WEST COAST NOTES

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18889, 3 January 1927, Page 5

WEST COAST NOTES

THE WEATHER.

(special to the press.)

GREYMOUTH, January 2.

The climatic conditions during December, 1926, showed a marked improvement to those experienced during the previour year's corresponding period. During December ,1926) the rainfall recorded at Greymouth totalled 4.69 inches with rain ou fourteen days, the maximum rainfall being on December 13th, when 115 points were registered. The rainfall registered during December, 1925, totalled ll.lSiu. with rain on 25 days. December 3rd was the wettest day, with a maximum of 283 points of rain. Following a spell of perfect weather, misty showers fell last evening, and continued during the night. The rainfall registered for thfc 2-1 hours prior to 9 o'clock this morning totalled -15 points. The weather cleared this mornning, and the prospects of another line spell for the remainder of the holidays are very promising. Last night's rain had a beneficial effect in tempering the heat, and clearing the roads which had become very dusty as the result of the heavy motor traffic. Man Injured. While talking on the Paioa road last evening a man named Bert Cooper was knocked down by a motor-car. It appears that the car was proceeding to Kumara, when Cooper suddenly walked out on to the road, and was run over before the vehicle could be brought to a standstill. Cooper wis immediately removed to tho Grey Hospital where it was found that he was suffering several fractured ribs, scalp wound 3 and abrasions. His condition is not regarded as serious. Inquest. An enquiry concerning tho death of Sante Tomnasi, who was drowned at the Seven Milo Beach on Thursday afternoon, whb held before the Coroner Mr W. Meldrum, on Friday morning. Evidence was given by Norman George Griffiths, a miner, residing at Eunanga, who stated that at 2 p.ui. on Thursday he was bathing on the Seven Mile beach. Re saw Tomnasi and another Italian named Nogare, who were bathing at the mouth of the Seven Mile Creek. Witness was 50yds further out. The Italian did not appear to be able to swim. \\ hile in tho water witness heard cries from some of his friends who thought he was drowning. He swam slowly back and saw that the Italians were in difficulties. One disappeared and the other, Nogare, was being held up by a young lady. Nogare was taken ashore and witness went to search for the other man. Near where he had disappeared there was a narrow rijt about Bft. deep. The body was washed up on the beach about an hour later. Tomnasi would have been able to get out; of the rut had he been able to swirn. Louis Paginini, miner, residing at Eunanga, gave evidence of identification. Tomnasi was nineteen years of age, and'a native of Coneo, Italy, lie had been in New Zealand about eighteen months, and was unable to swim. A verdict was returned that Tomnasi was accidentally drowned. Tho Coroner added that great praise was due to Miss Nellie Newton for her promptitude and courage in roscuiug Tomnasi's companion, Fulvio Dalle from drowning. Walking Tour. A walking party, which is tramping from Punakaiki along the Coast, arrived in Westport on Thursday night. Tho partv consisted of Mr R. A. ner, secretary of the Christchurch L.M.C \ in charge and Mr 15. Sayers touring captain, Messrs C. .osc, J. Hollinger, A. C. Wilson, A. Pearson, A. Lees, C. Graham, W. Vance, R. Rowan,, B. Painter, E L. Brunton, S. Jameson M. Jobberns, H. Kirk, D. Leckie, and T Papprill. Tho advance party Iclt Punakaiki on Monday and arrived in Westport on Wednesday evoiung, the other members arriving on the following day The company later proceeded through the BulJer Gorge to Inangahua to complete the official tour. Jockey Injured. The jockey, George Holley, the rider of Flying Master in the Walton Memorial at Omoto yesterday, who suffered Injuries to the head and shouler throutfh his mount coming to met, was admitted to the Grey Hospital. In response to an enquiry this afternoon it was ascertained that his condition is serious.

Tiro at Kumara. Tho New Year was ushered in at Kumara with a bigger blaze than the ordinary bonfire. Shortly after mid* night an unoccupied house, owned by Mrs J. MazOni, containing a quantity of furniture, was burned to the ground. The estimated value of the structure and its contents is between £6O and £7O. It is reported that there was no insurance.

The Now Year. The ringing of tho Old Year out and the New Year in was celebrated at Greymouth with the usual festivities. As the Post Office clock chimed the advent o< the Year firebells rang, ships in blew s i rens i the customary noise of whistles, trumpets, and similar instruments was everywhere in evidence. The crowds which thronged the streets in the earlier part of the evening gradually became thinner before midnight, and tho proceedings were very orderly. The old custom of first footing was carried out until after the sun made its appearance but not to such a great extent as in previous years. The police report that there was no evidence of disorder or drunkenness and the behaviour of the large crowds about tho town was exemplary.

Port of Greymouth. For the period ending December 11th, 1926, the exports from the port of Greymouth were as follows: —Coal: State tops, Rapahoe 15G8 tons, Blackball 3031 tons, Paparoa 1490 tons, Reefton 267 tons, Dobson 1209 tons; timber: 4,029,360 super, feet.