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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1921, Page 2

The “Guardian” will not he published on Monday and Tuesday next fChristmas holidays).

Correct Cards of the Races will be on sale in the town to-night from 7 o’clock.

While Hokitika enjoyed a hot day yesterday with brilliant sunshine, a motoring party that travelled south ran into a regular downpour at Lake Inn the, which continued until the party returned some hours later, when they ran hack again into fine weather and dusty roads this side of the Lake.

Some time ago a movement was mooted to organise a- committee lor t.ie purpose of rearing a local monument to Robert Burns, the Scotch poet. The matter lias been in abeyance for some while, hut the project is now being revived, and will he gone on with as soon us the holidays are past. A committee of gentlemen met this week and it has keen resolved to take further action (•ulv in January when a scheme to raise the funds required will be put in motion.

The supplement issued to “Guardian readers with to-day’s issue is a special Christinas number and is replete with interesting articles, quips and jests. There are also a number of articles of special interest including “Christinas in the Ice World” by Sir Douglas Maws' Ml : “The Eox and Goose.” by Riulclilfe Martin; “A Christmas Parent,” by G. B. Burgin, and “Two and a. Girl,” by Arnold Goldsworthy.

A tost case of unusual interest to retailors dealing in fireworks eamo before tlie Magistrate’s Court at Invercargill on Wednesday, when a man was charged by the police with selling explosives, namely, one packet of crackers, without obtaining a permit under the Arms Act of 1020. It was contended by the prosecution that the Dangerous Goods and Explosives Act of 1008 included fireworks in the list of explosives, and that therefore under the later Act permits for sale and purchase were required. Evidence was called to show that crackers were a dangerous explosive. The defence contended that the phrase in the Act. “Capable of destructive effect by way of explosion,” did not apply to crackers. The Magistrate took a similar view and dismissed the charge. An unfortunate accident happened on the main South road near the little Waitaha river yesterday, whereby Mr S'. G. Ferguson lost the very valuable mare which is used for hauling motor cars across the ford. It appears Mr Ferguson was riding the horse proceeding to the ford to haul a car across, when searle's U-yland lorr ( y loaded with cheese came suddenly round a

corner. There was a collision in which the mare was hit and liorsc and rider knocked down. The effect of the impact broke the shoulder of the mare which was thus rendered useless. Mr Ferguson received a bad fall and was partly stunned, but soon recovered. He had a. fortunate escape under the circumstances. The loss of the mare, however is a heavy one.

Big dance, Supreme Hall, Monday and Tuesday nights, commencing at 5.30 p.m. Good music.—Advt. Kanicri Electric Ltd. notify electricity consumers that current will he cut off in the Borough intermittently on Sunday and Monday. The Hon. J. Grimmond M.L.C. telegraphs from Wellington wishing tall Westland a happy Xmas and a prosperous New Year. Kanieri will hold its annual ball on Tuesday night in tho Public Hall when capital music, a good iloor and an enjoyable time is guaranteed patrons.

Tho . town is wearing a holiday appearanee to-day. Large numbers came in from the country and the main streets bear a very busy appearance, tho shops appearing to be doing a thriving trade.

An allegation was made during the hearing of a case in the Supremo Court on Tuesday (says the “N.Z. Times”) that a lawyer had received money from two parties, and it is possible that the matter will be a subject of inquiry by he -Law Society. An Auckland telegram states that the by-election to fill the vacanacy on the City Council, caused by the death of the Hon. I’. J. Nerheny, resulted in the return of Mr George Davis the official Labour candidate. The voting was: Davis 1252, E. W. Inder 1186, E. A. Clarke 143.

Considerable interest was displayed yesterday evening when a motor car containing four beautiful wedding cakes pulled up outside tho Drill Hall. All eyes were centred on these enticing articles which were sent by the sisters of tli local convent. They are to bo prizes in the competition attached to the refreshment stall at the Bazaar and Fair now being held.

A Scottish cabman, according to the London “Sunday Express,” was driving an American sightseer around Edinburgh. He stopped suddenly, and, with a wave of his whip, announced, “That is John Knox’s house.” “Mho is John Knox?” asked the American. The cabman was dumbfounded. After a [iiiuse, he blurted out, “But do ye never read your Bible, moil?”

Three distinct groups of sunspots are at present visible. The foremost is very near the western edge of the sun’s disc, and will shortly pass out of view. The second is a small group, while the third, lying in the eastern hemisphere, is interesting because it shuns bridges of photosphere which cross the dark umbra and divide it into three distinct parts These numerous spots, stretching across tile sun from east to west, indicate considerable solar change and activity.

The Finance Act under which increased tolls are now charged for amusement and certain branches of racing, is now in force. All classes of entertainment practically arc now taxable, and permits must he obtained in hold" the gatherings. This applies to dames and socials, and country concerts etc. ’I-'e promoters of such gatherings, as well as the hall proprietors are held responsible for the payment of the tax, and those affected should see that there is not any breach of the law by holding an entertainment without a license.

The Hokitika races take place on Monday and Tuesday. This will be- the opening gathering of the Vest Coast racing carnival, .and the Club is offering tho highest average of racing stakes vet competed for. There is a good nr ray of horses for the meeting, and the second day fields will be even larger than the first, for some of the- horses missed the first day acceptances. The course and grounds are in splendid order for the meeting, and the arrangements arc such as fo ensure success, providing the weather is gracious. Givon two fine days and the Club will enjoy a record meeting. Close public holidays will ho observed on both days of the races.

The Rnilwnymen of Hokitika and district and friends met on Wednesdayevening to hid a formal farewell to Mr A. Sharkey, who after 35 years’ service on the New Zealand Railways, has retired on superannuation. Mr A. A. Roue was chairman, and in speaking oi the guest, referred to his many excellent qualities. Mr Robb (Grand Councillor, Greymouth) on behalf o! Rail-way-men and friends, asked Mr Sharkey to accept as a tangible token of the esteem in which .lie is held, a gilt- *'i the form of two Morris chairs. In making the presentation. -Mr Robb said that an outstanding feature ot the guest was his cheery nature and good-hearted-ness. Mr Sharkey replied, thanking his friends for their kind expressions and gift.

The Hokitika race meeting fixed for Monday and Tuesday next will he the chief holiday event hereabouts. The Club is offering very liberal stakes, and a large string of horses have been attracted to the Coast. The fields will he good on Monday, and they should he even better oil Tuesday when the Cup will lie the principal event of the day. Very suitable train arrangements artprovided liv the Railway Depai tmeiit. Train connections to and from Hokitika art providtd all over the Westland section for both days including as far north as Reefton, as far east as Otira, and as far south as Ross. Excursion fates will he charged over the railway. In view of the increased amusement tax the price of admission to all parts of the course will ho 6s. that sum covering the tax. Ladies and returned soldiers will as usual he admitted free. Owners and trainers may obtain their privilege tickets at the Post Office hotel on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9.30 to 11 o’clock. The first race each day lin ed to start at 12.15.

When von a’' ordering your ’Xmas cakes don’t forget to try Laughtons. Every cake guaranteed; nothing but tin* finest materials used, no egg or butter substitutes. Teed cakes Is 8d per 1t,., light and dark cakes Is od per lb., for cash. —Advt. Every woman’s vote is given in favour of'“NO-RUBBING” laundry help; also ours, a Is carton does 7 weeks’ washing perfectly.-sold everywhere Advt. anti .