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Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1917, Page 2

Recent, casualty lists include: still seriously ill, but improving, Private 11. B. Ferguson, South Westland: severe case, Private W. A. Eggling, Westland.

A recent honours list includes the following:—Captain G. L. McClure, Ordre de Merite Agricole “Chevalier” (G. H. M. McClure, Commissioner, of Crown Lands, Wellington, father). McLean’s Pictures at the Opera House last evening drew a largo audience. The star feature wa s a very enjoyable drama “Pidgin Island” full of exciting incidents. The rest of the programme was of the usual high standard.

Through a fall of stone at the Energetic mine on Thursday, a miner named Sydney Cummings, wa s severely injured. He was taken to his home and medical assistance procured, but it will he some considerable time before he wll be able to resume work.

Miss Emily Blewman, daughter of Mr 51. Blewman, of Kaiata, died oil | Thursday at the Grey ‘River Hospital. I She had been under medical attention for the past six weeks. The deceased • was 24 years of age, and highly esteemed by all who knew her, and her passing will he sincerely regretted. The death of Mr s M. O’Donnell, of Paroa, took place on Thursday. The deceased who was 71 years ol age was a native of Ireland, and had resided at. Paroa for over 40 years. A husband and family of three daughters and four sons, one of whom was killed at OaHi- j poli and two others are at the front, are left to mourn their loss. The death took place on Thursday at Ueefton Hospital of William MeNaugliton, who was better known as “Billy the Native.” The deceased came to the West Coast over .10 years ago, and had resided in this district for a lengthy period, following the avocation of bushman and sawyer, and in the latter capacity was well-known for his splendid work. > The official opening of the Reef ton Bowling, Club’s green (took place on Wednesday afteruon, when despite the County elections, there was a fair attendance, including many ladies. The President, Mr. W. Henderson, declared the season open and bowls were played, 'fhe green was in good order, while the surroundings of the ground are a s near perfect as possible, thanks to unremitting care bestowed upon it by the members. At St. Mary’s Euchre on Thursday night, the ladies first prize (a painted cushion) was won by Miss. L. Fane, the second (sdoz. cups and saucers) by Mrs. J. Cameron. Mr. T Heenan secured tlio gents first prize (a tobacco pouch) and Mr.~\Y r . Nee(l s the second (a box of stationery). After the ladies had handed round supper dancing was kept up until midnight. Mrs. Bennett obliged with the dance music. The practices for the monster concert at the Princess Theatre on Wednesday December sth in aid of the Westland Sick and Wounded Fund give promise that the Ladies Musical Club will make a groat success of the event. Mr Ivon Wilson, who placed himself on such good terms with a local audience this week, has kindly consented, along with Mrs Wilson, to assist with some items, and this portion of the programme will be a delight by itself. The playlet by the Greymoutli nurses is described as a very cheerful production, and will assist to round off the evening’s programme very joyfully. The Hon. W. H. Herries Minister of Railways, stated recently that railway fares and freights are to be increased shortly. The increases had been rendered necessary owing to the Government having to find the extra money granted t.o railway servants in the form of war bonuses. The first war bonus granted, which was now being paid, represented a total annual liability of £200,000, the Minister stated. The second bonus, granted recently, payment of which would commence on Dec. Bth next, involved a further total annual expenditure of £175,000. This meant that, to meet the two bonuses, a sum of £375,000 had to be found this year. The suggestion that the increases in fares and rates would amount to 10 per cent, was referred to Mr. Herries, who said they might do so, but he was unable to say definitely until the question had been settled by the Cabinet. The date when they would he imposed was also in obevance.