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Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1929, Page 4

It is to be regretted that the Minister of Public Works could not be induced io visit this part of the district on the occasion of his tour of Northern ..estlaiul over the week end. Mr Ransom is one of the mist important of the Cabinet Ministers, and is at the head of the D narlment in which a district such as Westland awaiting so much development, is most in need of. The personal touch with Ministers often to ills for a great deal, and on that account it is regrettable; that .lie timely suggestion of Mr O’Brien M.P., to make a Hying visit at least to Hokitika, was not acceded to. Sir Joseph Ward, win is enjoying something of a triumphal tour through the various parts of the Dominion, and who at present is with his own pe .pie in South and, is evidently going to over the East Coast without thought of the West Coast. It seems a pity that a special invi alien was not sent .o tne Piimo Minister inviting him to ome this way. As it is never too late to mend the omission, the invitation should not be delayed unduly for there are several matters which could lie brought prominently under the notice of Sir Joseph Ward, matters in which he is rather personally interested. There is the extension of the railway, for instance into South Westland. The first section of this beyond Rss, was authorised in' 1911 when Sir Joseph was in power forme i ly. The change of Government prevented the work being proceeded with, and it is interesting to note the auth -rity remained on. the Statute Book till last session, when it was renealed by the Reform Government. It would he worth while bringing this subject diredly under Sir Joseph’s per-s-mnl notice. Then with regmvd to the development of tourist traffic in (vestlaml, the scenic attractions of which are of late the subject of such a wan of praise by world travellers. The Government . should lie urged to give special prominence to the deveopmeut of tourist, traffic, and to that end should be invited to send a responsible officer into the district to rep rt on immediate needs to foster the traffic bore so as to ensure a longer sojourn at Die various centres of attraction. These two matters in themselves are important enough to justify the district seeking the ear of the Prime Minister, and the people will be seriously remiss if they fail to do so. Afore roading in South Westland should also lie brought to Air Ransom’s notice including the active prosecution of the Great South Road beyond AVolielca. and the claim for the OkuruJackson Bay road.

The monthly service of the Presbyterian Church will be held at ituatapu on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 o’clock.

Arch. Little of the Quality Footwear Store has just landed a further shipment of' the Blackball Boots. Owing to tlie tremendous demand lor this l oot the demand was greater than the supply. Customers please call early.

Mr W. Low, of Kotuku sawmill, met yesterday with a very painful accident, the fore.ingcr of his left hand being stripped of flesh by a rope which he was handling, it is hoped, however, that the finger may be saved.

The West-land Acclimatisation Society is having Luke Tvnnieri hatchery re-opened immediately in preparation for the ova shortly to arrive from Canterbury. Mr S. M . Ridland will he in charge as usual. The Society jitlso purposes erecting a residence for the curator on the grounds at Lake Kanieri. Sir Joseph Ward states that Major Wilkes, Director of Air Services, loaves, shortly for England to he attached to the Air Ministry. Captain J. L. Findlay, officer commanding the Wigram Aerodrome, also leaves for England shortly for one year’s refresher course in the Air Ministry. During his absence Captain M. W. Buckley will take command of the Wigram Aerodrome. At present Captain Buckley is second in command of the aerodrome.

Mr Biliari Hoke, the one-legged digger, who did a round tour of the North Island on a bicycle last year, is now performing a similar task in the South Island in order to see more of his native land. Mr Heke arrived here yesterday from Arahura, and purposes pushing on to the glaciers and 1 South Westland with the idea if possible ol crossing to the Fast Coast, His tour was commenced at Christchurch, and he has travelled via Blenheim and Nelson to the Coast. He speaks highly of the state of the roads passed over and the hospitality extended to him.

There was a good attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last night when a juvenile dance was Held in connection with the wind-up of the swimming season Good music was provided by a number of volunteers, and supper was served l,y the ladies’ committee. During the evening the Newman Cup for the scholar’s championship was presented to Master J. Stavelev by Mr Evans President, who complimented the ’ lad on his success, and wished him well m his new locale in Canterbury, where lie moves shortly. Hearty cheers were given lor the cup wiunei.

The death occurred yesterday at the Grey Hospital of Mr James Lee, single, aged 35 years. Ho was engaged at Melbourne recently as an able sen man to complete the complement of the steamer Kaituna, for tlm voyage to Greymoutli, and would have been returned to Australia. Hi? health was not good during the voyage, however, and on arrival of the steamer at Greymoutli, Lee was admitted to the Hospital, whore it- w. found that lie was suffering from ay abscess 1 on the lung, this causing h* death.

At, Westport on Wednesday three men charged With carnal knowledge and one with attempted carnal knowledge of girls under 16 years of age appeared before Mr W.' Me.drum, S.M. in the Children’s Court. Detective Murch appeared* for. the prosecution and Mr H. Lovell for the accused. After evidence was heard, accused ieserved their defence, pleaded not guilty and were committed for trial. Bail was allowed, self £SO, one surety of £SO or two of £25. Bail was forthcoming.

Just opened a nice assortment of breakfast cloths with assorted borders, sizes 06 x 36 at Is 9d, 48 x 47 at 3s 6d 54 x 54 at 4s 9d, also novelty dama : sk cloths in all sizes.—Schroder and Co.— Advt.

The first chamois to be shot, in New Zealand under license fell to Mr R. L. Wiglev, managing director of the Mount” Cook Motor Company, in the Mount Cook region on May 14. In 1907 eight chamois were presented to the. New Zealand Government by his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Austria in exchange for a number of characteristic birds of New Zealand kiwi, weka, kakapo and kea—and liberated at Mount Cook. Since, then, thriving on the scanty mountain grasses and roaming the Alps, sometimes across passes at a height of 7000 feet, they have increased to such an extent that this year for the first time licenses for stalking them have been issued.

Smart costumes now to hand in the new flaked tweeds, wool ail'd silk materials cut in the correct style. Latest colourings and styles showing in junipers and cardigans, also a good range of children’s, inspection invited.— Schroder and Co.—Advt.

Harley and Co. the Complete House Furnishers wish to notify the residents of Hokitika and district, especially those who are contemplating refurnishing, that they can give most exceptional yasy terms and supply every necessity for the home. They have a huge stock to choose from : furniture in all the latest designs, tapestry and draping, curtains, eiderdowns in latest shades. Their traveller, Air Robertson, will he pleased to call on anyone wishing to see patterns or designs, and will he pleased to give prices etc. A letter to headquarters requesting him to call will he immediately attended to.— Advt. >