HOKITIKA NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 19 February 1927, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, Feb. 18. Mr F. IT. Labatt, Christchurch, representative of the wood pulp industry, is arriving to-night by the express. Mr R. Chas. Webb left by this morning’s train on his return to Christchurch. Mr Webb’s visit to this district has been in connection with the establishment of the wood pulp industry, with which he has an intimate knowledge. Sir Gordon and Lady Campbell, who are on a tour of the Dominion, are at present on a visit to Hokitika, and the scenic beauties of Westland. With a knowledge of the beauty spots of the Old World, they are enthusiastic about the varied scenes of Westland. Messrs Salmonds (Christchurch) and Janson (Tima nr) are visitors to Hokitika.

Dr and Mrs Turner arrived by last evening’s express on a visit to the Glaciers.

The death occurred at Ross yesterday of a very old and well respected resident in the person of Mr John Smith,

who was a pioneer miner, a native of England, and 76 years of age. The late Mr Smith leaves a widow and a grown up family, all well known residents of Ross. The sympathy of a large circle of friends will be extended to the relatives in their bereavement. The Government’s interest in Lake Kanieri is being revived, and it is understood that notice has been given to several owners of buildings in the vicinity of tin* lake regarding same. The popularity of the lake and its surroundings is largely due to the efforts of the Westland Acclimatisation Society and the Tourists Association, which has spent a considerable sum of money in advertising the scenic attraction of this lavourite locality. With an assurance of an increased number of tourists and visitors to the lake it becomes more evident that the local governing bodies should evolve a scheme whereby the attractiveness of the surroundings should not be detracted from by any unsightly buildings or other erections. A round around the lake is now suggested. Mr and Mrs .Kingston (Auckland), Mr Marshall (Sydney), and Mr Wheller (U.S.A.) are recent arrivals, en route to the Glaciers.

Wild cattle, which have become a nuisance to the settlers in the back country of Bell Hill, were recently thinned out considerably by Air Bert Crop, of Koiterangi, some 60 head being destroyed. In connection with the destruction of one beast, a peculiar accident occurred. A bullet glanced from a tree and struck a dog which was in the vicin it v.

The’gala day on Cass Square held on Wednesday in aid of the funds of All Saints Church building fund, was held in delightful weather. The various stalls were well patronised. A sports programme was indulged in. The exhibition of decorated vehicles was a particularly good one, and the management is to be congratulated upon the success of the function. Following is the prize list:— Baby Competition. — Miss Westland— Patricia Batchelor (Mananui). Master Westland —Ivor Willoughby (Woodstock). Special mention—Stuart Teller extra prize donated.

Decorated Car.—Mrs A. 11. Richards 1, Miss Higgins 2. Motor Cycle and side car (special), Mr J. J. Williams. Decorated Child’s Bicvcle—Pearl Dow-

ell 1, Stanley Barltrop 2. (Special men tion, Lewis Sharman). Decorated Lad ies’ Bicycle—St. Agnes Hostel. Decor ated Pram —Mrs Stewart 1, Mrs Campbell 2. Decorated Sunshade— Miss Pol lock 1, Catherine Cowan 2.

Sports Events: — 50yds Boys’ Race, under 12 years (21 competitors).—J. Perry 1, T. Coyle 2, R. Conning 3. 100 yards Boys’ Race, under 15 years (27 competitors).—A. Johnson 1, R. Roberts 2. Obstacle Race (33 competitors).—J. Perry 1, T. Coyle 2. R. Conning 3. Wrestling, Boys (20 competitors).—P. Coyle 1, W. Wells 2. Sack Race, boys

(24 competitors). —J. Hayward J, O. Fowler 2. Pillow Fight, on beam (26 competitors).— T. Kerr 1, M. Connolly 2, P. Diedrichs 3. Maypole Race, girls —A. Sutherland 1, E. Rowe 2, Al. Herring 3. Girls’ Race, under 9 years.— L. Bell 1, B. Dowell 2, B. Mottram 3. Girl Guides. —P. Maunder I, P. Dowell 2. Girls, under 12 years.— Al. Connolly 1, R. Johnson 2, J. Ward 3. Girls, under 15 years.—P. Dowell I, J. Dowell 2. E. Meharry 3. Three-legged race, girls —E. Parry and AL Stopforth 1, P. Dowell and J. Dowell 2.

Elocutionary competitions were held in the evening at the Soldiers’ Hair Rev G. Knowles-Smith judging as follows.—Girls.—‘ 1 The Three Bears ’ ’ (three entries): Betty Brookes 98, 1; Elva Stoop 88, 2; Muriel Clarke 60 3. [Boys: “Ba Ba, White Sheep” (two en!tries): Thomas Ward 85, 1; Thomas .'Keown 78, 2; “The Dawn Wind” —Ena iClarke 88, 1; Dorothy Hughes 81 2; “The Glory of the Garden”.—Joy Ward 1; “The True Christmas Spirit (3 entries): Ena Clarke 100 1; Nancy cn behalf of Air. G. E. White, the local storekeeper.

At the sale of fat and store cattle, sheep and lambs that took place here Wood 96, 2; Edna Fowler 60 3. Shake speare Speech (Portia). —Nancy Wood 1. Other items were: Songs Miss Rita Morgan, Aliss Rita Borton, Miss Sheriff, humorous song, Air. Bennett; pianoforte solo, Aliss Peggy Wells; pianoforte duet Misses Jacobs; monologue, Aliss Rita Borton; country dances, rsir Roger and Haymakers’Dance Ross’s orchestra also gave an overture. Rev. Knowles-Smith gave a helpful criticism of the elocutionary work and Rev. J. Perkins, Vicar stated the total receipts were well over £lOO for the day, and that amount would be netted. lie thanked all wl | had helped and landed the spirit of unity displayed. The following tennis players will represent Hokitika in the return match with Greymouth to-morrow. The A team will play at Hokitika and the B. team will travel to Greymourn. A. team: — Ladies: Aliss Moore, Airs Ford, Miss Lewis, Aliss N. Thompson, Mrs Baird, Miss Urquhart. Men. —K. Partridge, L. Gooch, J. B. Baird, H. F. Cooke, P. Dougherty, W. Christiansen. B. team: Ladies: Aliss P. Thompson, Aliss Davidson, Aliss Bell, Miss Potts, Miss Wild, Miss Hughes. Men: J. Perham, P. Ross, C Biggs, L. Blank. J. Mclntosh. A. Ale Fa plane. A general tea day will be observed *and morning tea will be supplied to the visitors on arrival.