WESTPORT NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1927, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) WESTPORT,. February 25. There is general dissatisfaction expressed at the conditions laid clown for the visit of the Duke and Duchess. For practically one half hour’s show, the Borough is expected to bear expense that would, say, put Stafford Street in order. This may be classed a parochial view, but many hold it. It is understood some energetic ladies will not. be debarred from holding a ball. One proposition is for a ball to commemorate the royal visit, the profits to be devoted to a fund for the establishment of a maternity ward at the Westport District Hospital. Surely this would appeal to the Duchess, who besides being a Duchess, is also a mother. If a believer in woman’s rights, Her Royal Highness might just hop over from the Club Hotel for half nil hour and have a chut, with those noble-hearted women who are always ready to do something towards that which is the right of everyone, the right to be “well born.’’ In the interim. the Duke could amuse himself at a game of forty-fives. Providing that there is a ball on March 11 (at time of writing it is problematical), nothing could be more appropriate than a good try-out at. the watersiders’ bull on March 4th. Someone might be put up to represent the Duchess, and all those who expect introductions might have a rehearsal as to how to advance, bow and curtsey, as the case may be. Mr Hislop has issued certain instructions in this respect. Anyway, the Royal Ball may not. eventuate, but the watersiders’ ball will, so tickets should be secured right away.

The newspaper report, upon the P.A.T.A. enquiry states that “the enquiry is attracting a good deal of interest among the parties concerned. That must mean the whole of the workers, anyhow, for once the P.A.T.A. got going, prices would be fixed so well that the workers would bo likewise fixed.

Miss E. Lockington, of Reefton, is at present visiting relatives at Westport. Mr H. IL Young is visiting Wellington on business connected with the National Portland Cement Company.

The Hon. W. 11. Mclntyre goes to Wellington for the royal visit, and then on to Christchurch to attend the Hospital Conference. Mr Davis, Chief Postmaster, is enjoying three months’ leave of absence, to recuperate. Business at the Magistrate’s and Warden's Courts was finished up by midday on Wednesday. Ten persons who found their way in and couldn’t get out quick enough yrere fined 10s and costs. Two cyclists who mistook the electric light for the sun’s rays and forgot to light up were fined 5s and 10s costs. A young fellow who thought he looked well in his military overcoat and wore it when he “didn’t oughter,” was fined 5s and 10s costs. There was a civil ease where one brother sued another for £25 5s lid and got a verdict. Sergeant Scandr.ett conducted prosecu-

Mr A. A. Wilson had an application granted for a coal lease in the Kawa-

tin Survey District of 500 acres. Plenty of time! That is generally the answer one gets when endeavouring to persuade those entitled to do so to get on the roll. The Municipal Roll is meant. Now the Municipal elections are not until April 27th. Plenty of time! Yes, but one may forget the date and the Supplemnetary Roll closes a fortnight previously, to be exact, on Wednesday, April 13th, at 5 p.m. To try to remember all this might be exacting on the mental faculties, but so one should go right awfiy to the Town Hall, get an enrolment, form, till it in, and hand it back. Mr .John B. Thompson, the new conductor for the Municipal Band, arrived by the Komata on Thursday. Airs Russell, of the staff of Ayres Hotel, has arrived back from a short holiday in Wellington. It is stated that a disagreement has taken place between the President and Secretary of the Engine Drivers,’ Firemen and Cleaners’ Association, as to who is boss, and the decision has been referred to S.M. Page for elucidation. Your humble correspondent’s opinion is that the Secretary is the whole issue. Of course we are all very pleased witri the success of our townsman, Johnny Robertson, at the contest in Wellington. Mayor Menzies sent him a telegram telling him so. Young Good all’s performance also deserves congratulation. He is a West Coaster also.'

Greymouth's success is pleasing to Westport and vice versa. We are getting nearer to one another, and when that West Coast Road is through, we

shall recognise how near. At the funeral of the late, Mr .1. Ormond, the Rev. Monsignor Ormond, his brother, officiated, assisted by Rev. Fathers Bowe and Brennan. The Directors and General Manager of the Westport Coal Company were entertained at a private screening of the Diamond Jubilee Picture, as tlie guests of Miss Morgan and Harry, ano were enthusiastic in their praises. A much enjoyed musical evening was spent at St. John’s Hall on AVedncsday evening, the occasion being a prelude to the approaching marriage of Miss Phoebe Levy. The prospective bride was the recipient of many useful presents, accompanied with expressions of goodwill. All who have had the pleasure of this young lady’s acquaintance

will add their quota of good wishes. Musical items, dancing and music helped all in the spending of a happy

evening. At the Denniston Magistrate’s Court about twenty offenders found on licensed premises in prohibited hours, were each fined 10s with costs. Two licensees were fined £5 each, with costs.

At the Progress League meeting on Tuesday evening while Mr Bryan of the firm of Bryan and Bowater, was speaking upon the slump in the timber industry and giving alleged reasons for same, he said: “It was also said that men engaged in the industry were highly paid find while he admitted this, he considered the men worked jolly hard and were well worth what they earned, why should we lower the standard of living of the timber workers?” Echo answers why. It is to Mr Bryan’s credit that he expresses himself in this manner, if he acts in accordance with the sentiments expressed, given fair play by the Government, so that the industry is not snowed under by American importations. Those workers engaged by such a firm will see )to it that they give full value for value received.