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Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1922, Page 2

Thk quest ion of through railway freights by the Midland railway which cropped up at the meeting of the Hostlaud Chandler of Commerce this week is of considerable local importance. It would appear that the tariff is now under review, and there appears the desire of the authorities to divert as much freight as possible by way of the East and West Coast line. The- request to the Chamber was to seek the support of local oversea importers in having goods consigned from outside ports to Lyttelton, and the journey completed to Hokitika by rail, instead of by coastal traders. This traffic will bring the two means of transport into conflict and there may he some healthy competition over the matter. As freights are notoriously high by sea rouies, the easing up will not be resented by those who have complained hitherto in regard to the high charges. The Chamber in seeking information as to the rate of railway freights is asking also for an assurance that overseas goods transported to final destination by mil, will not he unduly delayed, and that in point of fact quick transport will he given for Home and overseas importations. The assurance asked for is a very proper one, as there is often considerable congestion at Lyttelton, and it would appear with an increased volume of goods traffic through the Lyttelton tunnel, that congestion is likely to increase rather than decrease. However, the Canterbury people are alert as to the possibilities for the trade and will be businessmen enough to see that, the Railways Department is kept up to the mark in regard to facilities for transport, so that the main issue will be the competitive rates of freight as between sea and railway traffic. Mn W. .T, Butler at the meeting just referred to, spoke also of the probable freight for timber, indicating that on the rate depended the volume of export. At present while timber for the East Const was carried by water, stocks were maintained in greater quantities than if the commodity could be secured at more regular intervals by rail. At the present moment the scope of the orders for supplies was restricted because importers of timber were holding back to ascertain the railway charges. It was therefore of great importance to have a pronouncement as soon as possible m regard to the matter. The Chamber decided to press for the information, as in view of the early opening of the line for through traffic the timber trade was being affected already, and if knowledge was gleaned of the probable charge, the information

would have its effect on the employment available, at the local mills in handling , the orders. When this subject was discussed in pre-war times at the time a draft railway tariff wa s gone into, the" opinion was expressed that the rail wavs could compete in the timber trade so far as seaborne competition was concerned right into South Canterbury and probably as far south Oamnru. The North Canterbury mar- j ket would be entirely at the disposal ! of railway traffic. To what extent war j times and war costs have affected the j ability of the railways to compete with sea traffic remains to he seen, but no doubt there will be some spirited com- j petition and some relief to the consu, mpr in the matter of reduced freights, 1

I Tenders are invited for building additions to St. Agnes Hostel, Hokitika, f closing at the Vicarage on August 12th. A practice of the Darktown Concert Party will be held to-night in the Supreme Hall at 7.30 o’clock. The junior representative team to piny Rivals are requested to meet at the' pavilion at 2.30 on Saturday after, noon. The funeral of the late Mrs Olson * takes place to-morrow afternoon. Debased left a husband, three daughters and two sons (Percy and Merle). Many expressions of sympathy have been received from all parts of the district.

A monster euchre and dance will he held in One Mile Hall. Arnhura this (Thursday) evening. Special prizes are arranged for. 'i he proi ei d.-. aie in aid of the Arahura football Club. A big attendance of all mem hers and supporters is exj ectod. Acl> t.

Following is tile bulletin of infectious diseases notified in the Canterbuiy\Yest Coast district during the week ended noon on Monday : —Grey—Diphtheria 1. North Canterbury- Scarlvt fever >'■ diphtheria 4, tuberculosfc 4. erysipelas 4, pneumonia 1, pneumonic influenza 2. South Canterbury-Scar-let fever 1, diphtherial. Total 24.

I Next Saturday week there is to be 1 ~ Community Concert and Sing Song at the Princess Theatre when Messrs Lawn and Aldridge will arrange a special benefit for the restoration of the swimming births. The enertainment will tie on distinctive lines and led by nn organised chorus and orchestra should result in a very enjoyable niusi- ; cal evening.

1 There will tie an occultation of the 1 planet Jupiter by the moon on August 1 26th, the two bodies I icing ‘in conjunc--1 tion with the earth at 2.16 p.m. The i phenomenon " ill he visible in Christ- * church as a. close graze, hut it "ill hi' 1 necessary to use a telescope to see it. This is the last of the long sequence ' of occvdations of Jupiter by the moon 1 which has occurred this year.

, Mr Clutlia Mackenzie M.P., on learning of the success attending the collection of funds in Westland district f or . the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial for the New Zealand blind writes: “I have just received your progress report and it is splendid to hear how magnificently you have done. The raising of such a sum must have involved a great deal of work, and I send sincere thanks to all who have helped and given most generous contributions from all parts of Westland. The appeal makes steady progress throughout New Zealand. There is now about £IO,OOO in hand. Good wishes to nil friends in Hokitika and district,”

The planet Mercury is too close to the sun during the early part of August to he seen, hut after its conjunction with that body on August 7th, the t"o will separate very rapidly, and befotc die close of the month it should be easily visible; it sets on August 24th at 6.39 p.m., a few degrees to the west of north and each day after its time of setting will lie a few minutes later. Venus sets on August ist at 8.29 p.m., and oi August 15th. at 8.58 p.m.; its mean magnitude during the month will bo —3.7. Mars sots on August Ist at 3.56 am., and on August 15th at 3.24 p.m., its magnitude will decline during the month from—l.2 to —9.6. Jupiter and Saturn set on August Ist. at 10 30 p.m.. and at 9.39 p.m. respectively ;.nd on August 15th at. 9.45 p.m. and 3.49 p.m. respectively.

Dr Teichelmnim return from » visit to Wellington yesterday. While in Wellington, Dr Teichelmann gave a most successful lecture in the Y.M.C.A. building where upwards of 400 people crowded to see the pictures of Beautiful Westland. The lecture and picture display was repeated at the Normal School, but as a large hall was not immediately available for a public repetition. Dr Teichelmann could not stay over. This week the pictures were shown at one of the Colleges where there are 800 students. The pictures will he shown again hv Y.M.C.A. organisation at a public gathering there being i demand for a further display. The lecture last week was under the patronage ot Lord Jellicoe, who wrote Dr Teichelmnim a most cordial letter of appreciation. The Doctor has just added 100 new slides to his Westland series.

There was quite a large attendance oh (lass Square yesterday afternoon to witness the hockey match between the Mu" hera Ladies Club of Groyinouth, and the local Ladies Club, the game ending in a win for Hokitika b.V ttvo goals to one. In the first half, Hokitika had somewhat’ the I letter of the play and about half way through Miss .Thursa Wallace scored a neat goal.

The play continued slightly in fnvor till Jialf tune the play being fast, the ground being in capital order. From the start of the second spell the visitors set up a strong attack, and soon were rewarded Miss Furness scoring a good goal. The attack was continued, a score being only averted by good defensive play. With about a quarter of an hour to go, the visitors tired, and Hokitika led the play to the other end, where they bad several shots at goal without success. Almost on time a couple of fine rallies saw the play inside the circle and then Miss Thorn shot a neat goal. Time was called soon afterwards without any further addition to tile score. Messrs Nissen and Paterson controlled the game. After the game the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea and in the evening they were guests at the Hockey Club’s dance in the Supreme Hall.

book out for the great Clearing 1 Sale of Millinery. Knitted jerseys and winter coats now on at Srliroeder and Co.—Advt.