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Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1929, Page 4

The interest evinced in the views of South Westland displayed by Mr Erie James, in his lantern lecture on Monday night, should assist to simulate attention to the welfare of the southern district. The south is a very beautiful part of New Zealand, and contains a, great variety in scenic gems;, The scenery is undoubtedly very nne, and ; it will, certainly pay to advertise the attractions, and in particular push on the work of roading the far south as rapidly as possible. The long route into the far south and across the Haast Pass ini o Otago, is. replete .with attractions. Lakes, rivers ,open flats, mountains and glaciers, and a wealth of forestry, all contribute to make scenes innumerable of very great beauty. There is every reason why the district should be opened up with an arterial road. We read of roads and railways to llotorua, and other favoured spots in the IVorth Island, but nowhere in New Zealand is there such an aggregation of scenic beauty in the long mileage of the West Coast penetrating into South Westland, iiiere there is a natural wonderland, needing nothing artificial to add to its natural attractions, which the camera has shown us is displayed in such lavish profusion at every stage of the journey. But it is necessary to road and effectively open up the country. For far too long the southern territory has remained isolated and practically neglected in the way of proper access. The advent of the motor car has rendered quick transit possible, and it is time the matter of roading were taken up with some indb cation of a definite policy to open up the south speedily. It would he news to many to learn from Mr James that in Otago 225 men. were at work on the road round Lake' Hawea towards the Haast Pass. If that can be clone in the plain lands of Otago, wfiy cannot it be done in beautiful bush-lands of Westland? The highway from Weheka should be jmshed on such as was promised in the lnsfc Public Works Statement, and that work definitely in hand will give hope and satisfaction that tne through route is not to be neglected, but will in time become a reality. It is well to have this reminder of possibilities, and on that account Mi’ James is to be thanked for turning attention to so important a subject.

The Chairman and Rector of the Hoiviuka District High School insert a notice of thanks in this issue.

Diphtheria is reported to he prevalent at Karamea. There are also seven cases in. the Duller Hospital.

.Mr F. Freitas, the well-known Hokitika AIT Black, is the sole nominee of the West Coast Rugby Union for the South Island representative team.

Special cars will leave West Coast Motors Garage, Revel! St. on Friday at 7.30 p.m. for Kunmra Fire Brigade Ball.—Advt.

The Borough Council tenders for the leasing of various reserves will close with the Town Clerk on Friday, the 27th inst., at 4 p.m. The list for lease appears in this, issue.

Members of the Municipal Band are reminded that practices will be resumed, commencing to-night at 8 o’clock at the Town Hall. .. A full attendance of members is desired.— Advt.

There will be a full rehearsal of the opera “Rip Van Winkle” at- the Princess Theatre this (Thursday) evening at 7 o’clock. A full attendance is desired, including members of the orchestra.

On, Tuesday there was a small run of whitebait in the river, the best so far this season. During the past two days small catches have also been made but the catch so far is considerably below that of former years.

To-night! To-night | The success of the Military Ball is to continue. As was the case last night so to-night nothing shall "be left undone to satisfy the younger ditizens. Prices, adults, 2s, children Is; three in one family or more 2s.—Advt.

Auckland distributors announce an increase of Id per lb in the price of butter, making first grade Is 7£d wholesale and Is 9d retail, and second grade Is and Is 7d. There has > lately been (forward buying for London at Is s}d for September make.

“The Railway Classification List is in the hands of the printer,” said the Minister for Railways (the Hon. Mr Taverner) in the House of Representatives yesterday, in reply to a question by Mr R. A,, Wright (Reform, Wellington Suburbs). The Minister added that he expected the list would be gazetted in a few'days. '•

Advice has been received of the death by accident in London of Mrs Stowell, wife of Mr J. W. Stowell, df Westport. Mr a,lid Mrs Stowell and daughter, who had been on an extended holiday in the Old Country, were just about to sail on return to New Zealand, when the sad accident happened,. it is assumed, by being run over or knocked over by a motor-car or other vehicle.

The number of apprentices registered in New Zealand is 9,943 according to a return tabled in the House yesterday. As there are 31,773 journeymen and working employees for whom apprentices are allowable this is equivalent to one apprentice to 3.2 journeymen. The number of apprentices who would be employed if employers engaged the number they are now entitled to under the Act would be 19,931. 1

Coal supplies from the West Coast, states a Wellington message, as a result of the earthquake, suffered, a shortage, but, a reporter was informed to-day that, while it had been necessary to obtain temporary auxiliary supplies from Australia, as much New Zealand coal was being used as possible. It was found practicable to use local coal for all ordinary railway services, including the Garratt engines. Not; anounce of English coal was being imported for the use of the railways.

On Monday afternoon and evening Westport experienced a series of bumps. There was very little preliminary shaking, and none of the usual warnings. The jolts seemed to come from right underneath , the town, and were just sharp jabs, quickly over, but leaving an unpleasant feeling. At Lyell on Sunday shakes, were experienced about every ten minutes of the day. Most of these, however, were of a slight nature, but the noise that accompanied them made the experience an almost un-. canny one.

All roads will lead to Toiler’s Hnll Arahurft, oh Wednesday next, September 25th, when the grand opening ball of the hall will take place. Nodoubt this event has been looked forward to for quite a while and consequently much interest is aroused. The catering for the function is of a first class order and so patrons are. assured of a good time. The object, to aid the Arahura Tennis Club, is a worthy one and should ensure a large attendance. The music is in the hands of the Black Hand Orchestra a fact which speaks for itself.

In extending a welcome to Mr L. I Gibb at the Westland Land Board ' yesterday, the Commissioner stated that he desired to associate himself very sincerely with the expressions of appreciation made by members at the last monthly meeting of the services rendered by the retiring member, Mr W. H. Chinn. Mr Chinn had been a most conscientious member and during his term of office had on every occasion done all lie could to promote the best interests of the Crown tenants. He was a thoroughly upright and honourable man, and very highly esteemed by his fellow members and left behind him a very creditable record of service.