Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star SATURDAY. JAN, 6, 1917 THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star SATURDAY. JAN, 6, 1917 THE WEEK.

The holidays are hurrying through, graced with a magnificent spell of weather. Indeed the whole month of December was exceptionally fine. Ooly two inches of rain were recorded

for the mootb, and nearly 300 hours of bright sunshine. It is now over three weeks since r.iin fell in this neighborhood, with the risult that a mild form of drought is being experienced. Bush fires have been raging and not a little damage has been done, not only to the standing forest, but also to sawmill properties in thg way of tramway lines, huts etc. On tbe other hand, farmers have bad a wonderful opportunity for good burns, and splendid bay making privileges, but the green feed in light land is suffering. The bright sunshine and sustained heat have had their effeot on gardens, .where the growth has been luxuriant. This is noticeable in the rich coloring of the flowers, all of which are blooming

profusely much in advance of the usual time. The weather is almost abnormal for this period of the year, as tbe hot dry weather usually falls later in tbe summer. The good weather had its effect on all ontdoor gatherings, all events being well patronised. The northern race meetirgs and the local Bporta gathering this week were largely attended, and where speculation was possible, substantial increases in the aggregate figures are noticeable. General business over the holidays appeared to be maintained quite up to the average of pa3t years, Indeed this result appaara to have been typical of practically all parts of New Zealand. To anticipate next week, the ohief event of the holiday period will eventuate here in tbe celebration of tbe jubilee of the Westland Racing Club. The preparations for the jubilee have been in progress for some time, and a great deal of interest has been excited iu tbe event all over New Zealand, The Club has made a special effort for the occasion quit 9 worthy of a jubilee celebraciou. The racecourse has been handsomely improved, the general facilities and arrangements now enabling tbe local course to rank as one of tbe best equipped country race courses iu the Dominion. The euterpriee shown in this respect will stand as a listing advertisement to the district, and when such an event as the opemog of tbe Otira Tunnel comas to pass, the wisdom of the aocion will be more than justified. The Club has further made tbe occasion a notable one by

offering greatly enhanced stakes, the most liberal yet put forward by any West Coast Club, As a conßsqutnce the Club has had recoidhomiuations, owners showing their appreciation by entering freely for all the events*: The Club has certainly spared no effort to record a successful jubilee gathering. It is admitting the old pioneers tree, a very thoughtful and kindly action in itself. Altogether the Club de serves to attain marked success. That there will be a large attendance seems to go without saying. It only remains for the favorable weather to continue in graceful mood and substantial sneoess will be achieved.

The holidays invariably bring out again the scant treatment this district receives in the matter of train arrangements. This year is not any exception, and the present week shows once again how tLe authorities continua to penalise the place. The treatment meted out to Westland in regard to the overland service is notorious at all times of the year, and visitors coming and going during the holiday season 1 are equally loud in their complaints about the neglect of the Hokitika end in the matter of through connections. New Year’s Day evidenced further neglect, when a popular and attractive resort such as Lake Mahinapua was qnite cut off from all train traffic. There is the iostance this week, when soldiers who were delayed in reaching here through the crass stupidity of some Wellington officers, hava had to burry away unnecessarily soon through further stnpidity at this end owing to no train connection with Otira being available this morning. The excuse seems to be some difference of opinion between the Defence and Railway authorities, but that does not pardon the injustice done to the men who are serving the country and their friends who are robbed of the company of their sons when thus on final le'ave. The muddling whioh goes on is most annoying to the public and those who have to suffer all the time. The proposal made by the Borough Council to hold an indignation meeting to bring the treatment of the district prominently before tha authorities, seems to grow more necessary as the weeks go by. Just why Westland whioh is making continued sacrifices, should be treated in this manner, is haid, indeed, to understand. The Mayor of Kumara, now in Wellington, has done a useful service to the district in endeavoring to probe the mysteiy of the electrical scheme for the Otira tunnel. We believe that Mr Murdoch is one of those who realises fully the potency of the through railway to the Coast in particular and the Dominion at large. If the people on the Coast would ooly be equally unanimous in demanding the completion of the work already carried so far, the Government would soon be brought to a sense of their responsibilities in the matter. Year by year the interest charges on works which cannot be reveuue earning till the mouatain is pierced aod the line linked up, are piling up and adding to the capital co?t. This is unfair to the country ss well as the district, and iudicatoi also if not bad management, certainly defective administration. Considerable power will be required to work tho tunnel effectively. The volume of goods traffic alone is going to be enormous* To harness the power and conduct it to the utility point is going to take considerable time. The Minister of Public Works affects a very mysterious air about the source of tho supply. He says the matter has not been lost sight of. This ia not oomforting at the best. More practical interest on the part of the Government is required, and it is good to hear through Mr Murdoch that tie expert, Mr Evan Parry, is to tike up the question and report. The great importance for the completion of tho work at the earliest possible moment is reason enough for the public men here to keep knocking at the Cibuefe room door till that August conclava

is moved to action necessary to speed up the finishing of tho great naiional work.

The announcement that t.ka British line has been extended to one hundred miles on the Western front, and is held by gome 2,000.000 men, is aom6 indication of the military feat recently performed in carrying out the macoeavre lately reported in the cable new?, It is not so very long ago that the British front only numbered a few miles. Its elongation shows the state of preparedness now reached. There is now an ayerage of 20,000 men per mile.aud it might bo expected that guns and munitions wi‘l be supporting each mile in like proportion. At the rate of men referred to, it would require all the men New Zealand has sent to the war to hold a three mile front, say from Hokitika to Kaniori ! S xty thomand men covering a throe mile line gives Borne idea of the general strength and substantiates the hope for General Haig’s ultimate snccees, Various opinions are beieg voiced aa to the probable duration of tho war, but it may bo expected with safety that tho spring and summer campaigns of this year will be determining factors to bring home to the enemy people the hop; - lessuess of their defensive. Tho pinch of hanger in enemy countrios gives point to the clamoring* for peace. If the military struggle becomes hopeless there will be a revolt agaiast an aimless expenditure of life merely as food only for powder. An awakening sense is appearing certainly in Austria, and the feeling will

spread as the days go by. The coming High Confers* ce in Berlin might in itself he’p materially to shape a way towards peace, but tli3 Allies’ terms will bo exacting.

Perfect woather prevails again audit looks as if it is going to continue fine for next week’s carnival,

An interesting complete story *• The Romance of Million Making” is included in the Guabdian supplement issued to our readers to-day.

The shower of rain that fell just after midday yesterday amounted to one-fiftieth part of an inch.

We draw our readers to the N.ZClothing Factory’s new shoe advertisement appearing in this issue. It should be of special interest to ladies at tliia period. Inspection invited.

The Railway Department notify further alterations to tho holiday timetable for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, in connection with the racing carnival.

To cope with the dust nuisance, the Racing Club has arranged through the kind co-operation of the Mayor of Greymouth for the use of the large water cart from the northern borough. The cart is expected this afternoon and will be specially useful in settling the dustquestion on tho trotting traek. On Wednesday last a sad fa'ality occured Noitli of Auckland. Trevor Hirst, aged six, and Waitati Rew/ie, aged four, were playing on a launch, alongside the Russell Wharf, Bay of Islands. An hour later the dead bodies of both were found floating in the harbour.

The Westport Harbour Board has granted its engineer (Mr C. N. Boalt) leave to enlist, and has agreed to allow him £250 a yea'’ while he is at the war. Mr B'.ult stated that he wanted nothing but his military pay, but the board thought that it was only right that he should be given at least a quarter of his salary.

The fireoell rang out an alarm at Reefton on Thursday midday, when it was feund that the res'dence of Mr Elliston Absalom in Dick Street was on fire. A number of neighbors were soon on tho scene, and held the fire in check until the arrival of the brigade, who soon sueceeded in extinguishing the fire. The damage appears to be confined mostly to the roof of the building. '

The 25th Reinforcements for Trentham are to go into camp from Westland next week, the due date, the 24ths having been three weeks’ late. The Overseas Club will as usual take in hand the farewelling of the men who are to leave here on Thursday morning next to jom the Mapourika. Accepted recruits for these reinforcements may obtain free passes to the Hokitika races on presentation ot their mobilisation notices to the Secretary of the Racing Club. The Overseas Club will also make artangements to accord a welcome home to Private Lindsay Shand (wounded in the arm) who is expected back here in about a week’s time.

A social was Held on Wednesday evening at Humphreys for the purpose of presenting Private 11. R. Harcourt with a small token of tlie residents’ esteem before leaving for the front. Mr R. Dalglish was voted to tho chair, and in a few appropriate words congratulated Private Harcourt upon doing liis duty for the country. Ho then called on Mr Geo. Hewlett to make the presentation, which consisted of a case of razors and a wristlet watcli, which ho did in a happy manner. Mr R. Harcourt, senr., replied for his son, and said that his feelings would not allow him adequately to thank them for their kindness in making the presentation. The proceedings, which were most harmonious and spirited, wound up with a danco.

An important scheme for the improvement of the Greymouth Harbour is under consideration of the Harbour Board. At a previous,meeting the engineer was asked to confer with the harbourmaster and report on the cost and feasibility of the suggested scheme of deviating the river from its present course to a course in a direct line between Cobden Bridge and the entrance to the harbour 1 The leading feature of the scheme is to direct the present course of the river to a straight chanucl from the gorge to between the tipheads The advantage would be to convert the river course into a tidal compartment or dock, making it possible to use 3000 ft of wharf, with ample standage room. On a modest estimate this would give 3ft more depth on bar, and make the port workable when, under present conditions, it would be unworkable. An additional 3ft working draught would enable a modern cargo steamer to tike a load of 4000 tons or more. WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS Possesses virtue of a remedial kind. We have now opened out some of the latest in reward and gift books, also a large and varitd stock of toys and novel.

ties, Christmas cards, autograph stationery and booklets. —Excelsior Book Do pot. —Advt. A large assortment of latest costumes washing dresses, striped voiles, muslins, crepes, silk blouses, etc,, at bargain prices have just been opened out at Stephens’ Bros, drapers, Eevell Street, A delayed shipment--We have pleasure in announcing that W 8 have just opened and are now showing a very lino selection of children's millinory. McKay's, the leading drapers.—Advt. A nice choice of ladies voile and silk blouses in the latest stylos andr*- reasonable prices at Mrs Lloyd’s. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS possesses virtue of a remedial kind. Nothing can equal “No Rubbing Laundry Help ” for lightening labour rn washing day it doe 3 tho washing without rubbing and it will n*J. jniuro tli3 most aelicato hands or finest fabrics,— John Parkhill. New rango in bays and youths fashionable Kaiapoi ?i. o t.i suits. Nobby patterns —beet ) the Dominion^ — therefore best ia iue world, now showing at McKay’s, the leading drapers.—'Advt.

The Town Clerk notifies drivers of all vehicles the routes to be observed on race days to and from the rr.aecourse. Owing to there being an insufficient supply of water available the municipal swimming bath will be closed until further notice.

The Military Medbal Board arrive here to night, and Capt Colclough is arranging for die examination of local men and also other Westland men. to-night and Monday forenoon.

Private word received from Springfield this morning state? that a large number a. o travelling to Hokitika for the J»blee race meeiing, including the j ckoya Hewitt and Emerson who a:e making the Sr firrt vuit to the Coiai.

Mr It. Cassidy ye terday- completed the purchase of that tine mare Martial Air, the winner of tha Inangahaa Cup, and the horse will carry Mr Cassidy’s co’ors at the Jubilee fixture.

The death cf Mr John Dow took pl»oe at the Grey River Haspiial yesterday, 'j he deceased had resided at Welshman’s on the Eutherglcn side for the past 41 years, and carried on the occupation of mining,

A bush fire at S-irh FL-kMki this morning endangrred a b 1 dge on the road to ArihurstcwD near Mr R Kiog’a holding. Bmough st if was sent ovc-r to endeavor to relieve the danger. . ’

G'cat interest will be centred in the Hokitika rtce meeting by the inclusion of Emerson p.nd Hewitt among the jockeys’ division. Emerson, who is engaged to ride specially in the Jubilee Gold Cup, now ranks as the moh successful jockey in New Zealand, heading the list for the present season by a substantial margin", with the most wins. Hewitt had a New Zealand reputation long ago, but went to England and alterwards to Germany, where he was riding at the outbreak of war.

The cable news in this issue accredited to the “ Times ” has appeared in that journal, but cnly where expressly stated is such news the editorial opinion of the “Times

WOLFE’S SCHNAPf’S Superior to all ither spirits.