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Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1921, Page 2

Last week Captains Dickson and Isitt of the flying station at Christchurch, paid a visit here to spy out the land as to the suitability of landing stations in the event of East and West Coast flights being determined upon. It is understood that the visitors were, very favourably impresed with a location on Sea View Hill between the public and mental hospitals. Other points were inspected, but the hill was the spot most favoured. The locality is covered with light scrub and would require clearing and putting in order, which would cost a fair figure. It is believed that the area in question belongs to the Hospital Board, and was purchased lately with the object of clearing the land for grazing purposes on which to depasture a milking herd in connection with the milk supply to the institution. Tf the clearing could be arranged for at, once, the area could be made to supply a twofold purpose, and the authorities might consider the details of the matter without delay. The location is one which would serve also, for a trans Tasman flight, seeing that Hokitika would he so favourable a landing place for aviators coming from Australia. The

situation is also adjacent to the railway j line, and is served by a convenient I road. It in a site which- was mentioned j earlier as most suitable for the situai tion of an aerodrome, and the visit of tlfe experts has confirmed that view. I Sea View hill over-looks the ocean, and j the particular location is not hemmed j. in by bush, terraces or 'buildings. • It is ! a fine, elevated position, free from all j natural or artificial barriers to the preI vailing winds, and as such seems to be j quite an ideal selection. Such being j the case, here is the opportunity for Hokitika to become the central aviation

centre of the West Coast. The spot selected will be only an hour’s flight from headquarters at Sockburn, and ns a Coast patrolling station is centrally situated for the whole West Coast of the South Island. In former references to this matter we have referred to the possible prospects. These are now eonfinned by the visit of the experts and it remains for the local people to see that full use is taken of their natural advantages in regard to the future of aviation.

Cu.mm fiu'l A in, Y and financially, the year (remarks the ‘‘Lyttelton Times”) has been a remarkable one in this country. Not long after its commencement maim facturers abiroad —principally in England and America—finding their own markets unfavourable .began to unload upon New Zealand by completing orders which had long ago ben regarded locally as cancelled or dead. Goods that would have been welcomed when they were ordered during recent years of shortage have been coining to band month by month, until the volume of impoTts has more than doubled any

previous record. This has, of course, embarrassed importers and traders and has caused shortening of credits which would, in any case, probably have been reduced by the banks in order to make some contribution towards a deflation of the currency. So far the Dominion has stood the strain remarkably well, largely through the good sense of the people in refusing to be frightened into extreme measures. Together with this embarrassment hav c been a heavy decline in wool values, and large demands for loan moneys by the Government and local bodies. However, we believe it may be said that the situation does not justify pessimism in the least, although it certainly calls for caution. New Zealand has, most happily, escaped the evil of unemployment which has l>ecn prominent in other countries, and no very serious consequence? of the now conditions have yet materialised. Imports, although still over-large, have already commenced to decline, and with the returns that will now be coming in for exported produce the Dominion may find in the near future a restoration of flic equilibrium. Tf industrial peace can be preserved, and if the Government will set the example of reasonable economy, the future of this fertile and prolific country is assured.

The annual meeting of the Westland 'Trotting Club takes place on the Hokitika racecourse on Wednesday afternoon. Hat Value! Men’s straw boaters from 9s fid; Tuscan straws 8s fid each, good Panama lints special offer 9s lid. each. Felt hats from 12s fid at the N.Z. Clothing Factory.—Advt. When W. Gamble was driving a car load of people towards Kuniara the car ran off the road on .Saturday evening, just beyond the Teremakati bridge*. Several of the occupants were for a time pinned down, but none were injured to any serious extent. fi is understood Mr P. F. PI. Sellers Superintendent of the Westland Mental Hospital, for several years, and a member of the Staff over a very long term, will be retiring at bis own request, from the Government service, next month. It is believed Dr Biichannan of Seaoliffo Mental Hospital will be the succeeding Superintendent, combining also the duties of .medical officer in charge.

Special offer! Men’s Sac Suits the famous “H. 8.” Brand guaranteed, £o 12s 6d, £5 17s fid, £5 19s fid, £6 65.; Sport suits 955., 1055., 110 s. Be wise and have the best make in Sac and sport suits for 1921. “H. 8.” Brand, N.Z. Clothing Factory.—Advt. The many friends of Mr and Airs Frank Grogan, of Greymouth, will learn with regret of the death of their daughter Kathleen, at the age of eight years, which took place yesterday. Tli P little one, who had been ailing for a few u'eeks, was a very bright child and a great favourite with all who knew her, and her death will be sincerely regretted.

On Saturday night at about seven o’clock, a motor bike collided with a

motor car at Paroa. Air A. White and Mr A. J. Furness were travelling on the bike when a motor car, driven by Air Ovens, crashed into it. Mr White was badly cut and bruised and was unconscious for half an hour. Mr Fur-

nessfs head and knee were injured. Both men are at present in tli e Grey River Hospital, and are progressing favourably.

The handicaps for the Westland Trotting Club’s meeting are due to-niglit at 8 o’clock, and acceptances for all events close to-morrow (Tuesday) night at 0 o’clock with the Secretary (Mr M. TT. Houston). The meeting takes place on the following day (Wednesday) on the Hokitika racecourse, and the Club promises to havo a highly successful meeting. There are splendid nominations for all events, and a large attendance is confidently expected. The trotting track is in capital order, and some fast times should be put up. The first race isi set down to start at 12.45 p.m. The train arrangements are very suitable for visitors from north and south, A very fine display of ladies and children’s ready to wear hats are now ready, especially for the Christmas season at Schroders, where all the model hats are being sold at a special discount of 3/- in the pound far cash. Splendid lot of voile blouses from 10/6 up. Crepe de chine blouses from 35/wliite silk blouses, coloured silk blouses. Fuji silk in plain and stripe and Georgette blauses, the finest display ever shown at Schroders.—Advt, Do little things easily irritate you? Tf so, you’re run-down. SHARLAND’S BEEF, IRON AND WINE will soon put you right. Stimulating, invigorating and pleasant to take. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS, vastly suoerarior to all other stimulants.

Mrs Maunder and family insert a notice of thanks in this issite. Wear H.B. Footwear for 1921. Ladies Patent Courts from 37s 6d; Glace courts from 325. fid,.; glace derbys from 2os. Men’s best box hide derbys from 35s per pair at the N.Z. Clothing Factory.—Advt. The serial “Smashing Barriers,” featuring William Duncan, will be shown to-night in addition to Pollard’s usual programme owing to the Theatre being engaged on Thursday next for the ■' “Geisha.”

, Most of the business places observed a lull holiday to-day. The principal attraction was the Grey Trotting meeting, a good many travelling north to this fixture. The day was a perfect one for outdoor gatherings, and there were numerous picnic parties to the Lakes and country. i ; Mr John Henry Masters of Taylorville, passed away on Saturday after a long illness. Deceased’ who was .38 1 years of age was very widely known in th c Grey district. For many years he kept a st<*re at Taylorville, till ill-health compelled him to relinquish it. He leaves a mother and other relatives, who will have the sympathy of many friends in their loss. There was much annoyance caused to patrons at the Grey races on Saturday who waited to see the last race, the last race train leaving before thc race was over. As a result many hundreds of people had to walk into town, the motor cars available being unable to cope with the unexpected harvest. The Omoto road is a very rough and dusty one, and with the road crowded and cars whizzing by incessantly, the walk was not a pleasant one.

The weather for the ending of the old year and tho commencement of the new, was all that could lie desired. On New Year’s eve there were a good many people in the streets, but the crowd soon thinned after 9 o’clock the abscence of the fireworks display of former years having the effect of sending most people home at a fairly early hour. At midnight the tire hell rang out a joyous peal to farewell the old and welcome the New Year. The Pipe Band paraded the town, enlivening the streets with their music. New Year’s day continued fine, and everyone was on holiday bent. The special local attraction was the Caledonian Sports gather ing on Cuss Square, while the Grey races proved an attraction for many holiday trippers. In the evening the Scotch concert in the Princess Theatre attracted n. good audience. Yesterday was another perfect day, the elements having proved on their very tiest behaviour for the start of the year.

A sensational accident recently occurred at Ercildounp Estate, near Ballarat, during the progress of a stock sale. Among those in attendance at the auction were Air Samuel Barrett, a well-known district farmer, and his wife. They were driving over the estate in a buggy, and when passing a dam tho water in which is about 20 feet in depth, the horse took fright. Mr Barrett, who is of advanced age, endeavoured to check the animal, but it bounded into the dam, dragging the buggy and occupants with it. Mr Basil Camming, a. returned soldier who saw the accident, ran to assist. Jumping into the dam lie pulled Air Barratt on to the bank, and he then rescued Airs Barrett. The horse kicked itself free from the shafts and swam to the bank.

Ladies Costumes just opened out C 5 10s upwards. Aleii’s sports suits, boys and youths sport and other suits to be sold clioap for cash 17 ; /fi upwards; boy’s golf hose. AYnrners Corsets all sizes; carpet runners, hearth rugs, carpets and linoleums at Schroders where a visit will repay you. Inspection, invited. Advt.

A great array of Xmas gilt goods in drapery, fancy goods, men’s wear and toys for the children now ready for your inspection at, MoGruer’s. Call early.—Advt.

You’ll derive the greatest benefit from taking SHARLAND’S BEEF, IRON AND WINE. If you are rundown ’twill make you fit ;if von are well ’twill keep you fit.

Some housewives prefer darning hubby’s socks instead of playing the violin while NO RUBBING Laundry Help does the weekly washing.

You can’t be happy with a disordered stomach. Get a bottle of SHARLAND’S FLUID MAGNESIA. It corrects acidity, flatulency, and other stomach troubles.

Use NORTH BRITISH GARDEN HOSE this spring and summer. Best, and lasts longest. Obtainable from rubber and hardware stores everywhere.

WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS has stimula ting affect on thc whole system.