HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

:Qur <Lorrpsjinnd<’ r >t> HOKITIKA, June 2. The local trawler returned yesterday with 17 Hapuka, for a day’s fishing: in the roadstead To-dav she remained only an hour on the ground and returned to port, the sea conditions and weather showed signs of worsening. With a smooth sea fishermen were operating on the beac'h and at the river mouth, and some good hauls were reported. One fisherman with set nets in the river secured excellent takes of red cod and herring. Hokitika was invaded on Tuesday night bv Home Guardsmen, from all parts of the district, who assembled at the Drill Hall, and then marched through the streets to the Princess Theatre, where they witnessed the screening of a special picture entitled “Shoot to Kill.” The men showed interest in the picture, which was an instructional one of the new method decided on by the Army of teaching by film rather than by verbal instruction. At the conclusion of the screening, many questions were asked and. answered. Major Gilles, of Greymouth, Officer Commanding the zone, was present, and Major Perham Officer Commanding in Westland.

Mr. and Mrs. Markland of Hampden Street, Hokitika, have received advice that their eldest son, Pilot Officer E. R, Markland, earlier reported missing while piloting a Lancaster bomber, was shot down over Wilhelmshavtn, Germany, on the night of February 18 last, and killed, and was buried in a district cemetery at Wilhelmshaven. He had taken part in 17 operational flights, and in one raid over Berlin, his Lancaster bomber was attacked bv a Junkers 88 night fighter. His gunners shot the Junkers down, but his own bomber was damaged He managed to return safely to England with the remaining three engines. Each of the gunners received the D.F.M.. while Pilot Officer Markland was recommended for g commission, which was confirmed after he had been posted as missing. Pilot Officer Markland was 22 years of age., and was educated at the Hokitika District High School, and later was employed bv the Air Travel Company at Hok.ka, where he showed marked ability.