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Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1928, Page 4

The amount' of 'freight passing through the Otira tunnel last week was 10,321 tons, an increase of 1990 tons compared with the amount handled for the previous year’s corresponding period. An important general meeting of the Westland A and P. Association will br* held at the County Chambers, Hokitika, on Saturday next at 11 a.m. prompt. A full attendance of all interested is invited, the business being important as affecting the Association. The Zingara left Wellington at sixo’clock yesterday morning for Hokitika, but owing to a heavy gale bloiwhad to put back to Wellington at 10 o’clock. She will probably leave this evening. The County authorities' are having a fair share of trouble of late with roads seriously damaged by heavy traffic. On Saturday an inspection was made of some ol the roads, and matters in connection with repairs will be discussed at the County meeting tomorrow. Despite the recent heavy rains the roads of the district in general appear to he standing up well to the traffic. The main highway south is reported to be in excellent order, with a good surface all through. The Kokatahi and Lake Kanieri roads are also reported to be in improved condition and giving every satisfaction to travellers. The weather for the week-end was again very wet and stormy. On Saturday evening there was heavy rain, accompanied by a northerly gale of great force. After midnight there was a vivid electrical storm that was general throughout the district, followed in places by a hail storm of exceptional severity. The weather continued rough throughout the night and yesterday there were occasional heavy bursts of rain, Last night, after an appearance of clearing, the weather again got worse and a northerly gale of extreme force was blowing in the early hours, with heavy rain. The weather continues very stormy.

The work of erecting the bridges on the Main South Road is proceeding steadily. One of the most troublesome crossings on the road to Waiho Gorge —Slatey Creek— is now in hand, and the structure is to be ready for traffic before Christmas. The concrete bridge at Horseshoe bend, on the Ross road, will be opened for traffic very shortly now. McCullough Creek is likely to be the next bridge placed in hand for construction. The sites for other bridges have been surveyed, and the plans for construction are now being prepared.

“I think that it should be made known to those interested in the destruction of the blackberry pest that the result of the offer of £IO,OOO bonus for an effective method of achieving that object cannot but be regarded as disappointing,’’ stated tlie Minister of Agriculture yesterday in the House. “Arsenic and soda preparations and similar mixtures provide the most effective means .so far known, if carried out methodically. I have lately reviewed the whole question and considered various specifics which have been submitted, and as a result, I have decided that it is only fair to those who entertain hopes of winning the bonus that they should be informed of the position. I have reluctantly been forced to the view that there is little prospective of the object of the offer being realised in the near future.”

Expenditure on education in New Zealand is not excessive, according to Mr M’Gregor Wright, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Christchurch Technical College. He stated last evening that the sum spent in Scotland on public education in 1927 was slightly over £12,000,000, of which about 42 per cent, was raised by local rating, and most of the balance was provided by the Government. This represented a fairly good allowance for a country with a population of rather less than five million people. The expenditure in New Zealand in 1926. was £3,702,623 for a population of 1,379,487. This worked out at slightly more per head than in Scotland. The New Zealand figures included expenditure on industrial homes, the probation system, and several other considerable items, which might or might not have been included in the total for Scotland.

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 All Blacks sailed for New Zealand on Friday evening from Sydney, aboard the steamer Maheno. Summer Time Bill, No. 2, having passed both Houses, becomes effective on Sunday morning next, when the clocks will be put forward half an hour. Postponed.—Owing to unforeseen circumstances the anniversary bail arranged to be held in Albert Hall, Ruatapu, on Wednesday, October 10th, has been postponed until further notice.— Advt. & Just landed, 100 cases of Tasina and Stunner apples. Our instructions are to sell at the lowest current price. This will bo the last consignment this season.—Paterson Michel and Co. Ltd.— Advt. We have been shown a set of the new copper coinage, half-penny and farthing, issued and dated this year. The king’s head on the new coins is smaller than the one we are used to and gives the coin a more distinct appearance. The Brittannia on the obverse side is the same.

The Blackwater Mines last month crushed 3732 tons, yielding 1419 fine oz of gold, valued at £6023. Hie working expenses were £4964. 'I lie roaster treated 93 tons for a return of 140 fine 07. of gold, valued at £595; working expenses being £IBB. The capital expenditure was £IOO and development expenditure £595, the profit over all being £771.

It is reported from Kokatahi that during the heavy storm on Saturday night the rain water that fell was of quite a dirty red colour, making a sediment where it rested next morning in open dishes or receptacles. The question arises whether there is any connection with the happening in Australia., a cable in to-day’s issue stating that heavy dust storms forming clouds have passed out to sea.

The death took place last night at Rimu at the residence of his daughtr, Mrs D. Ryan, of the All Nations’ Hotel, of Mr Phillip Boyd, an old and highly esteemed resident of the district over a long period of years, during which he had followed the occupation of a miner. The deceased was a native of Woolongong, Australia, and 85 years of age. His wife died some 44 years ago. He leaves a family of three daughters (Mrs D. Ryan, of Rimu; Mrs R. Whilev, of Kokatahi Road; Mrs Free, of Christchurch) and two sons (John and William, both of Rimu), and also a number of grandchildren and great grand-children. Many friends will regret the passing of another of the fast diminishing band of worthy pioneers of the district.