WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18231, 15 November 1924, Page 16

WEST COAST NOTES

SETTLER DROWNED.

(SMCUL TO "THB ?BUS.'*)

GREYMOUTH, November 14,

For the second time within a period of a few months, a flooded river has claimed the life of a "West Coast farmer. Last evening Thomas Liddell, a farmer with a holding on the -west bank of the Big Grey Eiver, near Moonlight, attempted to cross it in a cart, but struck the wrong side of the ford, and the cart was capsized by the river, which was running high at the time. Liddell waß quickly drowned. A companion named George White, who witnessed the aeeident from the riverbank, was unable to render assistance. Constable Smyth, of Ahaura, organised a party to-day to recover the body, but its efforts have so far proved unavailing. Liddell, who was unmarried, and 45 years of age, has two brothers in the "district. He was formerly a miner at Blackball Mining Hatters. The awards affecting the condition of employment of West Coast miners expire on the 25th instant, and a conference between the companies and the representatives of the men will be hold at Westport the followin gday. Two trucks of Blackball coal were recently shipped to the North Island, where they will be utilised in the Bailway Department's tents of New Zealand coals. Observance of Holidays.

Although differences regarding the holidays to be observed at Christmas and New Tear caused the disruption of the Drapers and Boot Retailers' Association last year, there is likely to be uniformity in the matter of holiday observance at the coming festive season. The majority of the shopkeepers appear to favour the adoption of the Canterbury idea, to remain closed all day on Saturday, December 27th, and to hold the late night on New Year's Eve. Personals. The Eev. J. P. Martin left to-day for Nelson, where he will attend a meeting of the Anglican Synod. Becently it was reported that Mr and Mrs J. Steer intended to take up their residence in Christcliureh. They have no intention, however, of leaving Grevmouth.

At a social in honour of Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., at Westport last evening, the chairman, Mr F. O'Gorman, said it was tho intention of local Labourites to second the efforts of tho Wellington members of the party to provide the member for Bulled wtih a holiday, but Mr Holland said he would be' unable to take the rest advised. It was his intention to deliver a post-ses-sional address at any early date. Mr J. Hart, of Greymouth, was the successful tenderer for tho buildings for the Waimaunga State farm. Mr J. Dennehy, of Greymouth, has been appointed West Coast inspector for the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia. On the eve of his resignation from the Westport Post and Telegraph Office, Mr W. Elliott was entertained by the staff and presented with a solid leather suit-case and umbrella. Mr H. Fildes, chief postmaster, made the presentation, and his eulogistic remarks were endorsed by Mr Kerr, chief of the Telegraph Department. Misses Martin and Marris returned to Westport by the Komata on Thursday night, after an absence of nearly two years in the Old Country. Cycling. At a meeting last evening, the committee of the Hokitika Athletic and Cycling Club decided to hold a meeting at Cass square on December 6th. Patriotic Association. The Mayor (Mr W..H. Parfitt) presided at to-day's meeting of the Grey Patriotic Association. Two maternity bonuses which were applied for were refused, the child being the third in each instance. The sub-committee's action in granting £5 to an e±-soldier.who had been in hospital was approved. An application for a loan of 30s by a man who was injured on the railway was granted. A maternity bonus of £5 5s was granted in another case, and an application for a loan of £IOO was refused, the state of the Association's finances precluding the granting of any large amounts. Mr A. H. McKane was eleced to the sub-committee.

Epidemic at Westport. Measles and whooping cough are prevalent at Westport, where I,he attendance in tho infant department at the State school has fallen td 82 out of a Toll of 205. Railway Commission.

The Railway Commission left for Nelson at 7.30 this morning.