WEST COAST LETTER.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1073, 11 March 1911, Page 13

WEST COAST LETTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The Rev. J. C. Jaiuieson, who, for some years, has had charge of St. Andrew's Church, Hokitika, has been appointed organiser of tho Presbyterian Men's Association of Australia, l'rior to his departure, the congregation presented him with a well-filled purso of sovereigns, whilst Mrs. Jamieson received from tho Women's Bible Class an illuminated address and a silver hotwater jug, suitably inscribed, and a silver fork and spoon for her little daughter.

Miss Stewart, matron of Kumara Hospital, has resigned, in order that she may visit England.

The Rev. D. C, Bates, Government Meteorologist, who is touring the Dominion in tho interests of his Department, paid last week a brief visit to Greymouth and Hokitika.

One of the greatest musical events that have ever taken place on tho "West Coast came off during the current week, when Antonia Dolores honoured this portion of the Dominion by giving several concerts in tho chief centres of population. Everywhere she appeared Mademoiselle Dolores had an enthusiastic reception. At the second concert, in Greymouth, the members of the Liedertafel Society were her guests, and before the audience dispersed they sang, amidst much enthusiasm, "Good Night, Lady"—a compliment for which Mademoisello Dolores returned her heartfelt thanks.

At the last meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club, it was resolved that a West Coast breeders' stake of £60 should be included in tho programme for the midsummer meeting. It was also decided to work a 10s. totalisatar at tho forthcoming meeting. The Ground Committee reported that the course was in excellent order, and that tho improvements to tho grandstand wero practically completed. On Tuesday last the Hokitika bowlers failed to wrest the Ballinger Buckles from tho Westport Club, but tho visitors were not so fortunate at Greymouth, where they wero defeated by 34 points. Thus the buckles onco more become the property of the Greymouth Club, ivliich will spare' 110 effort to retain them.

Tho long spell of dry weather which began at Christmas shows, no sign of breaking, and farmers, sawmillers, and miners are experiencing anxious times. Water is being carried from tho sea coast to Millerton on the hills, barrels being sold at ss. Cape Fouhvind' residents are being supplied free of cost with water carried b"y train from 'Westport by tho Harbour Board. Bush fires still continue, and fiaxraillers have had to cxercice the greatest care to protect valuable flax swamns and mills.

-Tho Alpiue gold mino at Lyell, which returned many thousands of pounds' worth of gold in bygone days, is being again thoroughly prospected. The prospecting syndicate havo made application for a subsidy to tho Government, and the Mines Department are. having a report mado on the application.

To aid in tho sanitation of the mining town, the Denniston-Westport Coal Company have lent the Duller County Council £350 at 4 per ccnfc., repayable in seven yearly instalments) on condition of tho council collecting a sanitary feo from ratepayers benefiting.