Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1930, Page 4

Thk telegrams this week conveyed the substance of an address by a North Island clergyman who opened an attack on the proposed amendments' to the Gaming Act, whereby the telegraphing of money to Clubs may be legalised and newspapers may publish totalisator dividends. Critics of the nature referred to invariably make extraordinary statements, and the present is no exception. As a case in point the reverend gentleman states the real object of the measure is to put money into the pockets of the Racing Clubs! The critic also considers the telegraph offices throughout the land would become a huge betting machine The pockets of most Racing Clubs have a big hole in them; the Clubs have large liabilities instead of credit balances, and the increase would require to be very substantial to stop up that hole. The fact is, the Racing Clubs are but the custodians for money passing through the totalisator. Of the total amount, the Government receives the first deduction, the public obtain their share immediately, and the balance is at once earmarked as stakes for the owners, as the Clubs are required by the rules of racing to give in stakes the net amount derived annually from the totalisator. There is therefore no ultimate benefit to the clubs from the totalisator turnover. The only tangible benefit is the refund of tax of late years, limited to £550, which the Government hands back to the Club with the proviso that the amount has to be spent on race course improvements. The use of the telegraph office if it is going to be as I great as suggested, will be of great value to the country in the extra revenue earned, but the Clubs do not derive any benefit from that source. Already, according to all accounts, there is a good deal of use made of both the telegraph and telephone in illegal betting, despite the activities of the authorities. It is illegal to use those channels for betting, but the law is ignored daily and folk incur penalties for the illegal practice. It is in the interests of the public morals to see the law modified to common usage, and the country got the benefit of the revenue legitimately. The amendments suggested to the Gaming Act will be helpful to the sport, in that the exra turnover will assist the stakes, and New Zealand will continue to be in the forefront of racing. The sport lias a great bold on the people, and for that reason should be under effective control. The amendments proposed will assist to that end. and that surely is a step in the right di- f rection.

New Spring hats opened to-day at Addisons, inspection invited. —Advt.

The monthly meeting of the Westland Acclimatisation Society takes place to-night at 7.30 o’clock at the County Chambers.

1 Star Dry Cleaning Coy. Weld St. Hokitika—Suits cleaned and pressed 10s 6d, hats cleaned and blocked 4s 6d. Two days service. Orders to be left at F. Ballinger’s tailor shop.—Advt.

The ladies’ hockey match, Marlborough v. Inangahua, played on the Reefton Raceourse on Tuesday, ended in a win for the visitors by two goals to one. The ground was very slippery, owing to the heavy rain that fell just after mid-dav.

The sitting of the Supreme Court at Hokitika has been adjourned from Sept. 10th. to Friday, Sept. 12th". The onlv business set down is a civil case, Julia Revanev v. Bank of New Zealand claim for £203, and an application for discharge in bankruptcy by Herbert Winter, of Welieka. Jurors summoned to attend the sittings arc notified their services are not required.

The Wfiimea Basin Mining Company, now opening out on the Auckland Lead near Awattmtl, is I‘epoi‘ted to be winning promising returns. The locality is well known to he Auriferous, and if the dirt call be handled in VolUtiib quickly, ns i& expected, tlie result should be satisfactory to the promoters. The undertaking is subsidiary to other enterprises in the district organised by Mr J. L, Langford, Manager of the Westland Power Ltd.

As indicative of the poorness of the season for opossum trapping, it is understood the local tally for stamping on this occasion has not yet reached the 7000 mark. As upwards of Io,OQO skins were stamped in this district last season it will be seen that the take is less than half of last year’s tally. Many of the skins brought in this season are also of poor quality, while the market price is also substantially lower. For these reasons the return to the trappers this year is going to be less substantially. One result is almost a universal desire for a close season over an extended period, a matter which the authorities now have binder consideration. . , >

The quarterly sitting of the Supreme Court at Greymouth is scheduled to commence on September 10th. The following cases are on the list:— Criminal: For sentence, Daniel Patrick Mullins, alias Maloney, breaking and entering (three charges), attempted breaking and entering (one). Herbert S. Fielding, breaking arid entering (two charges). Civil—William parrel! v. Northern Assurance Coy. Ltd. claim for £2o0 ; ihSuraiice mbiieys. tm divorce—Gfbufsky v. Gtdufsky fiiid Muli'Oy, petition for dissolution, Oil ground of adultery, undefended', In bankruptcy—Motions by Deputy-Offi-cial Assignee for release iu 13 estates,

The talking picture showing at the Princess Theatre just now is very enjoyable entertainment. Entitled “The Home Towners,” it does not appeal specially, but its story reveals a wealth of comedy of domestic life when two old cronies meet after many years on the eve of the marriage of one of the number. The other good naturedly attempts to save bis life long friend from his impending fate,, and he means well but makes false deductions, and brings about a bad mess. However, lie realises his mistake just when relations are at breaking, point, and by a sudden ruse saves the position. It is all excellent comedy with merry dialogue throughout. In the “short” section, the performing cockatoos are something which should; not be missed. It is a unique presentation. The reproduction throughout is very good.

When the steamer Golden Cross sails from Auckland this week for America, via southern ports, she will carry the largest consignment of ore concentrates, values chiefly for tire gold they contain, that hae left New Zealand for several years. The shipment, which is approximately 100 tons, will 'be landed ,at San Francisco, according to instructions from a Sydney buyer. The concentrates have been produced by the Waitomo Sulphide Corporation, Limited's new battery at Puhoi, 35 miles north of Auckland, which hap been running for three months. The shipment represents the first trial by tile battery at the old Zeehan mine. The ore is taken by ail aerial line, and runs througih the machinery by gravitation, the oil flotation process being the last procedure. Last year no eoncentrateis at all were exported from New Zealand, and in 1928 the total was less than 10 tons. In 1927 the total was 57 tons, and all went to Australia. Although the figure ,yar r ies considerably, the gold yield from a ton of the concentrates, which contain also silver, copper and zinc, ; is usually about eight ounces, valued at slightly more than £4 4s an ounce.

Addison can show you the newest in house furnishings of every description. These have been carefully chosen a nit will add charm to your home.—Advt.

Whitebait are now making their apf pearance throughout the Coast. Patersons have just opened their new stock of whitebait netting, 80in. at Is lid nd 2s 6d yard. Be prepared for an rly run.—Advt.

We have much pleasure in extending to you a cordial invitation to view our extensive showing of our new spring and summer millinery. Special show days: August 25th, and 27th. Schroder and Co.--Advt.

-TV Men ! We have a small number of •} fancy worsted suits to clear at 90s 6d. These- suits are worth from £5 10s to £(j lUb. — \V. H. Stopforth’s.—Advt. The annual general meeting of the Hokitika Cricket Club will be held iit Keller’s Sample Rooms on Saturday evening at 7.30 o’clock sharp. All members and intending members aro cordially invited to attend.—Advt. A reminder is given of the Juvenile Fancy Dress Ball to be held in the Soldiers’ Hall this evening iil aid of. the Hospital. This is the kiddies annual night out and so plenty of f ! n ■ and frolic will he provided for themr\J, •The School Orchestra will assist with l 'the music. Men !, We are taking orders for leather motor coats. Our cash price will save you money. Inspection invited. W. H. Stopfcrtli’s.—Advt. We have been asked to state that a gent’s navy blue coat in the pocket of which was a white silk scarf, was taken from the dressing room at the Hospital Ball last evening, apparently in error. Will the person who took same kindly return it to the Secretary and obtain his own. Last evening when at Lake ■Hill on the South Westland road, the County Chairman’s (Mr Win. Searle) car, backfired and caught fire and was Completely destroyed. An - endeavour was made to extinguish the fire but it was not successful. No one was in. jured. Mr Searle was alone. in the car. > Oddments in men’s felt hats to clear at 7s lid. W. H. Stopforth’s.—Advt. ■ Several crates of armco rustless steel for the Kanieri Electric Coy’s hydroelectric scheme at Kanieri Forks are how arriving and being conveyed to the site for construction and erection. The material will be manufactured into pipes for the fluming across the Right Hand branch and other streams which have to be crossed en route to the power station at the new site near Me- t Kay’s Creek. Finlay’s super twill single-and double sheets selling at a special cash discount. Limited quantity. W. H. Stopforth’s.—Advt. Woods’ Croat Peppermint Cure .First aid for Coughs, Colds. Influenza,