Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUSEDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 12 February 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUSEDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1901. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

For a considerable time past the desirability of forming a Pastoral and Agricultural Association for Greymouth and the Grey Valley has been advocated. Wo are pleased to learn that the matter has now taken a defined form, and that the formation of such a society is now only a question of a couple of weeks and, of course, dependent upon the amount of support accorded. Already there are over forty names down as willing to become members, and the chief mover in the matter has received rules, regulations and promises of support from kindred societies throughout New Zealand. It has been suggested that to ensure better success that the Mining Industry should also be included, but this will bo a matter for future consideration. A first general meeting will bo held nest month, of which due notice will be given.

While Marconi is perfecting his patents those who manage the commercial affairs of "wireless telegraphy are negotiating with Governments for permission to erect stations on quays, capes and islands between England and Australia. Though the antipodes is four times as far as America, the distance is more easily spanned by reason of landmarks in the voyage at all points much nearer than New York is to Great Britain, Hence it is decided to give precedence to the Australian experiment. Arrangements are now being completed for building wireless telegraphic stations at Prawle Point, the Lizard, Finisterre, Ushant, Gibraltar, Malta, Sardinia, Sicily, Cape Malca in Greece, Alexandria, Aden, Socotra off the coast of Africa, Colombo, Sumatra, the Cocos Islands, Perth, Albany, Adelaide and Melbourne. “ When these are put up,” said Marconi’s representative in London to an Express interviewer, “ a boat going to or from Australia will bo able to send messages at any time during its voyage. Passengers on board may wire every day to London at the rate of, say, 2d a word.

Mr John Connelly, a well-known sport from Brunner, lias just had built to his order a handsome yacht for use by him on Lake Brunner. He has named her the “Takapuna,” and evidently believes her to be a clipper of the first water. _ Although it was said that the excursion from Brunner to Hokitika was not as well patronised this year as last, we find on enquiry that if we take into consideration the fact that Stillwater did not join in, this year was a record one, so far as Brunner and Kokiri are concerned. From the former the number of children was 497, senior scholars 47, adults 400 ; total 1,010 ; Kokiri adults 01. children Go; grand total 1,136. The revenue derived by the railway was JOBO 9s sd. The attention of the sporting public is directed to the programme of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s Autumu Meeting appearing on our fourth page. It is needless for us to mention the rapid strides this club is making, as facts speak for themselves. The revenue of the club, under its able management, has increased with leaps and bounds, and this taken into consideration has been the means of increasing the stakes and offering to the public a programme which such an authority as the Weekly Press states is the most attractive that has ever been offered for competition by this club, all clases of the trotting horse being catered for Nominations for the first day’s events close on Saturday evening next at 9 o’clock with the secretary. By reference to our advertising columns it will bo seen that a farm consisting of 37 acres, close to Ahaura township, is to lot; and that a horse, dray, and nine pigs are for sale. Full particulars may be obtained by applying to F, Haines, Ahaura. The output of coal from Westport last week was 10,759 tons 11 cwt, of which the Westport Coal Co. shipped 9052 tons and the Westport Co-operative Co. 1707 tons 11 cwt.

Tho Groymouth and Hokitika Volunteers who visited Wellington to take part in the reception to tho Imperial Troops are expected in Westport to-morrow. It has been arranged that the Herald wilt call in at tho Buller port to embark the men for Greymouth, and they should reach here to-morrow night. The number of tho two companies totals 65 officers and men.

In terms of a Royal Coal Commission, issued by His Ex. the Governor, a sitting of tho commission will be held at Greymouth and Brunner. Tho commission wiil commence at Groymouth on Monday 18th February, and any persons desiring to give evidence, or any information are requested to communicate with tho secretary of the commission. Mr Hartnett, one of the viticulturists belonging to the Government Agricultural Department, has found a few vinos in the Hawkes Bay district affected with phyloxera. Tho diseased vines have been destroyed, and the ground in which they were growing disinfected. The Annual meeting of shareholders of tho West Coast Economic Building Society was held last evening at the Society’s offices Hospital Street, Mr W. R. Kettle, Chairman of Directors, in tho chair. The Chairman in moving the adoption of tho Balance Sheet, congratulated tho Society on the very successful year they had last year, and said it was his painful duty to present a Balance Sheet very different to the one now before them, tho Society had taken a turn in the right direction, and would no doubt with careful management continue to prosper. Much of tho success of the society was, without doubt, duo to tho energy of tho Secretary, who was improving on his efforts and to whom all praise was merited. Tho balancesheet was adopted unansmously. The retiring directors Messrs J. G. Thomas, E. C. Forsyth, and E. J. Smith were reelected. Messrs Okcy and Vickerman were appointed auditors for tho ensuing twelve months. Two seperate ballots for £IOO were then drawn Messrs Kitchingham and J. D. Gillies being tho lucky winners. A vote of thanks to tho chair closed the meeting. Tho Dresden Piano Coy., of Dunedin, being heavily overstocked in musical instruments purpose holding a geuiune clearing sale of high class pianos and organs by all tho best English and German makers. The sale commences on Saturday, the Oth inst. and will be continued for 10 days only, when no reasonable offer will be refused. Pianos from 20/- monthly, and organs from 10/6 monthly, every instrument fully warranted for 10 years. This is really ii splendid opportunity of securing an up-to-date instrument on very easy terms. Second hand Pianos and organs taken in exchange as part payment for new ones, and full market value allowed. The Dunedin representatives, Messrs A. Jackson and J. Gofton, will be pleased to answer all communications addressed to them care of Revington’s Post Office Hotel, Greymouth, or at the local agents Messrs J. W, Easson and Co., Inspection invited.— Advt.

At tho Union Store, is to bo had a very fine assortment ot all kinds of fruit for jam making ; also a largo assortment of jam jars. Order early to save disappointment. Griffien and Smith.— Advt. J. Gofton, tho Dresden Piano Go’s tuner, is at present in Grcymouth. Orders left with J. W. Easson and Co. or Post Ollice Hotel, will be promptly attended to.—Advt.