The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, APRIL 18th, 1921. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” MONDAY, APRIL 18th, 1921. MUNICIPAL MATTERS.

On the eve of the civic elections, the effect of which will prevail for two years, it will not he out of place to plead for an active revival <>l pliblic interest in muhieip:! matters in the hope that greater interest end enthusiasm in civic affairs will l>e aroused. It is a subject often touched upon of late, but this is a season particularly opportune, because now is the time for the ratepayers to make their choice lor local government. On tiie selection made will depend the measure of activity devoted to municipal advancement. II by any mischance there should be reason to complain later of indifference or indolence in attention to borough affairs then those complaining need only look Lack to this week of April when they bad the opportunity of nominating the Council of the calibre they think most desirable to conduct the public business of the town for the next two years, and they will be two epoch making years—that fact is well to remember. Within the period the town will be connected up with the railway system of the East Coast- an event in itself which will mark a new era in the history and importance of the old town. Hokitika by the connection with the outside world, so soon to be established will be rejuvenated. Folk instead of coming here in hundreds, will arrive in thousands. The Waste places will be taken up. There will be a demand for expansion. It will be n period of marked progress. For such a period of prosperity it will lie necessary to have controlling the town a wide awake Council. Ye have got to get out of the old groove and move quicker. There will be a notable revival. Tt is in the air already, as evidenced by the demand for new business places in town. That demand will continue, the town will have greater potential wealth within its boundaries. The census taken yesterday should reveal a larger residential population. There will be more ratepayers. The burden for civic expansion will thus he spread, and the cost will be lighter on the people individually. With the town growing in this way it will be obviously the task of the Council to rise to the occasion, and see that the community services are equal to t

demands. In the past we have said the town needs a definite municipal policy of expansion. With the alluring prospects ahead, the necessity for such a policy becomes a matter of urgency if Hokitika would reap the full harvest of the better times already throwing their shadow before. We would like to see •

real stimulating interest aroused in Borough affairs and one of the first aids to that end would bo a keenly contest-

ed municpal election for the seats or the Council, where those elected cool'' have the privilege of helping to wor out the destinies of the town, rich in bright traditions of the past, with the glow of an even brighter future ahead of it. So. at this juncture there is a call upon the citizens to arouse themselves and become interested in their own affairs; to make some sacrifice for the public weal with which their owe fortunes are wrapped up. It is not sufficient to pay rates if we would see <c town flourish; those best able and qualified should be prepared to place their services also at the disposal of the town.

will take up some ot the ideas put tortn for active attention. They are in the main akin to other proposals suggested which emphasises the need for doiilg something. . “The town beautiful” should be.the motto of the place, and it should be our pride as our pleasure to see Hokitika maintained pre-eminently in the position it should hold as the capital town of Westland. The future of the place and of the district surrounditag it, justifies this ambition being maintained enthusiastically. We should say that there are many folk here only too eager and anxious to help in the beautifying work. There is just the lead atnd the example wanting. This should be given in the first instance by the local body, and if that institution were supported and enthused by tiie Beautifying Society, the two bodies jointly would supply a lead which would give surprising and no less delightful results. The present opportunity is a happy time for action—so do it now! Tun fact that an extremely promising quartz lode has been discovered in a neglected not to say a condemned, loealilof the upper Grey river, in the backcountry, suggests attention mice again to the oft repeated proposals for systematic prospecting. The discovery 1' revealed gold-hearing quartz said Leclipse anything hitherto found in the Reefton area, a fact which implies that the new find is something out of _ the ordinary. The find was made by a couple of prospectors who in the face of expert and local opinion tackled a territory condemned as possible quartz country. It is probable that a very rich find will be developed. The prospectare certainly attractive and most encouraging. The find is revealed at a time when the Reefton quartz mines are at a low ebb, and the discovery will go a long way fci stimulating interest in the gold mining industry generally. The occasion supplies a text to again advocate a system of national prospecting under State expert leadership. Mr Anderson has just taken over tin portfolio of Mines. These are the times of stringency and there is the promise of lunch unemployment. A fresh gold discovery would be A very useful tonic at tliis stagh. Probably klnowiiig something of the early history of Centra 1 Otago, Air Anderson will realise the potency of mining as an aid to prosperity with a new discovery coining to light. Over and over again, the Government lias been urged to use its Geological blanch for inore active work in the field Research work in the laboratories of course lias its value, but simultaneously research work should be going on outside, and the latest discovery ot

quartz shows that no part of the high oountry should be neglected. The Cornish miner says of the gold find:

“Where it is, there it is; but where is is, I Iw? not.” But New Zealand is so highly mineralised, and the enormous wealth so far recovered has come from such a limited area, that the rest of the country is worth overhauling and testing. Will the Government, not rise to the occasion and utilise its export staff in the practical way suggested?

The monthly meeting of the Westland Progress Leagues takes place tomorrow evening. The nominations for various local hotly positions close at the Town Hall at noon on Wednesday-. The election of School Committees takes place to-night at 7.30 o'clock at the various centres throughout the district. Anzae Day will lie commemorated on Monday next throughout the Dominion by a public holiday. Suitable memorial services will be held in many centres. The services in Hokitika will be held during the forenoon, and a public open air gathering on Cass Square at noon Mr S. E. Clements brought over on Friday another new big six Studebaker car for his Royal Mail motor service between Otira and Hokitika. The journey from Christchurch proved the efficiency of these cars, the journey being made in the record travelling time of 5 hours 55 minutes. Christchurch was left at 9.50 a.m. and the old coach road was followed, through Springfield, over Porter’s Pass and Otira Gorge. With 2-\ hours taken for luncheon and other purposes, Hokitika was reached at (i p.m. In connection with the School Committee elections to-night, under the amended Act and Regulations all householders, and no other persons, are qualified both to vote at the election and to lie elected members of the School Committee. A person claiming qualification in respect of residence in the district must have occupied, for at least three months next before the day of election, a dwelling-house within the school district, as owner or tenant. But in the case of the parent or guardian of a child attending the school, residence within the district >-• not necessary. When asked to comment upon the Patea by-election Mr Wilford declared: “The votes cast for the Liberal candidate prove that the statement that the Liberal Party was down and out is miles from the' truth. The Holland party lias assisted Mr Massey to gain a minority victory, and without doubt Mr Holland’s party is becoming an asset of the Massey party in any byelection which may eventuate. The Liberal Party realised that, even if it does not at once obtain office, it will deserve well of the country if it keeps the Holland party from office, which it can do by remaining the compact and growing party it has become in the last few months.”

Splendid stock of new seasons goods just arrived at MeGruer’s. We are very pleased and well satisfied with the fine styles and wide variety. There are autumn costumes, hats, frocks, coats, skirts, fancy goods, underwear, scarves, and hosiery in big variety. The quality of the goods is higher and the prices more moderate than those that have been seen for many a day. McGruer and Co., Hokitika and Greymouth.— Advt.

Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, For Coughs and Colds, never fails. 1

Band practice will be held in the Drill Shed to-tiight at 8 o’clock. The Westport School Committee was re-elected last Monday night for the first time since the year 1911. An accident happened to Mr Lines, of Inangahua Junction, on Friday. He was in the act of lifting a heavy, piece of timber over his head, when it slipped striking him on the head, causing a severe wtiuiid from the top of the head right down to the back of the ear. Tenders are invited in this issue for the purchase of the freehold section 87 Revell Street on which the building Dnowiv as Batson’s -Hotel- is erected. The frontag e to Revell Street is 45 links. Full particulars can be obtained from the Manager of Hokitika Savings Bank with whom tenders close on Tuesday May 3rd. The following Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed members of the first division of the Court of Appeal:— Mr Justice Sim, Mr Justice Ilosking, Mr Justice Stringer, Mr Justice Reed, and Mr Justice Adams. The following are appointed members of the secon i division:—Mr Justice Sim, Mr Justice [Risking, Mr Justice Stringer, Mr Justice Herdman, and Mr Justice Salmond.

The arrivals in New Zealand during the month of March numbered 4558, as against 3832 in March of last yea-, and exceeded the departures by 1306. Of the total tllimber of persons -arriving in the Dominion during the month, 3112 landed in Wellington, 1297 in Auckland, and 149 in Invercargill. Immigrants are all counted at the first part of arrival. The returns show that during March 32 Chinese entered New Zealand and 47 departed.

In November last year Harold George, an Australian, was remanded for a week at the Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, oil a charge of theft from the person, bail being allowed. George failed to answer to his bail, having left the country in the meantime. He was arrested in Adelaide, extradited, and brought before Mr S. E. McCarthy, SAL, at the Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, on Friday. George, whose aliases include Arthur Reid, Albert Cohen, and Harold Cowley, was charged with the theft of £45 from the person of John Douglas, the offence being alleged to have taken place at Christchurch on November 9th. George was also charged with attempted theft, at Addington, on the same date, from the person of some person unknown. Chief-Detective Mcllveuey asked for a remand till April 20th. The remand was granted, the Magistrate commenting, “No bail will be allowed—no bail this time-” Accused favoured the Magistrate with a broad smile as he left the dock.

Many friends in the Westland district will learn with regret of the death ef Mr William Clarke, sour., of Ross, which took place at 5 p.m. yesterday at the Grey River Hospital. Deceased, who was 66 years of age, was one of the best known citizens of the southern town, where be bad resided for over forty years, and by his upright and manly character had won the respect and esteem of the whole community. A native of Cornwall, the late Mr Clarke was an experienced miner, and at Ross lie followed that calling until the opening of the lime kiln there, in which he was engaged until quite recently, when his health failed-. Before coming to this country lie saw service in the Navy. Predeceased only some months ago by bis wife and one daughter (Airs Connor, of Hokitika!, be leaves two sons (Messrs Win Clarke, of Ross, and Mr John Clarke of Greymouth) and one daughter (Mrs Win McPherson, of Preston Road, Greymouth). The relatives will have the sympathy of their many friends in their bereavement. Schroder and Co. have much pleasure in announcing the arrival of their first shipment of millinery in velours, beavers, velskin, and the newest fancy straws. Also splendid assortment of lurs Coney plush coats and the latest in tweed coats, jumpers. Inspection invited. —Advt.