WEST COAST NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 19 September 1938, Page 4

WEST COAST NEWS

OUTBREAK OF MEASLES

GREY HOSPITAL STAFF AFFECTED

STATEMENT BY BOARD CHAIRMAN

Measles are still prevalent, more especially amongst adults, in Greymouth and district, although the number of cases is not large. Recently it was found necessary to restrict visitors and visiting at the Grey Public Hospital because of the outbreak. At present no fewer than 12 nurses are off duty because they have contracted measles. A definite statement that there was no cause for any alarm about the outbreak was given on Saturday last by the chairman of the hospital board (Mr H. G. Carter) to a reporter of “The Press.’’ “I have consulted the superintendent of the hospital. Dr. H. C. Barrett,” Mr Carter said, “and I am assured that conditions there are normal with the exception of a shortage of nurses. Several of the nurses have unfortunately contracted the measles, which are apparently in epidemic form and common to all parts of the Dominion.” The restrictions on visitors and visiting hours, Mr Carter said, which it had been found necessary to impose because of the extra work involved to the depleted nursing staff, would be lifted at the earliest possible moment, which, it was hoped, would be in the course of the next few days. “There is not the slightest foundation for them,” said Mr Carter, referring to Rumours about conditions which are said to exist at the hospital because of the outbreak of measles. “I understand that, for the present, minor cases of illness are advised to delay entering the hospital.” SPECIAL AWARDS

SPRING FLOWER SHOW AT GREYMOUTH

The following were the special awards won at the spring show of the West Coast Horticultural Society, held on Friday in the town hall at Greymouth:—

John Burns Cup (open daffodil section): Mr N. Bum. Mr D. McCarthy’s Miniature Cup (premier bloom): Mr N. Burn. Mr A. Lee’s Miniature Cup (single bloom daffodils); Mr N, Burn. Mr J. Hassall’s Miniature Cup (six daffodils): Mr T. Caimey. “Wellwisher’s” (“Evening Star”) trophy (cut flowers): Mrs F. M. Dennehy. Messrs Costello and Ryan’s Miniature Cup (decorative section): Mrs A. Coumbe. Smith Bros.’ trophy (12 varieties daffodils): Mr N. Burn. Mrs P. Shallcrass’s trophy (special in decorative section): Mrs A. Coumbe. Smith Bros.’ trophy (decorated- table): Mrs A. Coumbe. Mrs T. Russell’s Miniature Cup ?(primary schools’ drawing): Huvae Hugbson; runner-up, M. Newton.

personal Notes

• iV*. -A* GREYMOUTH

Mr George Duggan,. Chief Inspector of Mines, accompanied by Mrs Duggan, left on Saturday on their return to Wellington. Mrs A. L. Styche, of Christchurch, is visiting her sister, Mrs J. Robinson (Hokitika).

Miss Margaret Cates left on Saturday on her return to Ashburtop. Mrs I* Hutchison has returned to Christchurch.' Mr J. 'Wyn Irwin Bps returned to Christchurch.

Mr and Mrs R. S. Moloney have returned to Wellington. ,*■ Miss W. Mossjleft on Saturday on her return to Christchurch* ‘ Miss Ann Hall, of Plctori, is the guest of Mrs Condon, Cowper street. Mr A. F. Jeavons, of the Railway Department, has been advised of his transfer'to Rakaia. Mr T.: Bowes left on Saturday for Christchurch. ,

WESTPORT

Mr and Mrs 'H. M. Apderson (Hastings) ware visitors to- Westport ’ on Friday.' ",, : . Mr J. Davidson (Blenheim) is visiting Westport Mr A. Silcock returned to Christchurch on Saturday, after visiting his mother at Westport Mrs J. Peters (Wellington) is visiting her daughter. Mrs E. Owles (Westport).

Mr J. McNamara returned to Christchurch on Saturday, after spending a holiday at Westport

Members of the Westport Coal Company’s powerhouse Stan at, Denniston met Mr SI. Adams, who has resigned from the company to conduct the Dennlston Motor Service. For the staff Mr R. Colligan presented Mr Adams . with a shaving-outfit and a crystal bowl for Mrs Adiips.

k SHIPPING

PORT OP GREYMOUTH

ITHE PRESS Special Service.]

GREYMOUTH. September 17. The Alexander Is expected to sail tonight with coal for Nelson. .The Hokltlkals expected to sail tonight lor Hokitika. The Omana- Is expected to. sail early to-morrow morning for Adelaide. TheJKaru is loading timber for Petone and Miramar and will sail next week. _Tbe Xarepo is loading for Miramar and Wellington and will sail next .week. The Kalingo is expected to leave Wanganui to-day for Greymouth and Is due on Monday morning, to load timber.for Sydney and Newcastle. The Gael has’faeen unable to work Jackson’s Bay and is due on Monday to load tor return. She is expected to sail on Thursday. The Dtoki is due on Tuesday to load Coal for Tarakohe and Plcton. The Xartlgl' is. expected to leave Welling tonon Monday, with Greymouth and Hokitika cargo. • She is, due here on Wednesday to load for,Miramar and Wellington!

The Foxton left Foxton yesterday afternoon for Greymouth to load coal for return.’'

Die Gabrielis is due on Saturday next to load coal and timber tor Miramar. The-James Cook is due the first weak In October with Australian cargo and will load for Sydney and Newcastle. ' The To tar* is expected to load at Bruce Bay naxt Wednesday for Wellington. PORT OF ‘ WESTPORT LTBE PRESS Special Service.] : - WESTPORT. September 17. -The Totara sailed for Miramar,, this «nen>o«ut-and will return about Thursday »axt tp-PWiker en route to ‘Bruce Bay, —T*?* WWagiiil sailed this afternoon for WrilingtotoTsnSLts' due- back about Friday Again for Wellington. ■ ■ fbr h AuS^roS^'s^?^ d and loads The_Cabrieila arrived this afternoon tram Gisborne and loads for Wellington. -

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WEST COAST UNION’S COMPETITIONS

BLAKETOWN BEATS CELTIC

Games in the competitions of the West Coast Rugby Union were played on Saturday at Greymouth in bad weather. Because of illness, several teams defaulted. There was only one senior game played at Rugby Park, where Blaketown won comfortably from Celtic, in the presence of a handful of spectators. Blaketown (11) v. Celtic (0) Good play was impossible because of the torrential rain, and the ground was soon a quagmire, though the game lost nothing in excitement or interest. Soon after the start Wafer (Blaketown) retired because of a knee injury and was replaced by A. McHugh. Blaketown’s first points came when Panther scrambled across for a try, which Fostner failed on convert. Several times W. McHugh, who played this season at first five-eighths for Linwood (Christchurch) senior team, cut through the Celtic defence, but could not hold the greasy ball, or Blaketown’s tally would' have been greater. For Celtic McGinley and Lynch played outstanding games, and were unlucky not to score on occasions.

Gifkins managed to hold a pass from Olsen and slithered over for a try, which A. McHugh failed to convert. The last points came when McDonald cut through nicely and scored under the posts. This time A. McHugh converted, and the game ended soon after with-the score: Blaketown 11. Celtic 0. Other Results Senior Grade—Cobden beat Kiwi by default , Third Grade —United beat Technical 8-6, Celtic beat Star by default.

WESTPORT TEAMS* TRAVELS

There was an exodus of sportsmen, mostly Rugby players, from the Buller district over the week-end. Two Buller Rugby teams visited Christchurch, White Star junior and Old Boys third grade teams played matches at Hokitika on Saturday, and the Wesley men’s hockey team made a trip to Blenheim. The Bachelor (Denniston) Soccer team also played matches at Runanga and Taylorville.

RUGBY LEAGUE SENIOR KNOCK-OUT fAIWDUWPI'PinW

SENIOR KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION

BLACKBALL beats runanga in. PINAL

'■ ■■ ■’ '■ t . ,f. v Because of-at violent south-west gale, which made good football impossible, und a greasy ground and ball after heavyAwernight rain; play in the final of the "Wfest Coast Rugby League senior knock-out competition at Wingham - 'yesterday- between Blackball and Runanga fell much below expectations. The strength of the wind was such that every time the ball was kicked or passed it travelled more than twice the normal distance.* As a result the game was mainly a forward scramble. The score of 12 points to 3 in favour of Blackball was not a true indication of the run of play. : Runanga, although weakened by the absence of four of the most prominent players, more than held its own territorially. Blackball, however, showed more finish and clinched the victory with two good tries in the last quarter. Winning the toss, Blackball had the advantage of the gale in the first half, but found it impossible to use the wind accurately. , After a lengthy period of even play Runanga was penalised for a scrum infringement almost oh its own goal IJne, and Yin-, cent kicked a good goal, which gave Blackball a lead of two points,, which was maintained till the Interval.

Early in the second half Kennedy (Runanga) secured from a five-yard scrum and forced his way over for a good try, which Crowe failed to convert. With the wind Runanga had the territorial advantage, but was unable to score. When only a quarter of an hour remained Kirk (Blackball wing) secured just outside halfway and, after a spectacular solo run, crossed under the posts. Vincent converted. Wright (Runanga forward) crossed under the posts, but was recalled for a knockon, and from a scrum O’Donnell (Blackball 1 wing) -swept down the field Supported by Mountford, who gathered in well and. went on to score a runaway try under the posts. Vincent added the points., The game ended; Blackball 12, Runanga 3. j

Referee: Mr A. Fielding, other, games were postponed because of state of the grounds.

MATCH CUT SHORT BY 1 STORM

BULLER BEATS INANGAHUA

. With the scores six -points to three m Sutler's favour, the , representative Rugby League match between Buller and Inangahua, at Westport, on Saturday, -was completely spoiled ,by a rain storm which raged‘for almost all of the first half, and finally forced the players to seek shelter after 10 minutes’ play in the second half. For almost 30 minutes the rain literally poured down, and with vivid flashes of lighnlng and loud thunder claps it was impossible for the spectators to leave Victoria square for some time after the conclusion of the game. G. Orman, hooker in the Kiwi team which toured Australia, and captain of the Buller side, was seen in a new position at half-back, and he was one of the outstanding players on the field, kicking two goals from penalties and a field goal for the home team.

With their forwards playing well, led by J, Nelson, J. McManus, and P. Fox, and Orman, W. Smythe, and J. Boswell figuring in some good back movements, Buller had a lead of six to nil at half-time. In the second half the Inangahua backs looked very dangerous, and from one good movement initiated by W. Cutbush, N. Parrish scored an. unconverted try.. D. Robbins had been' playing a fine game at full-back for Inangahua, aiid P. Scott was good atfive-eighths. .Sobn .after Inangahua’s try play was abandoned; In a' curtain-raiser, Inangahua B 17 beat Buller B 11. • 1 ' - .

.The Poolta is expected tb-morrow froiii Lyttelton and loads for Bluff. Dunedin, Port Chalmers, and Lyttelton. The Kairrtsi leaves Wellington on Monday for: Westport and Iqads on Wednesday for Naw Plymouth and Wellington. - Die KaikoraMs-expected to-leave'Auck-land about. Wednesday next for Westport and loads' here for Lyttelton.

NEW AERODROME AT WESTPORT

RAPID PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT

PLAN FOR ADDITIONS TO

HARBOUR

Formation work, on what is expected tot be one of the largest and best aerodromes in New Zealand is proceeding rapidly at Carters Beach (Westport), where the use of modern machinery by the Public Works Department, an area 880 yards by 440 yards has almost been levelled, in the short space of two months. It is the aim of the department to provide one runway as soon as possible and work has been confined to an area of Crown land bordering the actual beach. It is possible to carry on for almost a mile along the beach from northeast to south-west to cope with the prevailing winds, but activities will be confined to solidifying and turfing the area cleared to enable the larger conimercial machines to use the aerodrome as soon as possible, probably by next April. The whole aerodrome area is 130 acres and there will be three runways, the largest 1500 yards, which it is believed can be considerably extended.. The soil is of the sandy, easy drying type, which is most desirable for use by big machines. Great work has been done by a large bulldozer, worked in two Shifts. It has cleared large stretches of hilly country, covered with light growth, doing in one day what 20 men with old equipment would take a month to do. It will be necessary to do considerable filling in in the major portion of the aerodrome, at present undeveloped and this will be carried out later in conjunction with Westport harbour improvements. It is proposed to dredge a lagoon adjoining the aerodrome and use the silt for top-dressing and filling. ■ . At present there is good access to the aerodrome from the Carters Beach road, but later it is intended to make a direct lead off the main road through the lagoon, right on to the field. The aerodrome is bounded on one side by Carters Beach domain and on the other by the Kawatiri golf links. HEAVY STORM AT WESTPORT

MINOR WASHOUTS REPORTED

Although there was almost a continuous heavy downpour of rain at Westport from Saturday afternoon until yesterday morning little damage to roads and railways is reported apax-t from one or two minor washouts. Wintry weather prevailed and there was a good coating of snow on the hills . surrounding Westport yesterday.

RAIL SERVICES AT WESTPORT REQUEST FOR EXTRA TRAIN REFUSED

Representations made by the Hon. P, C; .Webb (Minister for Mines) to the Minister for Railways (Mr D. G. Sullivan) to have a late train run from Westport to the country on Friday, the late shopping night at Westport, have proved unsuccessful. It was stated in a request to Mr Webb to take the matter up that a train to and from Westport on Friday night would give Westport the benefit of country trade. The Minister for Railways, after considering the matter, stated that such a service would not be warranted. > As an alternative the : railway time-t-jble has been altered to bring the Saturday morning train from Seddonville into Westport at 10 a.m., 20 minutes earlier than . previously, and the 12.15 p.m. train to the country will now leave at 12.30 p.m.

WESTLAND HOSPITAL

BOARD

EXTRA ACCOMMODATION. FOB NURSES *

Mr H. T. Parry presided at the monthly meeting of the Westland Hospital Board held in Hokitika. The Health Department requested the board to take action- to provide extra' accbmniodation for the nursing staff. It was i decided to send,, a copy of the house committee’s report, suggesting the glassing-in of the balcony of the nurses’ home, to the department for its approval. It was decided to make further inquiries about the appointment of a school teacher to give tuition to children of school age while inmates of the hospital. . . The acting-treasurer (Mr E. V. Hughes) reported that for August receipts totalled £l3lO 4s Bd. including £403 19s lid in-patients’ fees. Expenditure amounted to £1696 0s 4d, the debit balance in the-bank being £2017. Accounts amounting to £1232 10s 9d were passed for payment.

The acting-medical superintendent (Dr. R. F. Aitken) reported that patients in hospital at July 31 were 75; admitted during August 76; and remaining in hospital at August 31 63. In response to the matron’s request, it was decided that the board appropriate £4O from the hospital ball fund to finish the laying down of the tennis court, '

MOTHERS* UNION AT HOKITIKA

The- annual festival of the Mothers’ Union was held in Hokitika on Thursday -

Visitors .were entertained to morning tea at All Saints’ Church, the address being given by the Rev. H. F. Ault. Mrs Marriner, diocesan president of the Mothers’ Union, gave an address in Jhe afternoon, and musical items .were'given by Mesdames Harrison and Stoop (vocal) and Reece (pianoforte).

Mr A. H. T. ROSE, F.S.M.C.. F. 1.0. (London), representing •‘PROCTER’S," the Premier Opticians, Christchurch, will be visiting WESTPORT and may be consulted on all defects of eyesight at the BLACK AND WHITE HOTEL on Friday and Saturday, 30th September, and Ist October, also at WATSON’S HOTEL. GRAN--ITY, on Monday, 3rd October, and Mr Rochfprt, Hotel; Denniston, - Tuesday. 4th October. Please ring and make an ap! polntment. —5

Mr A. H. ,T. JPOSE, F.S.M.C.. F. 1.0, (London), representing “PROCTER’S." the Premier Opticians. Christchurch, will be visiting REEFTON and may be consulted on all defects of eyesight at the NEW COMMERCIAL HOTEL on Wednesday. 28th September, jblso INANGAHUA JUNCTION HOTEL, Thursday, 29th September, from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (not later). Appointments- can now be made by ringingMessrs Lawn’s, Broadway (’Phone No. 68). —2

M. Turner 68, Mrs Caldwell 68. and Miss Marriott 68, returned good cards for the women’s, team. '