saving machinery and appliances of the gold-fields. Why not have these photographed 7 The tin dish and the cradle that have done so much to build up our country, will be an unknown factor to our children's children. Specimens of these could ba retained, and would form an interesting branch of the museum. The promoters will pay due regard to the other branches of museum curios. I throw oat my suggestion, in case the matter might be overlooked. May the energetic gentleman meet with all success and co-operation in his praiseworthy undertaking.

The Marist Brothers of Greymouth have s'arted a night school, under the supervision of Brother Charles. Young men who had to leave school before they had time to finish in the higher standards will thus have an opportunity of completing their studies nnder such competent teachers as the Marist Brothers have proved themselves to be.

The Greymouth Catholic Band took advantage of the phonograph at present exhibiting in the town, to play a selection in the machine. The wax cylinder of the instrument has scrupulously received the selection. This is the first time on the Ooatt where * band has taken advantage of the marrellous recording powers of the phonograph.

I regret to announce the death of another of out] old pioneers in the person of Mr Michael Drennan, who died at his residence a, Nelson Creek, on the 20th inst. Deceased leaves behind him a iterltng, upright career, and was a splendid type of that " golden legion '• who helped to develop the resources of our country. The funeral took place on Tuesday last, and was largely attended, the Rev Father M'Manus, of Ahaura, officiating. — R.I.P,

The visit of Mr Michael Davitt to the Coast is looked forward to with much interest. Kumara is the first town in making a move to ask the eminent pitriotto come amongst us. It is to be hoped the sister towns will not be long in fjllowing in her wake. Mr Davit t will fiad when he dots come, that severed by distance as we are from the old land, the digger is the warmest in his affections for the tried and trusted sona of Ireland. One of Erin's most gifted and noblest sons Mr Davitt unioub'edly ie, and we all give him a hearty ceud milefailte.

The roseate hues of Coolgardie and the mushroom growth of the South African goldfields are attracting our stalwart na'ives. Several have packed their swags, and cried, •' Westward ho." Like bit fathers, the young Coloniil in not afraid to migrate when sufficient inducement offers. Sorry as we are to part with him, he Till go. May they all prosper, Bay I.

The Westland Catholic schools are to ba examined by the Government Inspector, Mr Moreton. It is many years since a similar concession was gran'ed. It is to be hoped the Board will repeat the favour, if favour it can be called.

Oreymouth seems to be always hedged in with difficulties and obstacles in the internal harmony of her local affairs. The citizens cried out for the pan closet system. They got it, and now they are crying out to have it repealed. They purchased a steam fire engine, which for a long time stubbornly refused to work. When they got over the working difficulty they burned out the tubes of the boiler, and had to get a new set. At the last practice of the tire brigade the horse " jibbed," and the gallant firemen had to take the animal out of the shafts, and trundle the engine along themselves. Truly the fates are abetted against Greymouth.

Be f is at present fetching what is for the Coast a phenomenal figure, 28* a hundied lbs.

The lady bicyclist is becoming strongly in evidence on the CoRBt of late. The mania will soon be as acute among the daughters of Kve as it is in the opposite sex. An incident that shows how ludicrously the female cyclist may ofttimes be placed occurred in Kumara he other day. Oue of the fair cyclists was disporting ber machine up and down the main thoroughfare, when she cams to gritf, through her dresß becoming en' angled in the wheel. Luckily, the young lady escaped without irjury. I sound this note of warning fcr the benefit of intending female bicyclis s. However healthy be the exercise, the •' new woman " will never be at home on a bicycle.