The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, OCT 13th, 1923. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, OCT 13th, 1923. THE WEEK.

The interest taken in tho fortunes of tho West Coast-, by our Canterbury friends, is now centring a good deal, very naturally, upon the possible trading conditions. The good people ol Christchurch, not omitting the very active press of that- city, have been displaying a very practical, interest in our welfare, and the facilities to further trading relations. The Canterbury Chain her of Commerce, which was the first organisation in Christchurch to take up at all actively the agitation for "the completion” of th P Midland railway, is now concerned very propel ly about, trading facilities between the two Coasts. Fast bound trade is fairly well served by the iailway tariff with th 0 result that our staple commodities, such as timber, coal, ami produce, can he sent quickly and regularly to market ;tt rates which have little to cavil at. Above all, there are the great facilities avoiding delay, which in the matter of farm produce, is of prime importance. The advantage of quick despatch of timber by mil also presents many lienefits to tbe trade which those engaged in, appreciate very greatly. For west, bound trade, the Canterbury folk have occasion to grumble in regard to particular classes.

So it was that the Canterbury Chamber rot up a eonnnittee to investigate trade conditions, and a very full report with striking tables of comparison in charges, was presented. In remarking on the situation the ‘Tress'* commented that the obvious advantages of the railway are speed of transit, ease of communication, regularity of service. and reduced handling, and to some people these are the prime considerations in respect of some classes of goods. But a considerable volume of the commerce between Westland and other parts of New Zealand will ho unaffected by any consideration, except the total cost of carriage from the' source of supply to the destination of the goods. If there is any appreciable difference in these oases, lx;tween the cost of sea-carriage, and the cost of carriage by railway, the cheaper carrier will get the business. When sea-car-riage is the cheaper of the two, Canterbury merchants will use ships, and Wellington will get much more of Westland's custom than anyone would have expected. Unfortunately, says the newspaper, the advantage is, on the whole, with the ship, owing to the high, railway rates, examples are given of actual costs, and in one instance the cost of forwarding the goods hy rail from Christchurch to Greymouth is over twice ns great as the east of sending them to Lyttelton to go round by sea.

Hut it must lie mentioned that this statement rather overstates the position, for there are many kinds of goods of which the Coast is a rapacious consumer, that Canterbury has th c advantage over other provinces. Farm produce for instance is one, and fruit is another. These commodities are largely consumed on the Coast, and it is to the benefit of both Canterbury and the Coast, that the railway freights are tinadvantage they are, for the western trade is deriving a pecuniary advantage in the reduced rest. The Coast will be desirous of getting the cheapest freights it can, and with Canterbury and Wellington in trade rivalry, casts must come down. But in the reduction it will be necessary to see that there is not any levelling up; that t-ho goods now carried cheaply are not charged a higher rate to balance any decline on special commodities which tlie agitation might seek to reduce. The Coast is deeply interested in the trading rivalries of the two communities desiring to cater for its trade, hut caro will have to be taken that the position is not overdone, to the disturbance of trading relations already verv satisfactory.

At the same time, the Committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, expresses the opinion that the railway schedule as at present framed does not give the railway a fair chance of securing its proper share of Kast-to-Wcft traffic, and it supports the suggestion, which has been urged in the newspaper columns and elsewhere, that a cheap ‘•back-loading” rate for this traffic, should be fixed by the Railway Department, The Department will he obliged to haul back the waggons which come

from Westland, find it v.-j]J obviously be better business to haul them back

loaded at a cheap rate than to haul them back empty. They must go back and the extra cost of hauling them loaded will be far more than repaid by the revenue, even if a very generous reduction on normal rates is made, if the Department maintains the normal rates (not to mention the present bro-ken-section rates) it will lose a large amount of business. The matter is of groat importance, not only to Canterbury, but to the financial soundness of the railway, and this, concludes the newspaper comment, should be impresssed upon the Department as strongly as possible. From this it will be seen that our Canterbury friends continue very alive, and alert to trading possibilities, and it would appear that in liny case the Coast stands to benefit very greatly by the material interest manifested on the oilier side of the ranges by our warm and cordial friends there.

This district continues to be deeply concerned in the matter of reasonable through connection between Christchurch and Hokitika being provided. It is still held to be necessary by the Railway Department, for through passengers to he put to the inconvenience of changing trains at Greymouth. A promise has been made than when the alterations at Hokitika station provide more accommodation for standing trains the service will be improved. This is hopeful in a measure, but the work at Hokitika station is proceeding far too leisurely to hope for immediate relief. The week ends appear to be regular holiday occasions, very little work being done. As time is essential in, the matter, it would be better to put a few workmen to a little inconvenience, rather than that the whole community should ho made to suffer by the protracted delay. The matter was mentioned at tbo Borough Council meeting last evening, and we hope as a result that there will Ik> an all-round speeding up. There is certainly occasion for it. The traffic oast and west appeal's to be substantial, and it is for the Railway Department to cater for travellers with some consideration for those who are providing the revenue for the service. The people have been very patient over a trying time, but there is a. limit to patience if good nature in th 0 matter is going to be abused.

Knteiu’Rlsk is worth cultivating, always. “Romo was liot built in a day.” In other words, achievements of great pith and moment are not accomplished without patience and pci severance, and after the lapse of a considerable interval of time. It is not surprising, therefore, says the “Otago Daily Times”, that the machinery of ml enterprise so far-reaching in its effect and of such proportions as the Kawarau Mining Company’s proposals to dam the outlet of Lake Wakitipu should move slowly. Never from the outset has there been any attempt on the part of the company to ride rough-shod over the interests of any public organisation or of any private individual likely to be affected by its operations. Ihe many conflicting interests to be studied have made the problem a very complex one for the promoters, and it must be conceded that they have endeavoured and not without success, to bring about, a solution of several difficulties in a manner that would meet with the approval of all parties and give them the co-operation they arc seeking. “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.” The undertaking, admittedly, is an ambitious one. but it is none the less quite a practicable one. and it will only be rendered impossible of accomplishment if the people of Otago fail to have vision or confidence in the poxsibilflies of the province. There is an historic phrase, “Rose's best wealth is patriotism”, and this may well be applied to Otago. It, is unthinkable that the descendants of those Pilgrim Fathers who took their courage in both hands and embarked for this new land of the Southern Pacific, there to lay the foundations of the province, should fail to appreciate the potentialities of such a scheme. We are living in wonderful times, in which the giants of research have made discoveries in the realms of science and invention which lead us to regard as impossible nothing that the human brain can conceive, no matter how startling or extravagant it may appear.

A ruuTiruß word on tlio subject of enterprise— but in another direction.—An address on ‘‘The Function of the Advertising Agent,” was given by Mr C. E. Clinknrd, at a meeting of the Auckland Advertising Club recently. As far as New Zealand was concerned, be said, the practical advertising man bad a very serious barrier of prejudice to overcome. The average business man turned “stone deaf” at tlie first mention of advertising, and tightened bis grip on the notes in bis pocket. This attitude toward advertising men bad been brought about in two wavs. Largely it was duo to the poor class of service which bad lieen rendered by some advertising men, and, secondly, many business men in New Zealand had grown so rapidly with their business that they bad had no op]>ortunitv to receive proper training, and saw their business only from one angle. This condition was, however, a passing phase. Legitimate advertising men were to-day doing such good service for advertisers that their servites were being eagerly sought- alter. They were being commissioned to sell not only eatables, drinkables, and wearables, .but land and shares and everything but the dear blue sky. That they had already helped to develop the trade of New Zealand there could be no doubt, but when the exports ol tins wonderfully productive Dominion were marketed by means of efficient advertising, and when the attractions of this beautiful land were also proclaimed more widely to the world, then the advertising man in Now Zealand would come into his own, and lie classed amm>2 the commercial community as the valuable creator of trade that be

Apropos of the subject just referred to it- might be pointed out, that the large Exhibition the people of this district are promoting is designed chiefly for advertising purposes. All Exhibitions have that- objective behind them, and though the local scheme originates in Westland, it will have a "West Coast application and be a West Coast benefit. The Exhibition must have done much already in centring outside attention on the district. Promoted at a. time following the opening of through railway connection, it has drawn public attention to the possibilities of the Coast for , outside traders. The Canterbury business people have not been slow to advertise their wares at the Exhibition as a direct means to reach prospective customers. So the district should itself make a very special effort to advertise its resources. The "Westland Court- should lie crammed with exhibits which will advertise the potentialities of the district. There should be special organisation to that end so that in the aftermath there will bo the opportunity to reap important development results. The Exhibition itself is being run on commercial lines. It is intended to pay its way. The revenue to be derived is expected to more than balance the cost ol the whole undertaking. Present appearances point to the possibility'' of this hnpp.v result being achieved.

Order your ’Xmas Suit from W. H Stopforth. Prices 7Cs to loos. —Advt.

The entries for the fat stock sale at Arahura ou Monday, appear in this issue.

Consumers of gas ar e reminded thataccounts for September must be paid before -1 p.m. on Monday.

Messrs W. Jeffries announce the list of entries for Mondays ami Tuesdays stock sales at- Arahura.

The meeting of tlie Horticultural section of the Exhibition convened I’w Monday night has been adjourned till the following night at S o'clock at the County Chambers.

Turner's Station Market have landed 1 ton of Stunner apples, Ds (id, the best, landed this season. Every apple guaranteed good. Cooking apples Tib Is. Onions 3x qu., caulis (id, cabbages (id. Phone 156.

The Commissioner of Taxes draws the attention of taxpayers to th 0 notification appearing in to-day’s issue that the due date of payment of Land-tax for the current year is on Friday, the 9th day of November, 1923, and that the demands will be posted on or about the Ist. day of November.

It is understood that during the week, applications for space from Groyinouth ensure that district being well represented in the Greymoutli Avenue of the Exhibition. Bnuincrton is taking space also for a special exhibit which Mr Sydney Fry has undertaken to a tango.

Judging by some of the evidence given in a charge of assault heard at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday Billingsgate lias something to learn from some of the sojourners in this upset little community. The bouquets that were flying round when the mixup on the Arahura river hank was ’.n full swing had apparently a very strong perfume.

The excellent weather has enaolod good progress to he made with the renewal of the trotting day track, which is now almost finished at the Hokitika racecourse. The alterations to the outside booth to provide an extension of the bar accommodation is well advanced also. All the improvements about the racecourse should he finished this month.

The whitebait season is in. stated Hergt. King, at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday in opening the case in a charge ol assault. I hese troubles arc ahvavs recurring among the whitebait catchers every year. Later a reference made by the same speaker suggested there was a possibility of trouble among whitebait catchers in a southern river, but in the latlor case they are all whites that are likely to he involved.

80in. white-bait netting. 2s 3d per yard; Refill. grey sheeting. 3s lid oer yard at AY. 11. Stopfer!h’s.—Advt.

A native witness in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon enlivened Hie drowsy proceedings with effective, if somewhat forcible rhetoric, in which she owned up to some home truths, but at the same time decidedly scored from the point of view of re-, liability. Her address, because if could hardly lie called evidence, had su-h an effect that after hearing her, the Magistrate decided he had heard sufficient to satisfy him, and dismissed tlm eases, in which the voluble witness was one of the defendants.

(In tic 17th October, lightly tripping feet will find each moment sweet when dancing to the strains ot music played by the Royal Orchestra at the Hibernians’ attractive annual Ball. It is anticipated that the complete

suc-i-s that has attended this fixture in previous years will also be ail outstanding feature of this year’s function. From the committee interested the most brPV'aiit accounts have been received of the progress of the arrangements for this unique occasion. Come one and all and partake of this evening’s enjoyment.

The old established business of Arch Little is still earned on under the old name. A first class boot repairer ;s in the repair department. Repairs done neatly and promptly. The best of materials used.—Advt. The District Racing Committee sat at Greymouth yesterday afternoon, when programmes from the Westland, Reefton and Nelson Clubs submitted were approved and duly passed. It was determined to issue the usual booklet covering the racing and trotting carnival over the Christmas and New Year holidays, 'flic opening meeting will he at Hokitika on December 26th and 27tli. This will be ft special Exhibition meeting, and the Westland Club was congratulated on its excellent programme. Approval was expressed that the Reefton Club will put. two hurdle events on their January programme instead of two trotting events. Several applications for licenses were approved. One application referred to the Committee was not recommended.

Compare our values, cotton goods—- " White Twill Sheetings, olin 2s lid, SO in 3s (id yd, unbleached heavy twill sheetings, Alin 2s 6d yd, 72in 2s lid, pure white calicos, 36in Is yd. All great values. W. McKay and Son, I lokitika.—Advt.

One of the most beautiful of New Zealand native birds is the tui. He is one of the honey-eaters, and his tongue is a wonderful structure. Th<> edges ot the right and left sides of the tongue are of extreme thinness, and rolled up in different ways to form more or less complicated tubes. Some authorities contend that- these tubes are for the purpose of sipping honey, insects, and the hush berries. This graceful species, like nearly all other native birds, is strictly protected by law. Many people confuse the notes of the tui with those of the bell-bird. Although both have their characteristic notes, it takes an expert to distinguish some of their notes. Fire: The best insurance is prevention. Buy mi “Underwriter’s” Fire Extinguisher. Always ready for action, it quickly suppresses most dangerous outbreak. Write for booklet. R. ]>. M. Manning and Co., 5 Bedford Row, Christchurch. —Advt.

The members of tho Donovan famliy insert a notice of thanks in this issue.

Messrs Houston and Co. announce entries for their store stock sale at Wataroa on Thursday, Oct. 25th.

Afcssrs Houston and Co. announce a store stock sale at Arahura oil Tuesday next, Oct. Kith. The list of entries appear in this issue.

Messrs Rooster and Mauship of Tleropo, announce that their purebred Clydesdale stallion Baron Duart will stand tho season at Hcrepo.

The modern methods of doing repairs, at the old established business of Arch 'Little, enables the repairs to be done on tho same day as they arc left. Brices are right too.—Advt.

AA'hile you arc in Mrs J. Lloyd’s ehosing your summer frocks and millinery ask to see the new ‘‘Dazzleo.se” “Brylev”, “X-Ray”, ami “Pointed” hose that have just arrived from Home. —Advt.

Soldiers’ Hall, Saturday night! Sports’ dance. Music directed by Mr Boiietti. Admission Is lor benefit of R.S.A. Building Fund.—Advt.

The funeral of tlie late Airs Catherine Donovan, which took place yesterday morning to Greymouth cemetery, was numerously attended. It was preceded at 9 a.m. by Requiem -Mass, and the .service at the graveside was conducted by tlie Rev. Father AlcAfonaglo. The deceased was the mother of Alcssrs James and John Donovan, both wellknown residents of Okarito district.

Superstition dies hard. This little truism was exemplified in AV.illis street on a recent afternoon. A ladder was placed against a wall by some workmen engaged in painting a business premises. Two women with 'market baskets on their arms were making their way along the street, one sharply culled', “Come hack!” in no unce--taiu ternts to her companion. The bewildered shopper hesitated, glanced heavenwards, and to her horror observed .the ladder. Rather than walk beneath it, as hundreds had probably done during the afternoon, she hurriedly rejoined her friend, and the paii walked round the obstacle ill tlie good old-fasliional way.—N./C Times.

Special big purchase. 300 British Government ground sheet capes. The combined cape and ground sheet. The cape of a thousand uses fairly describes this high grade heavily rubber-proofed cape, guaranteed to he absolutely water-proof. For drivers, cyclists, anglc-rs, dairymen, boy scouts. In fact every person should possess one. These capes cost -10 s each to produce. ()ur price 7s Cd each, or three for 21s post free. AlcGruer’s, Hokitika and Greymouth.—Advt.

Tinned eggs are as good as fresh if preserved with SHAHLAND’S “AIOA” BRAND EGG PRESERVATIVE. One bottle will do twenty dozen. This is to notify to you that wo are now marking off at a very reasonable price the latest in Parisian model.., and respectfully ask you to view them at once as they are sure to be eagerly sought for at F. Schroder and Co s, where the best hats always arc:— Advt.