The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1930. OPENING SOUTH WESTLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1930. OPENING SOUTH WESTLAND.

'i he Hon. Minister of Mines returned with a good report of South Westland, and the action of the Member, Mr O’Brien, in escorting Mr Veitch south, will be approved ver,v generaily. The progress in South Westland of late has been so palpable that visitors cannot but be struck with the advancenient. The volume of produce and stock now coming forward from the southern district is tangible proof of the growing character of the south, and that production will continue to increase a,s the district is opened up and facilities for transport made more easy. The southern people, as was expected, supported whole-heartedly the request for the extension of the railway. A very excellent case for the undertaking can be made out. The fact that private enterprise, tired of waiting for the State railway, built fourteen miles of iron tramway, including the bridging of two large rivers, shows that there was a demand for transport. To work available timber, thousands of pounds were spent in providing the means of transport, an assurance that the freight is there to be handled if the line were built. Mr Veitch had his first impressions regarding the railway confirmed so that ins visit was quite worth while, and the opportunity should now be seized of inviting other responsible Ministers to the district so that they may spy out the country for themselves, and realise the possibilities in respect to great developments as the' railway is pushed south The Minister of Mines was also plied with questions about roading, with a view to opening up more land for settlement. There is a scheme or cutting up n largo run at Little Wanganui, In that case the land Ims first to be roaded. An arrangement for the provision of the money was agreed to, but the work still hangs fire. This proposition should certainly be in hand. Another matter referred to was road access to La Fontaine swamp area, where the Government lias spent a large sum in drainage works. Here again operations are hanging fire, though officials have visited the locality from time to time. There seems to he some division of opinion whether the land should he used for pastoral purposes or llaxgrovving. But in any case road access is necessary, by extending lower La Fontaine road, which would serve not only, the large area, of Crown lands referred to, lint also be an improved means of access to assist in developing the whitebait industry at tne Big Wanganui. With road access, it is not unlikely canning works would be established there, as the river is remarkably prolific in the fish supply. There is thus every reason to push on with the road construction, and as the work would be of such utility value, the work is one of those practical undertakings which should be put in hand while there is surplus labour available. A third matter mentioned to the Minister on his recent visit—and also in the Inter-Wanganui district—was the road connection through new country linking the lower Little Wanganui river and the lower Wataroa river and tapping the back country behind the Saltwater. This is an arterial work well worth while, giving access to a considerable area of territory which apart from its land value, anight ;ib:o prove auriferous. There has been some objection to the road, but the points raised against it do not detract from the obvious value the new road will be in opening new, and at present remote country. Any move in that direction in Westland is of value, because there is so much of the district, and particularly in the south, which is roadless, and on that account development is delayed. It is to be hoped the various talks with the Minister while South will lead to the roading question being gone into thoroughly by the authorities. The Government should bear in mind that in the south there is so much Crown estate, that all public expenditure adds to the value of the Crown lands in particular,' and this increment has a national value of considerable magnitude For that reason in particular, the loading of South Westland has a special importance

It was not surprising to find at both the School Committee and Hospital Board meetings this week, very genuine

regret was expressed at the prospective departure of two of the leading professional gentlemen of the town. In Mr E. Partridge, Rector of the Public School, and Dr J. Bruce Baird, Medical Superintendent of the Westland Hospital, there were two gentlemen who by the excellence of their work judged by actual results, have done so well. Both have made their mark iu their respective callings, and it is a loss to the little town to find gentlemen of their calibre and who had plfiyed so intimate a part in local affairs, on the eve of their departure Both are leaving for larger fields of action, and each will carry the best wishes of an appreciate community. Dr Baird’s successor has been announced already. It is indicative of the happy family we are, that these matters are possible of quiet arrangement without the delay of looking round for a successor. The Board naturally takes a. risk in making appointments of this nature without any competitive enquiry. Experience in the past has shown, however that the private arrangement can be carried out very successfully, and jno doubt the Board has made sure of its ground in this case. With regard to the rectorship at the public school, that is a matter for open competition, and it is to be hoped the authorities will he able to make a good choice. It is very important to see that the position is filled to the best advantage. The school has been brought to a high standard of efficiency. Discipline is important in the training of the young and that has been well maintained. Scholastically the record has been good, the results published speaking for themselves, It is disconcerting to have two such important positions such as those mentioned, vacated at once. Relations with the public have been very cordial over a considerable period. Dr Baird has been with ns for a decade and Mr Partridge for half that period. The severing of relations will therefore be no small matter, when intercourse has grown so pleasantly intimate. Having rendered such good service to the community over so many years, the community in return will be glad to appreciate in the most cordial terms, the services of our departing residents, and wish them well in their new spheres of action. The relations with the people have been such that the pleasant terms will be a pattern or their successors, and it is to be hoped when a. parting is again necessary that the same good feeling will be mutually reciprocated as a result of the pleasant term of intercourse.

The Westland Acclimatisation Society meets at 7.30 o’clock to-night.

Messrs W. Je/I'ries and Co. notify entries for their stock sale at Bold Head yards on Wednesday next.

There will be no service in the Ross Methodist Church on Sunday next owing to the re-organisation and opening of St. Paul’s Sunday School.

The annual meeting of the Westland Competitions Society takes place at the County Chambers at 7.30 o’clock to-morrow night. All subscribers and members are invited to attend, and suggestions for the further advancement of the Society will he welcomed.

The Herepo Tennis Club’s ball took place in the Hari Hari Hall on Friday, tlie night being fine, quite a large number turned out to help the worthy object. The music was supplied by the the Southern Cross Orchestra which was much admired by the large crowd present.

The “talkies” will shortly be installed in the Princess Theatre, the work now being actually in hand. It is understood a first-class plant is being put in, including all the latest improvements, and the result should be many pleasurable entertainments. The opening with the first performance is being looked forward to. with great interest.

Messrs W. Weddel and Co., Ltd., advise dated London the 31st January:—“Danish butter 172 s to 174 s (last week 1725); New Zealand, unsalted, 168 s to 172 s (170 s to ■ 1745); New Zealand, salted, 151 sto 154 s (154 sto 1565). ’ Market steady. New Zealand cheese, white, 90s (90s to 91s); New Zealand, cheese, coloured, 88s (88s to 89s). Market steady. Canadian cheese, white, 96s to 100 s (97s to 100 s); Canadian cheese, coloured, 96s to 98s (90s to 98s).

In connection with the schools excursion on the 12th inst. a limited number of Greymouth passengers will be carried. Fares as from Kumnra will bo available from the Secretary, also on the train on that date.—Advt. i

In connection with the ball to be held in the Kanieri Public Hall tonight in aid of the gymnasium fund, special novelty dances will be included on the programme. There will be seven competitions, the prizes for which will he costly. Advt.

Preserving jars, jam jars, in all sizes, now in stock at the Economical crockery shop. As usual prices are right. P. Stephens, Proprietress. —Advt.

Mats, carpets and linoleums, all reduced at Schroder’s end of season sale. Also cushions, bedspreads and sunshades to he cleared at sale prices. Our Bargain tables are revelations in values, see for yourself.—Schroder and Co,—Advt.

Tlie Conservator* of Forests invites tenders for the purchase of a Ford car and a Harley-Davnlson motor cycle.

A Wellington press wire states: — Current rumours that he had already booked his passage Home in anticipur tion of his departure for the Imperial Conference were denied by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) yesterday. In a conversation by telephone from Rotorua, the Prime Minister added that nothing had yet been done regarding New Zealand’s representative at the Conference.

Peerless Pictures will screen at Woodstock to-night (Thursday) and at Kokatahi on Friday, a first national picture, “The Phantom City” featuring Ken May ward and his wonder horse Tarzan; also special attraction, 3000 feet showing Fords Motor Car factory.—Advt.

On Saturday a special meeting of the Executive Council will be held for the purpose of swearing in the Chief Justice (the Hon. Sir Michael Myers), as Administrator of New Zealand until the arrival of the new Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe. Sir Michael Myers .will attend Government House for the transaction of official business, although it is' extremely unlikely that he will take up temporary residence there. Monday’s meeting of the Executive Council was notable as being the last ordinary meeting of the Council to be attended by His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) prior to his departure from New Zealand. The Minister for Lands (Hon. G. W. Forbes) asked His Excellency to accept for himself and the Lady Alice Fergusson, an album of New Zealand views, with the kindest sentiments of the Prime Minister (Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) and his colleagues.

With the opening of the education year there is now a large surplus of teachers. The number of. those unemployed is seventy-six. There are 129 teachers not placed permanently, but fifty-three of them have been given temporary employment for a period of six months. The large number of those out of employment is caused by the fact that ■ many student 1 assistants completed their period of probationership last year, and are now certificated teachers. When asked what would be done about the position, Mr C. R. Kirk, secretary of the Education Board, informed a reporter that nothing could be done. “The position is unfortunate,” lie said, “but they will have to wait their turn to obtain permanent employment, and in the meantime the board will give what temporary employment it can with relieving work.”

Monday’s “Dominion” states:—* The death took place in Wellington on Thursday of Miss Ethel . Jane Lloyd, late matron of the Hokitika Public Hospital. The late Miss Lloyd received her training at Wellington Hospital from 1907 to 1910, and was then appointed sister there, a post she filled very creditably until she was called up for active service iu January, 1916. During, the war Miss Lloyd saw service in England, France and at Trentham, and when demobilised was appointed sister of the Palmertson North Hospital. In 1927 Miss Lloyd was appointed matron of the Hokitika Hospital and she was on leave from that institution when she died. Miss Lloyd will be a great loss to the nursing profession, as she was a splendid and much-loved nurse, an excellent matron, and a true friend. The funeral took place on Saturday at the Karori Cemetery. Wreaths were, sent from many friends far and near, including the Hokitika Hospital Board, Dr. Baird (Kokitika), Mr and Mrs Nash ‘ (Palmertson North), Mrs Nash and Miss Bursill (Palmerston North), Mrs Brown and Miss Wilson (Christchurch), Miss MiekneH and Miss I. Willis (Health Department), Miss Broad, Miss Lee, Mrs and Miss Hadfield,' the New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association, and the Association of Overseas Women War Workers.

A great variety of bargains in crockery ware, fancy goods, toys, etc., now showing in the window at the Economical Crockery shop. Every article in the window Is. Shop early. P. .Stephens Proprietress.—Advt.

Ladies’ voile frocks only 7s 6d, dress lengths in the newest rayons and voiles, also from 7s 6d, hats at correapoiutyngly reduced prices—At F. Schroder’s end of season sale.—Advt.

When housewives shine—polishing floors, furniture, and linoleums, with “ Tan-01.” It is so economical to buy —so easy to apply—aud gives such a bright, lasting shine. All grocers.— Ad. t.

You will quickly relieve a cough or cold if you inhale “ Nnzol.” Powerful and penetrating. A unique, never-fail-ing remedy. Price Is fid.--Advt.