WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1943, Page 6

WESTPORT NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) High Tides. Port of Westport, a.m. p.m. Thursday, June 3 10.25 10.47 Friday, June 4 11.05 11.26 WESTPORT, June 2. Mrs. O’Driscoll, Russell Street, received a cable yesterday from her son, Jack, who is in the Middle East, stating that he is safe and well. Mr. F. J. Hunter, Pakington Street, was a visitor to Greymouth last week. Mr. J. Hutt, snr., who is to act as judge of the Rhode Island Red section' of Christchurch Poultry Show leaves this morning for Christchurch. Mr. G. G. Chisholm, S.M., arrived from Greymouth yesterday. Mr. J. Hannan was a passenger from. Greymouth by last evening’s rail-car. Mrs. 0. Woodward has received work that her husband Private 0, Woodward, who is in the Middle East, is well and safe. . Mr. J. Hutt, jnr. is visiting Christchurch. Mrs. Preston of Hokitika, is visiting Westport as the guest of the Rev. A. and Mrs. McNeur. The funeral of the late Dems Edward O’Neil took place yesterday morning. Rev. Father Phelan celebrated Requiem Mass at St. Canice’s Chusph, and conducted the service at the graveside. Many floral tributes were placed on the grave and a large gathering of friends and relatives were present. The pall bearers were Messrs A. M. Lockev, J. Spillane, M. Griffin, and R. Mann Vital statistics at Westport for the month of May. 1943, with corresponding month last year, are as follows: Births 12 (7). deaths 14 (9), marriages 3 (2). ■ Flying Officer Leonard Chambers Of Karamea, who took part in the raid against the German dams last month, has as earlier stated, been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation accompanying his award states that on the night of May 16, a Lancaster bomber force was detailed to attack the Mohne, Eder, and Sorpe dams. It was a difficult, hazardous operation, calling for great skill and courage, and close co-operation among the crews of the attacking aircraft. The Mohne and Eder dams were breached, and a telling blow was struck at the enemy. This conspicuous success reflects the greatest credit on forts of Flying Officer Chambers. Chambers was born at Karamea, and educated at Hastings and Karamea. He enlisted as an air gunner shortly after the outbreak, was commissioned in August. 1942, and was promoted Flying Officer in February of this year. , . The E.P.S. Wardens held their meeting in the Town Hall last evening. Mr. W. A. Smith was in the chair and there was a good attendance. Mr. Smith said that if any of the Wardens had received a notice to join the Home Guard, it should be handed over to the E.P.S. Secretary who would have the notice cancelled. During an emergency trial vehicles should not show full lights except when proceeding to a fire and bicycle lights should be reduced in accordance with regulations. A course of ' instruction for Wardens was being held at Trentham Camp and Warden J. McEnaney had been chosen to go from this district to take the training. A siren was now in use at the gas works and it would be sounded for alarm purposes only. There will be a full scale trial before the next meeting, which will be advertised. Mr. Smith made reference to the honours won by Lieutenant Colonel Penver Fountaine, a son of one of our- Wardens, and congratulated Mr. J. C. Fountaine. Mr. Fountaine returned thanks. Mr. Head then gave a very interesting first aid talk on blood and how to treat wounds.

The Westport branch of the Plunket Society held their annual meeting on Monday night. His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Robertson presided, and there was a fair attendance. The financial statement was very satisfactory and the collections were a record. The annual report as circu,lated was adopted. Officers were elected as follows: President: Miss Harkness (re-elected): Vice-presi-dents: Mesdames J. M. Robertson, Hagedorn, Enright, W. A. Smith, and Morgan; Secretary: Mrs. M. A. Neill (re-etected); Treasurer: Mr. M. A. Neill (re-elected); Hon auditor: Mr. P. A. Struthers (re-elected); Advisory board: Messrs Hagedorn, J. M. Robertson, Dr. Foote. Dr McCreath, Fairbairn, Howard, Kelly, Keesing, and Scully (all re-elected). It was resolved to ask Mr. W. A. Smith to join the Advisory Board. Committee: Mesdames R. Brown, L. Robertson, Hayes, C. Martin. J. Woodward. S. Atkinson, Gemmill, W. Jenkins. Fairhall, McHerron, Risk, Dunlop, and Struthers.' Miss Harkness referred to

the work of Mr P. Struthers as Hon. Auditor and in view of his valued services presented him on behalf of the Society, with a pipe. Mr. Struthers. in ’acknowledging the gift, said that the work was a pleasure. The books and accounts were well kept which made the work easy. He thanked all members for the kindly thoughts behind the gift. Miss McGregor gave a very interesting lecture on diptheria immunisation and advised parents to keep children under observation and in case. of any sign of illness to obtain medical advice at once. Miss McGregor also gave an. interesting talk on her experiences as a Sister on the only general hospital in Fiji. ' The Mayor moved a hearty vote of thanks to Miss McGregor for her interesting talks, which was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the press concluded the meeting. Basketball fixtures for Saturday June sth are:—First Section: 2.15 p.m. Kawatirii v. Tech O. G A. (Mr. Sands); 3 p.m., Denniston O. G. v. Tech High A. (Miss Strachan) Second Section: 1.30 pirn. Tech High B v Tech O. G. B. (Miss Hanstock); 2.15 p.m. Tech High B v. Denniston. (Miss Strachan); p.m Tech O. G. B v. Waimangaroa. (Miss Kelly); 3 p.m. Hospital v Waimangaroa. (Mr. Sands); 3 P- m - Denniston v. Tech High C. (Mrs. Papps); 3.45 <p.m. Kawatin B v. Hospital (Mrs. Pamment); 2.15 p.m. Rangers B v. Tiki at Hector; 3 p.m. Rangers B v. Grariity B at Sector, 3.45 p.m. Granitv B v. Tiki. All second section games are to be of two spells of 15 minutes each