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Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1928, Page 4

30in. “Fujisyl” in new shades at Is 3d yard at McKay’s.— Advt. Mr H. Jones who has been on holiday to Auckland for the past three months, returned home on Saturday night. The motor ship Zingara, arrived from Wellington on Sunday morning just before 11 o’clock with a -small quantity of inward cargo. Unloading was commenced this morning and a cargo of sawn timber is now being put aboard. Rangiora on Friday last was a town gay-festooned and lively, when it entered on the first day of celebrations, designed to commemorate its fiftieth birthday as a borough. The main ceremony was a jubilee luncheon to the pioneei’s, significant as a most enthusiastic gathering. The Lyttelton “Times” reportsA sensational rise took place last week in the price of potatoes as far as the wholesale shipping market is concerned. The price shot up by at least £'■ a ton. So far, the rise has not been reflected on the local wholesale market, hut there may he a decided change before long.

The serious loss to the Dominion through fires is mentioned by the ‘lnspector of Fire Brigades, Mr T. Hugo, in his annual report to Parliament. The fire loss throughout New Zealand for the twelve months ended December 31st, 1927, is estimated at £1,331,598, says the report. This, with the population of the Dominion for tfm same period, estimated lit 1,448,010, gives an average loss of 18s per head of poulation.

Many amusing stories of legal flavour were told, and much useful practical information was given by Mr Justice Frazer in the course of an informal talk to members of the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association. Justices did not require to be lawyers, he said. The main thing was to use common sense. A safe rule was not to go too much on appearances. “Many a red nose was caused by indigestion,” his Honor remarked.

The late boisterous iveather has delayed work on the racecourse rathe? seriously, hut with improved conditions work will progress rapidly. The outside stand which is to be moved, has been “picked up” with the aid of screw jacks, and placed on ways. A strong winch has been placed in position, and was tried out on Saturday afternoon, when the large structure was moved twelve feet towards its new site. With good weather this week the removal should be completed. The stand will be some twenty feet further back than previously affording more lawn space, and permitting an enlarged bird-cage. The Club is making all necessary arrangements to replace the plant required and it is hoped to procure one of the latest Say well starting barriers. New Fadeless Curtain Nets —Is Bd, Is lid, 3s lid yard at McKay’s.—Advt. Nazol will protect you from coughs, colds, and influenza. Get a bottle today ! Is Od for 60 doses.—Advt. New Linoleum Designs, reduced prices—6s 6d 8s 6d, 8s lid per yard; 12ft. wide, 19s 6d and 21s yard at McKay’s.—Advt.

The Wallace family, of Lower Kokatohi insert a notice of thanks in this issue. The Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., accompanied by Mrs Michel, returnel to Hokitika on Saturday nijght.

Mr Arthur Paape, of the Grand Hotel, Dunedin, arrived in Hokitika ou Saturday night, accompanied by some touring friends who left for the Franz Josef glacier yesterday. At St. Andrew’s Sale of Work on Wednesday there will he lot) varieties of narcissi and other spring flowers donated by Mr Spiers, of Kumara. The sale opens promptly at 2 o’clock. The military hall on Wednesday night will be the last big hall of the season, and with the preparations in hand, is sure to be largely patronised. Messrs Ross’ orchestra is engaged for the evening, which assures an excellent dance programme. • " -/ I Owing to the, recent wet weather having retarded the preparation of the green the opening of the Hokitika Bowling Club’s season will not take place this week as provisionally arranged. The actual date of the opening will be announced later. A Nelson press wire states: G. A. Harkness, formerly Chief Inspector of Schools at Nelson, died at the hospital yesterday morning as the result of injuries received through a collision with a service car while cycling in Waimea Street on Saturday. A Hamilton Press Association telegram states that Mr F. W. Schramm, the well-known Auckland solicitor, has been selected, to contest the Hamilton seat in the interest of the Labour Party against the Hon. J. A. Young, and Mr S. C. G. Lye (Liberal-Labour). Mr Schramm is an old West Coast boy, a native of Hokitika.

During the last few days of last week whitebait began to come up the river in some quantity, and the scene on the river bank was a busy one catchers being engaged on both sides of the river from the mouth, though none of the catches were large. A quantity was also being caught in the other adjacent rivers and a number of tins full were brought in from Arahura. ’ : -

Mr R. Adamson, of Riccarton, formerly of Wataroa, continues to take a close interest in the welfare of the Westland Racing Club, of which he is a member! As further evidence of his interest he has just donated >a silver cup to the Club (for competition at the Chib’s meeting on the Hokitika racecourse at Christmas. The cup is a very handsome one and will endow the Westland Mile Handicap, the principal event of the meeting with a very valuable trophy indeed. The cup will be placed on view next month. Favoured by fine weather a large gathering of miners from Blackball and tne State mines assembled at the Greymouth Railway Station on Saturday, and after marching in procession through the main thoroughfares of the town, proceeded to the Band Rotunda in Boundary Street, where speeches were delivered by representatives of the - Miners’ and Timhei Workers’ Unions, protesting against the rates of pay on relief works, and demanding adequate relief for the unemployed. Mr J. W. Morris (secretary of the Westland Progress League) has received the following pleasing intimation from the Chief Postmaster of the District: —“In refernce to your letter of the 24th inst., concerning the inaug_ uratioft of a mail service twice weekly from Hokitika to Weheka, I beg to inform you that a mail contract covering a twice weekly service from Hokitika to Weheka during the summer months, and once weekly during the winter months, will operate Horn the Ist January, 1929.” This improved mail service to those “further south” should give greater satisfaction. There will be also a greater gain in time for the through mail to Okuru, which will be an added benefit to the settlers en route.

The death took place on Saturday morning at his residence, Seddon Street, Kumara, of Mr James Hamer at the age of 85 Deceased was' one of the early pioneers of New Zealand. Born in 1844 in Holstein (then Danish territory) he came to the colonies almost 70 years ago, reaching Melbourne in 1860. He followed the gold rushes to Bendigo, where he engaged in various occupations, and after seven years decided to try his fortune in New Zealand. After an adventurous voyage from Melbourne, he arrived at Hokitika in 1867, and then took the golden trail northward to Charleston and Reefton. Then the rush at Kumara found him one of the early arrivals in 1876. He engaged in mining pursuits at Dillmanstown and later near Kumara, and had resided in Seddon Street, Kumara, since 1882. Always kind and generous, his most intimate friends wi.l most regret his passing. He leaves a widow and one son, Mr Henry Hamer, the well-known Kumara draper, and two grand-daughters. He has been q. member of the Loyal Albert Lodge of Oddfellows (for fifty rears.

Ladies’ “Radio Nusilk” Hose in nine leading shades, a good quality and long wearing stocking. Wonderful value at 3s lid pair at McKay’s.—Advt. Overstock of Table Damask Cloth means greatly reduced prices to clear. See our usual 2s lid Damask now offering a is 6d yard.— McKay’s.— Advt.