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Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1920, Page 2

At the County Council meeting yesterday, Mr Murdoch dropped some interesting remrks oil power possibilities which gave point to the contention that this district should seek without delay to establish a Power Board capable of dealing with some sound proposition to supply power throughout the district. Mr Murdoch who spoke with' evident authority, stated that tho Toaroha project was open still for a public concern to take up. That is a. proposal which has been commended rather highly by Dr Bell, Mr Percy Morgan, Mr C. J. Parham and others who have looked into it. The local bodies should make a point of Mr L. Birks, the present Government officer spending some time in a personal inspection of the scheme. Were a Power Board to he established here and in a position to sell electric power, Mr Murdoch mentioned that two enterprises alone he knew of would take power each year to tlie value of £5,500. This is a considerable income from two consumers only and the idea at once arises that with this business in sight, there are excellent grounds for going further into the matter, and seeing what the district can do further to help itself. Tho County Council resolved to go into tho Power Hoard proposal, and endeavour to secure the. necessary signatures to n petition asking for the authority to set up a Board. This was a very proper step to take, and it is hoped the municipality will review its attitude on the matter at the earliest opportunity and join with the Council in a course of action which promises to bo fraught with such importance to the town and district.

Matters for tin? Royal visit wore put in train at tlie meeting at the Town flail last night which was fairly well attended. The town is fortunate in having the party hero for so long, and the citizens proposed to make the most of the occavsion by preparing a very comprehensive programme. In connoc-

tion with tlie visit, it must be borne in mind that there /will ble several distinguished men. with His (Royal Highness. Admiral Halsey who commanded H.M.S. “New Zealand” has very distinguished war service to his credit having brought “our ship” through some of the most notable of the naval fights with credit and renown. There will be other notabilities also to entertain so that the town lias indeed, a very great honor done .it. Special provision is to bo made for the entertainment of the children, particularly the country children. This is excellent, and when the call is made for billets, it is hoped families will make every effort to accommodate as many visiting children as possible. The general scheme for adorning the town and making a brave display in light and color appears to be satisfactory. Tlie old town promises to take on an unwonted appearance, but as the Mayor said last night, the occasion is altogether exceptional and the people will rise to the occasion. The greatest obstacle in finding accommodation for Royalty and guests had been overcome through the enterprise of our leading hotelkeepers. It was no small demand to make on their resources, but they have risen to the occasion splendidly, and the town lias added to its reputation for hospitality. There will be other obstacles to overcome as details of the programme are focussed, but a strong executive and a capable administration has been set up, and for such the difficulties will, appear only to lie overcome, '[lie little town has undreamt of resources when put to the test. This has been examplilted on former occasions such as visiting fire brigades and jubilee celebrations. Those gatherings notable as they were are going to be eclipsed from every point of view, and the fullest demands will be made on all concerned to co-opcrate in assisting to co-operate in assisting to make the conspicuous occasion appraching, the most notable in the history of the .town and district. The general programme having been adopted, it now awaits confirmation at the hands of the authorities, and as soon as the necessary sanction is given, it will be necessary for the various sub-committees to get busy and set about arranging the details for which they are responsible—and the sum of which is going to make the Royal visit in mid-May a most memorable time for the vast concourse which will gather in Hokitika to honor our very worthy Prince of Wales, the Heir Apparent to the Throne of Great Britain.