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Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1927, Page 2

The "Westland Acclimatisation Society is still hammering at. the Government urging the necessity of doing more to acclimatise the better class of opossums in the remoter places of Westland The industry in opossum skins it is apparent is a very valuable one, and it has been demonstrated that the opossums thrive well in the bnek country. where they have been driven by the persistence of the tranpers. There are many remote places where they could he segregated in kinds, and left to multiply in due course. The black furred Tasmanian opossum is consider- | ed one of the most valuable skjn3; so

aha ase the silver grey .skins, and there is room and to spare for these to be rotabli-Jied independently in the southern district and allowed to thrive. 'The altitude of the Government is one of direct negative without any qualifying icas n for the attitude. The matter at present it appears is governed by a Cabinet decision. As far as can be gathered, that decision was reached at a time when opossums were giving orchard i.sts some trouble. But simo those days the opossums have been put to flight generally, and they are rarely found a. serious nuisance about- orchards. Orchard i.sts have special privileges in regard ti the trapping of opossums, and these privileges are usually made ihe most of. This season a very large take of opossums lias resulted. The season closes in about ten days, and several thousand skins will have been taken. At the outset there was some doubt, about opening the season, but the annual increase appeals to he so prolific that all doubts were soon set at rest, once the troopers reached the haunts of tho opossum. As a. means of employment', trapping is proving a very useful source, even with the p over valued skims obtainable in the main. Ibices range from a .small price of a lew .shillings to something approximating a pound sterling. The recovery of a few skins daily if of the better class would supply a. handsome

income, and if opossums are to remain (and it appears very difiicidt to exterminate them) then efforts should be made To .secure the best classes of skins. The monetary value of the industry will play some part in local progress and is another reason why tho trade should lie fostered, seeing that so much of the back country is so favourable for the habits of Hie profitable opossum trade.

Turners notify they have a, choice, supply of seed potatoes am! cabbage plants. In August the goods traffic through the Otint Tunnel from the AA r <: t Coast totalled -18,171 tons, which is the hii'hcst total for any mouth .since it was opened in .August, 1923. The aggregate for .July was 14.20') toils, and for August. lt’23, d’blOfi. The Hokitika Jazz Club concludes its \Yiliter Sen-on of dances on Wednesday next, Sept.. 7tb. which will be tho c<casion of a Img night ball. A limited number of lion-members’ tickets are now available on application to the Secretary of tho Club.—Advt. The score of 20 which Dempster made against Kent on Wednesday brings his total of runs for the tour to 2013. The, feat of scoring over 2000 rims during a tour of England has been performed by Australian eric holers 011 only eight occasions. Dempster has made his runs in 43 innings. He has been not out seven iimes, his highest score is 18!) and his average is .15.01.

A five years’ lease of Tattersall’s Hotel .Christchurch, has been sold by Mr Arthur Bose, to Mr W. A. Stapleton, formerly of Hokitika, who conducted Stevenson’s Hotel for fifteen years in Boeflon, and has recently been in Tenmka. During the time he was in Boefton he was prominently connected with the Beofton Jqpkey Club. He will take possession of the hotel on September 1011 1 .

“Jigger” the writer of golf notes in the ( liristehuch “Press” comments: “Alex Chesiiev the veteran of Hie West Coast, is again Westland champion, having beaten AY. P. McCarthy in the final of the AYest Coast Chamxiioiiship last week. Many have come and gone since Cliesnev has been one of the top dogs of the AA'est Coast, and it is pleasant to hear of his recent victory.”

For the road race from Timaru to Christchurch, to be held on September lOtli. 110 entries have been reeeivid by the secretary of the North Canterbury Centre of tbe New Zealand Cycling and Athletic Union, Mr P. C. Lucas. The total is lower than that of last year, when there were 131 entries, but there will lie representatives from Auckland to Invercargill, and the contest will be the most representative yet held.

As a result of a discussion in Committee, the Borough Council is having the “silent policemen” at street intersections removed owing to the liability on the Council in the event of accidents happening'through collision. Another method will lie adopted of marking the route to be taken by a painted line on the roadway, thus avoiding any contingent liability for accidents through collision with any street, obstruction not plainly visible to those directing approaching traffic.

The Dominion trainer A. D. Webster, who has liis horses at Canterbury, was not long in winning a race here. On Aug. 23rd. (says a Sydney writer) he had the appropriately named Asleep by Sarto—Lady Xanpor, engaged in tbe Jumpers’ Flat Race at Menangle Park, and the gelding was always at the bead of the quotations. He won as he liked, for, although the official margin at the finish was half a length. Ryder had a good hold of Asleep all the way up the straight.

Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure For Coughs and Colds, never fails. \Mien children are restless, give them \\ ade’s Worm Figs. Safe, sure, and pleasant. All chemists and stores.--Advt Stop that, tickling cough! “ Nazol acts quickly, and never fails to give relief. The surest protection for all kinds of coughs and colds. 60 doses Is Od.—Advt. Our first delivery of new season’s hats are now arriving, new styles and all the latest colours in crinolines, siVks, satins, bubble straws, also smart selection of models and rendy-to-wears. —Schroder and Co.—Advt. The most certain remedy for worm is Wade’s Worm Figs. No had after effects. All chemists and stores.—Advt’

A notice of thanks appears in this issue. The services at All Saints Church on Sunday will he taken hy the Vicar. Rev. J. Perkins. The entries for the fat stock sales at Arnhura on Monday next appear in this issue. A meeting of ladies willing to assist with the Military Rail on 21st inst., in aid of (Tic R.S.A. hull fund, will be held at the .Soldiers’ Hall at 7 o’clock next Monday evening.—Advt. Several of the Directors of the Koiterangi Co-operative Dime Company attended a meshing of the Committee of ihe Westland A. and P. Association yesterday. Tlie question of disposal of timber on the Limestone Reserve was fully discussed and it was resolved to advertise for tenders for purchase of same.

There was a capital attendance at the Returned Soldiers’ euchre tournament last evening when being (be first Friday in the month eight valuable prizes were offered for competition. The prize winners were Mrs Rennett. Mr McDongall. Mrs Burrowes. Mrs' Boyce, Mrs Reid, Messrs McTnlyre. Greaney and Hamilton. Supper was served, before the assemblage dispersed. Woods' Great Peppermint dire First aid for roughs, colds, mfluenza Xew crepe tie chines just opened up New colour shades. Price* 7s Gd, 8s lid. anti 11s Gd a yard.— McKay’s, Hokitika. —Advt. Window Curtains.—Ti it’s window curtains you require call and see McKay’s tl i spl a y .-—Advt. Quick dispatch to stubborn colds certain with “ Xazoi.” _ Take a few drops on lump sugar, or inhale. Powerful. penetrating, and acts like a charm. GO doses Is fid.— Advt. Tim first of the spring hats have come to hand and are now on view at McKay’s-.—Advt. Whitebait netting made to sample of netting supplied by professional Hokitika wbitebaiter is now on sale at McKay’s at 3s 3d a yard. The netting is extra strong and the mesh is considered just the right size.—Advt.