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Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1929, Page 4

Thr municipal elections yesterday were responsible for infusing a great deal of nublic interest in borough affairs. Despite damp conditions there was a very large poll, one of the largest recorder here of late years. The combined interest aroused in the mayoralty and half holiday issue was responsible sor the increased public attention to the civic issues. It was some 513 years since the last mayoral poll, and on this occasion tbe sitting mayor was assailed by two focmcn worthy of bis steel. I he two new aspirants,- both oi whom ' mtered the lists somewhat unexpectedly y.-ere strong advocates of a more active municipal policy. The result oil H e polling indicates that their desires n that respect met with a predominating measure of support so far as the iggregnte votes are concerned. The desire for a change often manifests II self, and so it was not surprising, -i'.so, to see a substantial vote for a •luinge in tbe weekly half-holiday. So r.ji* as tlie mayoralty was concerned, •ir Perry won a good fight. His majority would have been larger had be '•een prepared to launch out and take the platform. -Air Perry, however, has qualities in other directions which retain him much general support, and the result showed that those qualities were sufficient in themselves to assure his v'ctorv. His opponents put up a splendid fight against a strong man for the position at issue. The two gentlemen have the satisfaction of having polled well against a formidable opponent, and of infusing into municpial affairs a new interest which cannot but fail to he of interest to the town during Hie coming term. It is not too much To anticipate that in some future occasion the townspeople will be glad to avail themselves of services which with the limitation as to choice, was not possible at this juncture. Tbe business people would feel relieved that tbe half holiday issue will be at rest for some time at least. Here again, the young people were anxious for a change, and gave little thought to the more serious aspect of the issue, the general effec' on the business of the town. However, all’s well that end’s well, emphasised in this instance by the fact, also, that 'Teymouth retained Wednesday. The Council and Harbour Board electors were also favoured with heavy polling the result for the leading candidates, being very even. The sitting members , were evenly supported, the team work generally being well recognised. On tbe Harbour Board there is an infus on of new blood, and it may be possible from developments believed in sight, that shipping will take on a decided improvement. If so, there will be work for the new Board to do.

Air J. A. Cuttance inserts a notice of thanks to the electors in this issue.

Air H. AT. Coulson inserts a notice of thanks to all those who supported him at yesterday’s poll.

Air Jeffries inserts a notice of thanks in this issue to all electors who supported him at yesterday’s poll.

Entries in connection with the Boys Boxing Tournament to he held on Thursday Alny Sth close with the Secretary on Saturday Alay 4th.

The Plunket Nurse (Aliss AlePonald) will not visit Hokitka to-morrow having been called away owing to her father’s serious illness.

Messrs AV. Jeffries and Co. notify a special sale at Aralmrn on Monday at the conclusion of the fat stock sales of chattels, by order of the Commissioner of Crown Lands.

For gifts of all descriptions, wed dings, birthdays, etc., visit Yarrall’s Novelty Depot and make your problem ail easy one. Prices are low at Yarrall’s Novelty Depot, Re veil Street.— Advt.

flood value now showing in eiderdowns and wool flake quilts, blankets and rugs. Inspection invited. Addison’s, ’phone 89.—Advt.

The death took place at the Grey Hospital yesterday morning of Mr Henry Davis, aged 97 years, who was believed to be the oldest miner living in New Zealand. A native of Wales, deceased arrived in Victoria 74 years ago, later going to the Otago gold rushes and subsequently coming to the AVest Coast. He returned to Queensland, but again came to the ’AVest' Coast 'SB years ago, and worked at Kuinara, and; more recently, at Maori Gully. He was single, and bad no relatives ill New Zealand.

At tbe meeting of tbe Westland Power Board yesterday, Air J. S. banglord, on behalf of Westland Power Ltd. reported a satsifactory demand for light and power. The reticulation line was to be taken across the Hokitika river at Kanieri and carried down the south bank to Air P. H. Renton’s residence. Settlers en route had given the necessary guarantee in the matter. The question of extending to Kokatahi and Rimu was only a matter of guarantees and if the residents approached the Company, full particular's would be given.

Tbe lotig-looked-for event—tbe crowning of Aliss Valerie Nightingale as Queen of tbe Carnival—takes place in the Princess Theatre to-night. For weeks past those concerned have been busy in preparation, and under the capable directorship of Miss Ann Duff,’ have made good progress with their task and as a result to-night’s display should he an outstanding success. The concert, in addition to the coronation is comnosed of excellent talent and will no doubt be thoroughly enjoyed. Given a fine evening a crowded house should be the result, and when the curtain falls on the last item the audiencr should leave well satisfied with a first class entertainment.

Speaking at the County mooting yesterday Mr Murdoch detailed the circumstances of the action brought bv Mr Bond against the County Council some time ago. He said the Council gave the applicant every consideration all through. When the first claim was made the matter was left to the Overseer who decided the Council was not responsible for any damage. Mr Bond then commenced a law suit, and to save him costs in the matter the Council’s solicitor pointed out that the nlaintiff could not succeed along the lines he was pursuing. Mr Bond next decided to submit the matter to arbitration. The Magistrate presided, Mr Bond had an assessor, and the Council brought in a well qualified expert, Mr Higgins, County engineer, of Greymonth, to sit. The court decided unanimously against Mr Bond who was mulcted in the costs. It was clear, therefore, that the Council in resisting the claim acted in the interests of the ratepayers who would he open to assailment on all sides if their interests were not safeguarded by responsible members. The Council had kept clear of costly law suits, and only ventured that far when forced to do so 'for the protection of the interests of the Council, which were also those of the ratepayers.

It will interest ladies to inspect the autumn frocks and evening dresses just opened, also new materials for making up in novelty tweeds, charmelaines, check, fancy and plain flannels. Schroder and C’o.—Advt.

Just arrived:—A consignment of 200 cases of choice 1 apples, consisting oi Delicious. Cox’s Orange, Munroes Northern Sky, Johnathans, Dunn’s Seedlings and other varieties, with instructions to sell at the lowest market price. Paterson Michel and Co. Ltd. ’Phone No. 2.—Advt.