HOKITIKA NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 16 February 1927, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) The Mental Hospital picnic was hold on Monday at Kokatahi. On the party leaving town the weather gave promise of a sunny day, but about midday a sudden downpour, accompanied by a heavy gale set in, the picnickers seeking shelter in the Hall. Later in the day the weather cleared, and the return journey was made in brilliant sunshine. The effect of the sawmilling slump is reflected in the decline in business generally in the district. Firms with a trading experience of many years affirm that the present slackness of business and financial stringency arc without parallel in this experience. Most trades are also feeling the effects of the general depression. The movement initiated in Grey mouth to send a deputation representing all interests affected to Wellington is one that should recommend itself to the residents of the district dependent on the sawmilling industry, and it is hoped that the several local bodies will endeavour to cooperate with the northern movement, and thus make vocal the dire distress existing in all parts of the Coast. Several names of probable candidates for municipal honours are being canvassed by the knowing ones in view of the approaching election, which takes place early in April. There is certainly need for a more progressive class of men to offer their services. While of late much work done in he Borough has been of a more permanent nature, due in a, great measure to the efficiency of the Overseer and his staff, there is still room for more* progressive ideas, and men with the necessary interest in the general welfare of the place should not hesitate to offer their services. For the Mayoral honours, if the present occupant can be persuaded to again offer his services, the customary walk-over will result. Failing Mr Perry standing, an interesting contest is anticipated between two well-known aspirants to the honours.

The Marram grass which was planted on the local sea front some years ago, has thriven wonderfully and is becoming so dense that it should afford excellent protection from erosion by the sea. The grass has recently seeded and in the course of a few years it is safe to predict that it will have spread well along the sea coast between the Hokitika and Arahura Rivers, thus affording very necessary protection from the encroachment of the sea.

On Sunday evening last many people on the sea beach noticed some large object drifting in a northerly direction some four miles out. Many conjectures were made as to the nature, of the drifting object, and as no one was sufficiently interested to obtain a closer view, it still remains a mystery.

The AYestland Hospital Board met on Monday at 8.30 p.m., there being present Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman). W. Jeffries, G. Davidson. R. Meharry, A. B. Spiers, M. Keenan and E. A. Wells. An apology was made for the absence of Mr Morel. The Chairman reported: We met as a, committee of town members on January 15. There were present Messrs Davidson. Jeffries and myself. We received one tender for the construction of the Okum ambulance from Messrs Wild and Bassett for the sum of £l7 10s. This we accepted. For the providing of motor ‘conveyance of patients to the West land Hospital we received one offer only, viz., Newman Bros at Is 3d per mile within a 6 mile radius, and Is 9d per mile beyond the 6 miles radius. This we accepted for twelve months. The Surgeon-Superintendent reported there were 37 patients on January Ist; admitted during January, 19 males, 16 females; total treated, 39 males, 33 females—72; discharged cured, 11 males, 9 females; relieved, 5 males, 8 females; died, 2 males, 2 females; total 'in hospital on 31st January, 21 males, discharged, IS males, 19 females—37; Tn Hospital on 31st Jan., 21 males, 14 females—3s; in hospital for two months, 15. Accounts amounting to '£7oo 4s lid were passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts £1254 6s sd, payments £922 4s 4d, credit balance £244 4s sd.—Received.

The House Committee reported con ditions very satisfactory at the Hos pital.

Nurse Fraser tendered her resignation as probationer. Mr T. W. Bruce (sec.) was granted annual leave. The ■wrote suggesting that the Board agree Westland Timber Workers’ Union to allow the Union the same terms as was allowed to FrienoTy Societies, the Union to guarantee payment of onehalf of the maintenance fees of members.—Received and resolved to grant the request. The Ross Borough forwarded its levy, and the Kumara Med ical Association forwarded £75, being half-yearly fees. The Hokitika Borough Council reported it was not nominating at present a successor to the late Air 11. Blank. A. AV. Peebles, Ross, offered £2O for articles remaining at Ross Hospital, except instruments, etc. —Received and offer of £25 to be made. The Internal Affairs Department forwarded fire hose. The Hospitals Association forwarded remits for annual conference. Mr Jeffries fntimated that though appointed as one of the delegates at the Conference on March 2nd and following days he regretted he would be unable to represent the Board on that date. Mi* Davidson moved that the Chairman represent the Board together with the mover. Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. The various remits were then discussed and delegates instructed what action to take thereon. The new mono-wheel stretcher for use in South Westland was on view at the meeting, being built by Messrs AVild and Bassett. There is the usual stretch with a motor cycle wheel beneath, adjustable to the height of the bearers. The wheel supports a frame Of spring steel, and has four springs to frake the jar going over rough ground. There are four legs for resting and two handles on the sides, also a tool j case.