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Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1930, Page 4

The stranding of the Ketch. Elsie is an unfortunate climax again in the effort to maintain a sea connection between Hokitika and the southern ports. The taisk has called for consider a.ble courage and enterprise on the part of those concerned, and it is unfortunate indeed that the little craft Ims been put out of commission. •She was a useful link with the southern ports so difficult to work. It is only ia certain type of craft which is suitable for the bar harbours which require to 'be worked, and while the boat, may suit such a service, it does not follow the same craft would be suitable as a profitable means of nerving 'other trade when such is offering. Confined to the restricted trade of the south, such a vessel as suits is not a profitable venture under the most favourable circumstances, and when these untoward accidents occur, as they- haye occurred previously, the trade is subject to serious loss and in danger of absolute dislocation. It is very satisfactory in the serious circumstances of the present landing, that there was no loss of life, The iljttle boat must have had a bad towing; at sea in the rough weather encountered, due to a breakdown of ,j'.lie engines. The engines are new comparatively, and although they were not satisfactory when (last installed, of late the improvements effected gave better results, and the little boat made several smart trips ilu the recent experience after making Okarito on Sunday afternoon, tlie boat under sail, was driven south before a bo byte rous gale. .Evidently with the direction of the wind it was not possible to make sea-way and the boat appears to have been, driven

J inshore. Fortunately, as Far as can be gleaned, the point where the vessel came ashore wr*s hot an unfriendly coast, and it is very gratifying to fi>kl in the dark night those aboard escaped from their difficult situation. It is to be hoped that the boat is not seriously damaged, and that it will be possible to refloat her safety. If that does not prove practicable, it will probab'y lie neocvasry to recommission the little steamer Gael again. It is important to the settlers, as to the business of the south with this community, to sec the service maintained if at all possible. The enterprise that the settlers are showing in the far south is most commend-’ aid?, -but without a link with an outside market, the industry must languish. The Haast-Okuru-Jaekson Bay district her; possibilities for future settlement development, and when that occurs there will be an opening for greater trade. The Shipping C'oniany which has\ stuck to its task Tor so long deserves to enjoy any reward of that nature, and it is to be hoped it wt'l be able to carry on, and in clue course be recompensed in some measure at least, for the losses of the past. :

Tire Trustees of the Hokitika Say-j in s Bank meet on Saturday next at 11 a.rii. .

: Among the nigns of the early spring in the south, is the growth of rata 'bloom, olematjs and other' native flowers now showing out on the liill-i sides,

Last ' week • 10,457 tons was the freight record for the, Otira tunnel, compared with 11,885 tons for the corresponding week -last . year and 11,266 tons in the previous year.

' A party of campers spending a week in the. Toaroha district sighted ,a chamois, which is unusual on this side of the ranges though it is stated the animal is making, frequent appearances on the eastern slopes of the alps..

A faint earthquake shock was felt in Christchurch a,t about 5 a.m. an Monday. It was not severe enough to be noticed by many people, and officials of the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory states that the origin was a considerable distance away.

The death took place at Auckland on Friday last, of Mrs Roberts, relict of tile late Mr R. Roberts, of Kuniara. Deceased was a native of Cornwall, England, aiid was 87 years of age. She leaves a family of two sons (Mr R. T. C. Roberts, telegraph engineer, Christchurch, and Mr Leyt Roberts, Postmaster at Waihi) ; and two daughters (Mrs J. Morrish, and Mrs,Jas. Evans, of Mt. Eden, Auckland.) -•'

It is understood, the .Old Time Ball fixed to be held at the Soldiers’ Hall on the Bth prox. will be one of the last public dances of the year. The event will be unique in that jazzing will not be permitted, A’ full programme of the dances popular before the advent of the jazz, ten years or more agio, will be prepared and' will be. handled by an efficient Master of Oercmohies who will be in full charge of the floor,

There were 30 cases of infectious •• nd other notifiable diseases reported in the Canterbury and West Coast health districts during the week ended noon on Monday, as compared with 45 the' previous week. The figures of the. previous week were swelled by 25 cases of diphtheria, the majority of which were reported from one institution. Last weeks cases were: Canterbury: Scarlet fever, 4; diphtheria, 10; tuberculosis, 8; pneumonia, 1; pneumonic influenza, 1; eclampsia, 2. There are still some cases of diphtheria in the institution referred to, but the cases are'-rnild ones. Deaths in the Canterbury district were two—one each from tuberculosis and eclampsia; West Coast: Diphtheria, 1; enteric fever, T; tuberculosis, 1; puerperal sepsis, 1,

We have now in stock a splendid variety of general household' crockery at prices that can’t be beaten, r. Stephens, Proprietress.—Advt. -

Cricketers will be interested to know that L, S. Ross ban secured the sole agency from 'the New Zealand Distributors for the : famous Don Bradman hat and has models in stock. You may not be another Don but you can start equal with him by playing with his autographed bat.—22.

With the continued’ fine weather tennis players will be looking forward to early playing this season. With this in view A. W. Yarrall has landed his new season’s tennis rackets, and is now showing all the best makes, and as usual the prices are right, ranging from 15s. Call and inspect,—Advt,

In order that tennis players may secure the freshest balls that it is possible to get L. S. Ross lias arranged With the distributors of Dunlop. Ayres and Spalding balls to supply his needs as /shipments arrive. Tlie ruling price this season is 4e per pair. Mr Ross has also secured the sole agencies for Sykes and Prosser tennis goods. These quality goods as well as those of qther makers may be seen at his Sports Depot, Revell Street,—23. ■

Our new frock lengths are now opened out in silk voile, art-'silk morecains, art silk crepe, figured satins, silk rayon, silk rayon brocade, organdie and many other novelties. All cordially invited. Schroder and Co.—Advt.

Don’t use ordinary polish for good furniture and linoleum. Use the best —“Tan-ol” cleans, polishes and preserves. Accept no other,—Advt, ’

The “Don.- Bradman” cricket'bqt. New stocks just arrived. G2s 6d each at VarraU’s Sports Depot, Revell Street.—Advt.

In their first game of their tour of Wellington district the Mawhera ladies hockey team of Grey mouth, yes-, terday were defeated by Lower Hutt by two gpals to one.

... Be with the Black Hand boys at Ruatapu to-night, the occasion being the Cricket Club’s Annual Ball. Perfect arrangement made for patrons, and the admission, — gents 2s 6d and ladies Is, 6d should ensure a bumper attendance. i

. An accident occurred at Westport vesterday when the- steamer Raisdale from Port Chalmers was berthing. Beaman Morris Edwards, met with a painfull injury, his left foot being caught between a steering: chain nnd grader block and badly fractured. He was removed to the hospital. . •/

Final arrangements were made last evening for the annual bull of the Excelsior Football Club wnich takes ■ place in the Soldiers’ Hall to-night* .commencing at 8.30 o’clock. The music to bo supplied by the. Melody Six will be composed entirely of the latest dance numbers and patrons* are assured of a good evening's- enjoyment, The supper arrangements are in the Lands of a capable ,< ladies committee, ,T

At the gas cooking demonstration -at the Soldiers’ Hall yesterday, Mrft Heinz had an interested audience, all of whom followed the proceedings with unabated interest. Various con-* lections were prepared, and there, was an immediate demand for the dell, caeies, The next demonstration on the 30th. inst,, will be the final of the present series, when it is proponed to entertain all patrons, and the ladies assisting Mrs Heinz are inviting the directors of the Gas Company to the afternoon tea, also. Many friends will hear with regret qf the "death of Mr John ; Coll ins, wltlch took place suddenly at his home at Westport this morning. Tire deceased for many years had been on the staff of: the Railway Department at Westport. retiring some years ago (He was a 1 well-known figure in thi£‘“district over a long period Of years, frequently making visits to the town; He leaves a widow (a daughter of -the late ■Mr John Allen of Hokitika) two daughters (Mrs Townrow of Westport alnd. Mrs Burnie of Denniston) and one son (Mr John Collins of Greymouth).. Deceased was about 70 years of age and celebrated his golden wedding a few months ago. ~ Everything for the cricketer. New goods just arrived, including al'l*tjje best makes'.iof' bats/; ballsy- leg guards) etc., at Yafrail’s iSports • Depotj/vßevell Street.—Advt.

- We have a very fine assortment of summer dross materials, silk voiles, crepe, clarise, mausselines. Also spatted; and floral prints and tobralcos.— McKay’s.—Advt. / .vW,v-=