HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 4 September 1948, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our own Correspondent] - HOKITIKA, Sept. 3 The supplies of whitebait being netted in the Hokitika River are small, and' well behind those of last season. Fishermen are apprehensive of a poor season for weatfiei' conditions have been ideal for fishing, but the catches have been disappointing. The first consignment arrived from Okuru by plane this week and comprised about ids wmch went to the Christchurch Although no matches will be played locally to-morrow many of tne teams will play teams in. other parts of the district. Kiwis are to tour to Wataroa, St Mary’s juniors will travel to Westport, Pirates go to Kumara to play for the Graham Wise Cup, and Excelsiors will play-the Cup tinal at Greymouth. There is much local excitement over the Seddon Shield challenge match with - Buller, and there is a big demand for travelling facilities to see the big game. The' Coast team may prove the hardest challenge for Buller to save off, and in the southern end of the district there is confidence of their team bringing back the trophy. Matches are being arranged to keep the principal Coast players in top form for the big game, and the invaders will certainly go to Buller a fit team.

Radio To Assist Shipping The Hokitika Harbour Board has purchased a radio transmitting and receiving set from the War Assets Board to install at the port to assist shipping in working the port. Hokitika is a tidal port and shipping only uses the port at high water. The radio installation will save many delays to shipping and will enable the Harbourmaster to know the exact time ot arrival. ... x , The motorship, Hauiti, is expected to be ready to commence trading to Hokitika about the middle of October. The ship will be equipped with radio transmitting and receiving apparatus. Mr A. J. Hopgood of Greymouth is to install the equipment for the Harbour Board, and the station will have an international call sign. New Water Charges The new rates tor water are to operate in the Borough of Hokitika at an early date. The Council will hold a special ’meeting to strike the new rates next week. The Council is busy installing water meters on all principal users, to enable a check to be kept on supplies, so as to assist in estimating the right size of the new supply line to be brought in. The framework for the nurses bach at Lake Kanieri is almost completed, and better progress should be made with a continuance of good weather over the week-ends. The bach is expected to be ready for occupation at an early date. , , The sawmill homes recently erected at Ruatapu are being completed for occupation. The homes will assist in meeting the housing difficulty in the milling area. More Playing Areas With rugby football, rugby league, tennis, hockey, basketball, baseball and other sports all being strongly supported the shortage of playing areas is acute. The hockey club were fortunate in securing the use of the school ground, and are now out to secure a ground of their own. they have offered to do all the work on the area if it is granted by the Council. Basketball courts are to be put down on a Council reserve at the top end of Stafford Street, and the Jubilee 'Tennis Club's members have under way plans for their tennis courts, lhe Rugby Union has spent a good sum bringing a ground into order at the Hokitika racecourse and next year should see the various clubs with more suitable grounds for their various games and sports. Mr J. B. Kent, M.P., for Westland, has been more than helpful to the local clubs in securing some assistance for the various organisations.