West Coast Messenger 18 January 2023

Lake Mahinapua Aquatic 80th

ake Mahinapua Aquatic Club will be celebrating its 80th annual regatta this coming Waitangi Weekend, and all are welcome.

The Mahinapua Regatta is popular and enduring, and all who have attended previously report an enjoyable time, so those with an older boat sitting unused in the garage are encouraged to get it out for the weekend.

The regatta is again earlier in the season than previous years.

The club offers great hospitality and two days of racing in a stunning location – and being a long weekend it will also put on some fun racing on the Monday.

“The racing promises to be enjoyable and we welcome all classes of dinghy and trailer yachts. If you are in any doubt over your boat's suitability for the regatta, please get in

touch to discuss.”

The family-friendly Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club is situated just two minutes drive along Shanghai Road, opposite the Lake Mahinapua Hotel.

The clubhouse offers recently refurbished kitchen facilities and views that belong on a postcard and on a clear day you can see Aoraki-Mount Cook while crossing the start/ finish line.

Adjacent to the club is the Department of Conservation campsite for those who wish to sleep under canvas or stay in a caravan or motorhome.

For those not sailing, there are some excellent walks starting from the lake, and the West Coast Wilderness Trail is five minutes' drive away, with the Tree Top Walkway and Café 10 minutes' drive away..

Yachting on picturesque Lake Mahinapua.

PICTURES: Supplied

The Lake Mahinapua Aquatic clubhouse has been refurbished.

Is your home

these holidays?

With the summer upon us, make sure your home and property is secure from burglars if you are leaving town. If you have crime or safety concerns about your neighbourhood then you should get in touch with your local police, who will be happy to discuss these with you.

Leaving your home for the holidays? Make it safe.

Lock your doors and windows.

Keep valuables out of sight.

Record the serial numbers of expensive electronic items and photograph these and other valuables.

Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted.

Keep garden sheds and garages locked when not in use.

Keep hedges or plants around doors and windows well-trimmed – don't give the burglar a place to hide.

Keep a phone by your bed

Leaving your vehicles? Lock them or garage them.  Park in well-lit areas when possible.

Don't leave valuables or documents with personal information behind.  Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.  Any boats or vehicles on your property should be disabled so they can't be moved or towed away.  Consider a steering wheel lock – it's a great deterrent  Note and report any car registrations and descriptions of suspicious vehicles or people in or around your home. 

Do your neighbour a favour  Keep an eye out for your neighbour's house and their property and let them know if you are going away. 

Simple things like clearing the mailbox and cleaning up around your property show that it's occupied, and less of a target.

These are easy steps that can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your property safe.

Come back to a locked and safe home, not a preventable burglary.

Call 111 in an emergency if something is happening right now, illegal or suspicious.

If it has already happened you can provide information via the police non-emergency number 105 or go online at 105.police.govt.nz

Buller Garden Ramble returns

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

The Buller Cancer Support Group is once again holding its annual Garden Ramble to nine Westport properties this Sunday, January 22.

Each individual pre-pays $20 and receives a programme of the private gardens they can visit in any order between 10am and 4pm. Refreshments are once again being served at Archer House for $5 between midday and 2pm.

“People often travel around with friends and family, making it a very sociable, fun day out. Tickets can be purchased from Bradley's Furniture, Dennis Bookshop or Property Brokers.

“We are grateful to the property owners who have offered their gardens this year. We have different gardens than previously. Many are just south of the Buller Bridge and will be well signposted and with balloons up so they will be easy to locate,” said group chairwoman Barbara Grant.

“This year, all funds raised will go towards the new Cancer Society Centre in Christchurch. It is a cause very dear to our hearts as that is where most people from the West Coast and Buller go for treatment,” Mrs Grant said.

The centre is currently under construction and is costing $22 million. The previous premises were destroyed by the Christchurch earthquakes and motels had been purchased to accommodate those

from throughout the South Island receiving cancer treatment.

“They received $12m from insurances and $6.5m from the Government 'shovel ready project fund.' It has left a shortfall of $3.5m.”

The last Garden Ramble raised over $3000.

“We will be contributing all the money raised for the purchasing of equipment for the 50 modern room centre which also caters for whanau to stay with the person receiving cancer treatment.”

Mrs Grant said people interested could also go to www. moreprecious.co.nz

“It lists all the items required to fully equip the centre as a 'home away from home' for the people using it. On the site it lists the cost of fitting out one bedroom at $25,000 but it also itemises items, the numbers required and the price for things like pillows, stools, lounging chairs and beds. People can donate and have their money spent on specific items.

“Around 26,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in New Zealand. It is estimated that 9000 will stay at the Christchurch Cancer Society Centre each year, which makes it even 'more precious' than you think,” Mrs Grant said.

The Buller Cancer Support Group has 13 members. It receives referrals from the West Coast PHO. It helps people in a variety of ways including financial assistance with fuel, food, helping pay accounts

and care packages to meet the needs of the individual or family.

“Referrals can also come directly from the individual or from family and friends. Cancer can be a very

private thing and it can be difficult to know how to step in and help. That is what we try and do and we appreciate hearing who is out there needing help.” People could contact Mrs Grant on 021 756 202.

Greymouth water runs low

THE Grey District Council water network is under significant pressure from the long spell of hot dry weather and increased demand.

The council has placed restrictions on water use, and operations manager Aaron Haymes urges residents to take notice of the restrictions and to play their part by doing all they can to conserve water.

“If everyone reduces their usage,

we have a better chance at getting through this period of dry weather with continued supply.“ he says.

“Last week water levels in the bores at Coal Creek, the source of water for Greymouth and nearby settlements, was running at about 2.4m from the bottom. This week that level has dropped to 1.7m and is falling,” Mr Haymes says.

“With no significant rain in the forecast for the next few

weeks, the council is monitoring the situation very closely and planning for the possibility that things could get worse.”

The council has an ongoing programme of maintenance work, repairing water leaks on the network, and has instructed contractors to ramp up efforts to detect and repair leaks in the district. Over the last week 21 water leak repairs have been made, with an additional eight

Water take monitoring in upper Grey Valley

THE West Coast Regional Council is monitoring river levels within the upper Grey Valley catchment area as the dry conditions continue on the West Coast.

Due to the extended fine weather period, summer river flow levels could fall near or below their mean annual low flow levels and the council is looking at ways to protect the health of the waterways while enabling water consent holders to continue to utilise their consents as much as practicable.

Acting consents and compliance manager Rachel Clark said should the need for restrictions arise, a flow assessment figure would be

used to determine what restrictions on water taking may be applied.

“This may be a percentage reduction in the rate or volume of the take, or a requirement to cease abstraction altogether. It may be a situation where a water user group is formed, then users can go on to a roster to share the available water during a restriction period.

“Some consent holders have specific cut-off or reduction levels for their water takes specified in their consents and consent holders need to be aware of what their consents say and adhere to those conditions.”

Ms Clark said a compliance officer will be in touch with water take

holders in the area over the next month to discuss water take usage.

The council needs to ensure water takes are meeting the requirements of the Resource Management Amendment Regulations 2020 which came into effect in September 2022 for water takes over 20 litres/second or more.

Any restrictions instigated by the council will not apply to stock drinking water or domestic water supplies.

If consent holders are unsure of values or what those values meant for their consents, Ms Clark said they should contact the consult consents and compliance team on 0508 800 118.

on the contractor's list of repairs to make.

While staff and contractors are constantly on the lookout for water leaks, the council also welcomes reports of water leaks from the community.

Residents with their own water tanks, relying on rainwater, have been contacting the council concerned that their tanks are low. With the tightening of national water safety standards

making it difficult for operators to comply, the council is only aware of one contractor, Hokitikabased company Service Cartage, which is certified to cart water for residents on the West Coast.

Residents who collect water themselves with small tanks and containers should be cautious about the water source and the cleanliness of containers and equipment used to collect and carry water for drinking.

Restricted fire season on Coast

WESTLAND district has joined the rest of the West Coast in a restricted fire season.

Buller and Grey districts have been in a restricted season since January 10. All public conservation land on the West Coast is permanently in a restricted fire season.

A restricted season means people will need a permit to light a fire in the open air.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand district manager Myles

Taylor says sustained hot weather on the West Coast has dried out vegetation, especially scrub and forest undergrowth, which can lead to a very fast-moving and hard to control fire if ignition occurs.

“West Coast fire brigades have

seen a significant increase in calls relating to beach bonfires recently that have not been located appropriately or extinguished properly at the end of the night,” he says.

“We urge people to not light outdoor fires at all during the restricted season and to take care with other activities that could spark fires like mowing or driving cars through long grass. They can visit www. checkitsalright.nz for safety tips.

“If people have to light a fire outdoors, apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz

“If you have a permit, you will need to follow the conditions listed on the permit,” Mr Taylor says.

Barbara Grant at home in her garden with a Garden Ramble pamphlet the participants receive when they pre-book for the event this Sunday.

PICTURE: Rose O'Connor

Off to rescue dogs in India

n by Rose O'Connor in Westport

Granity couple Terri Squire and Jeff Martin were so taken with what they experienced on a trip to India last year that it has changed the course of their lives.

In May, for her 50th birthday, the couple set off for a three-month trip to India. Jeff had spent time there over 20 years ago and he was determined that Terri should also experience it. Little was he to realise how life changing the trip would be.

The pair returned home in August, rented out their home in northern Granity, sold the majority of their possessions, booked flights and accommodation, processed all their visas and left on November 10 for at least a year in India.

Terri is a self-confessed dog fanatic. As owner of dog groomers Plush Puppies for the last seven years, she is passionate about the well-being of dogs.

“The street dogs we saw were skinny, hungry and flea and tick ridden, but there was no aggression. It was heart-breaking. They were friendly and would eat out of your hand,” Terri said.

The couple moved from Whangerei to their idyllic beachside home in Granity two years ago. Jeff set up Martin's Plumbers and Terri continued with her seven years of dog grooming. While they are not yet set to retire, and certainly don't call themselves rich, they do feel very grateful for all that they have living in New Zealand.

“There is more to life than just working. We want to make a difference and help. That is much more rewarding,” Jeff said.

“Their way of life in India is totally different. Here, people expect something for nothing. Over there, they expect nothing for nothing. We saw one crash between rickshaws. We heard no arguments, saw no violence. The people were very friendly and peaceful and so the animals seem to be that way too,” Jeff said.

“We spent five days in an Airbnb in suburbia. When we left, we had 30 to 40 kids on the streets saying goodbye. It is a very humble way of life,” Terri said.

Moved by the plight of the street dogs they constantly saw throughout their travels in India, they decided there and then to somehow return to help the dogs.

“We know we can't help everyone, but this is a start,” Jeff said.

“Where we stayed for six weeks in Canacona in the Goa Province, I quickly established a daily routine of feeding the local dogs at the beach and looking after their health needs. A vet desexes them once a month but they have to be taken there,” Terri said.

She has taken with her some of her dog grooming gear, and purchased a large amount of flea treatments.

“I had a lady hear about us and contact me. She suggested I set up a Go Fund Me page which I have done. All donations will be used on feeding and treating the dogs. My daughter is helping me set up a blog so my supporters will be able to see where their donations are being spent.

Their Go Fund Me is called 'Plush Puppies India Dog Rescue.' A video can be found on the site showing the dogs.

“It's a bit out of my comfort zone but as long as it improves the lives of the dogs, then I can do it!“ Terri said. The money from renting out their Granity property will fund their own living expenses.

Jeff says of their Indian adventure: “It is a bit of a 'forced punishment' but if it makes it better for the dogs and makes us better people then it will all be worth it. It is Terri's dream and I am fully supporting her.”

Near to where the couple will be based at Canacona, a town of 41,000, previously had a dog sanctuary but it was shut during Covid. The tourist area where they are living, has a large English-speaking population so communication is not too difficult, unlike the bigger cities. Terri has plans to enrol at school to learn the local language of Hindi. “We'll use a lot of sign language!“

Tips to follow after a car crash

IN the unfortunate event of a car crash, there are some vital tips that will help motorists ensure stress and panic can be reduced.

It can be easy to let the adrenaline take over and make rash decisions, but experts are advising drivers to remain cool and calm when handling the situation.

Although the car itself may seem like a priority in the moment, ensuring the safety of passengers and other parties should always take precedence.

A spokesman for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Unfortunately, motoring incidents can happen and in the eventuality that they do, drivers should be prepared to handle them.

“It's easy to feel overcome with emotions after a car crash and this is completely normal. However, keeping calm and making logical decisions will be beneficial in the long

run – especially when it comes to contacting your insurance provider.” 

Here are some top tips for dealing with a car crash:  Bring the vehicle to a stop –Immediately after an accident, try to stop the car and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Failure to do this could cause further damage and as well as this, it is a criminal offence not to do so.

 Safety – Ensuring the safety of yourself and any passengers is paramount after a car crash. Even if there appear to be no immediate or apparent injuries, they could present themselves hours after the crash. Adrenaline levels will be high after an incident and it's easy to be worried about the car, but the safety of those inside the vehicle should be a top

priority.



Make a call – Depending on the severity of the incident, you may need to contact the emergency services if there are any serious injuries or if the road is blocked. If it is safe to do so, you may want to call a friend or family member to help you deal with the situation.

 Keep cool – Handling emotions can be difficult after a crash and it's completely normal to be in a state of shock. Try your best to remain cool, calm and collected as this will allow you to handle the situation better. If need be, walk away from the area, take a few breaths and collect your thoughts before communicating with the other person(s) involved.



Save apologies – Apologising to the other party after a crash can point the

liability toward you, even if you aren't in the wrong. It's okay to communicate with the other party after a crash, but don't admit liability until you're completely sure of what happened.

 Exchange details – Make sure to get all of the necessary details that you need from the other driver before you leave. It is advisable to get their name, address, insurance details and any descriptions of the incident. Note down the make and model of the other car(s) involved, any witnesses and other key details.

 Don't wait to claim – Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to inform them of the incident. It is likely that they will ask for the following: your policy number, your address, registration numbers of the cars involved and the other driver's details.

Jeff Martin and Terri Squire, holding Sprocket, which has been fostered out while they spend a year on dog rescue duties in India. PICTURE: Rose O'Connor

Westgold wins major social marketing award

New Zealand's rugby's influence was a key ingredient in Westgold's award-winning social marketing campaign to raise awareness of its butter in Japan.

Westgold's “Buttering up the Japanese Market“ campaign has won the award for best paid social campaign in the international

Drum Awards Digital Advertising APAC. The award is for an innovative strategy or campaign that engaged a target audience.

Westgold's senior brand manager Leanne Clemens says knowing that in Japan more men traditionally do the supermarket shop compared to other markets paid off with how the campaign to raise awareness of

Westgold butter, was pitched.

“We made our grass-fed, clean-butter story relevant to the Japanese consumer by producing content that understood cultural and social norms,” she says.

“New Zealand's visibility in Japan is through our rugby and we needed the male shopper to join the 'footy dots' and try our

butter.”

Leanne Clemens says the campaign used well known Japanese influencers and New Zealand rugby players, including those playing in the Japanese league as well as “likeable“ former All Blacks, to promote how to use Westgold butter in savoury locally inspired recipes.

Pauline Cox M 027 439 3173

A feel-good family home and lifestyle

Nestled amongst mature grounds on a 9472m2 (approx) section only five minutes drive south from Franz Josef township is this substantial 180m2 (approx) family home featuring a spacious open plan kitchen dining and living area heated by a Yunca multi fuel fire complete with wetback and French doors open out onto a north facing sheltered veranda

For Sale Buyers $650,000+ View By appointment Web pb co nz/HKL102333

5 4 1 1

Anna Hart M 027 294 9678

Pauline Cox M 027 439 3173

First class dairy farm

Seldom do have we have the privilege to market such a quality dairy asset in this highly regarded location Situated at Kokatahi only 20 minutes from Hokitika is this first class 230 ha (subject to survey) dairy farm that has been well developed and farmed by our vendors Currently milking 430 cows achieving top production of 168,777 kgMS

For Sale $5,700,000 + GST (if any)

View By appointment Web pb co nz/HKR10840

6 2 3

Gareth Cox M 021 250 9714

Anna Hart M 027 294 9678

Franz Josef 410 Fox Glacier Highway

Kokatahi 250 Bladier Road

SITUATIONS VACANT

Duetoincreased workloads and companyexpansion, E-Quip have vacancies forFitter Turners /Machinists and aDraughtsmen / Estimatortojoin

Fitter Turners /Machinists

Ideally successful applicants will possess experiencewith line boring,manual lathes,milling machines,plantand machiner y maintenance, CNC experience(but not essential).

Draughtsmen /Estimator

It is essential youhaveexperiencewith Solid Works to be considered forthis role

Applicants must be team players,havea can- do attitude and a focusonhealth and safety.

We offer awide range and interesting varietyofworks,a competitiverenumeration package along with progression and training oppor tunities

Applicants forthese positions MUST have NZ Residenc yoravalid NZ Work Visa.

Allinquiries will be treatedinthe stric test confidence.

Forfur ther information call (03) 768 0135 or email reception@e -quip.co.nz.

NOTICE OF POISON OPERATION

Vector ControlSer vices (VCS) advises thata ground-based possum controloperation will take placetocontrol possum numbers and to preventthe spread of bovine TB from Januar y 20, 2023 to April20, 2023.

NgahereArea: Controlareacovers the Grey Valley SE side from NotownValley upstream to Ahaura. Controlareaincludes: Mullins Rd, Deadmans Ck ,Red Jacks Valley,Ngahere, Kangaroo Ck ,Nelson Creek Valley,Callaghans Valley POISONS USED MAYBE: Cyanide Pastedyedgreen.

Cereal Pellets dyed green. Thepublic arewarned not to remove carcasses or baits Whereaccess is required,landowners will be approached forwritten permission forpreferred controlmethods on their proper ty

General warning: •Don’t touch baits/bait stations •Donot touch carcasses •Keep pets under super vision. Do not let dogs eatcarcasses •Don’t leave children unattended •Followadviceonwarning signs If yoususpec tpoisoning: •Contactyour local hospital,ordial 111 •National Poisons Centre 0800 POISON0800 764 766 •Inthe case of adomestic animal being

– Est 1997 –

Reaching over 15,000 West Coast households and businesses every Wednesday

Editor: PAUL MADGWICK

Email: editor@greystar.co.nz

Reporters

• Westland, Greymouth 03 769 7913 ext 946 news@greystar.co.nz

• Hokitika JANNA SHERMAN 03 755 8421 | jannas@greystar.co.nz Westport, Buller, Karamea ROSE O’CONNOR 021 185 9660 | buller@greystar.co.nz

Reefton CLAIRE WARD 021 250 1104 | reefton@greystar.co.nz

Advertising

MIKE WILSON • Sales 03 769 7927 | mikew@greystar.co.nz

Deadline: 12 Noon, Friday Fax: 03 768 6205

Address: PO Box 3, 3 Werita Street Greymouth 7840

Printed and published by the Greymouth Evening Star Company Ltd

DIRECTORY

Crossword No. 20818 1 2 3 45 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

ACROSS

(4)

JANUARY

18 Fun Fest Triathlon, Westfleet Pool, Runanga, 2pm.

19 Paul Ubana Jones, Donovan's Store, Okarito.

19 National Youth Brass Band, NBS Theatre, Westport 7pm.

20 A walk and a chat, Westland District Library, Hokitika, 10am.

20 Off the Cuff, Nelson Creek Hotel, 8pm.

21 Vintage and Collectables Fair, Civic Centre, Greymouth,10am.

21 West Coast Kahawai Fishing Competition, weigh in 6pm, Kaniere Empire Hotel.

21 Woodstock Family Fun Day, Woodstock Domain, 11am.

21 Street Art workshop with Mark Haldane, Greymouth Town Square, 1pm.

21, 22 The Barden Party, Much Ado About Nothing, Dixon Park, 6pm.

21 Off the Cuff, Lake Brunner Hotel, Moana, 9pm.

22 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

22 Greymouth Sunday Market, Civic Centre, 10am.

24 Indoor skating, Boys Brigade Hall, Hokitika, 10 to 11am.

25-29 Driftwood and Sand Beach Sculpture Festival, Hokitika beachfront.

27 Twilight golf, Hokitika Golf Course.

27 Oscar LaDell and the Skanky Blues Band, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 8pm.

27-29 Woodstock Motorcycle Rally.

28 Westland A and P, Hokitika Racecourse, 9am.

28 Paparoa Wildlife Trust Kiwi Creche open day, Shellback Road, Atarau, 11am.

28 Shakey Ground, Monteith's Brewery, 6pm.

28 The Country Pickers, Lyric Theatre, Granity, 7pm.

28 DJ Miss Implicit, Blackball's Inn and 08 Café, 7pm.

28 West Coast TQ Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

28,29 Junior netball camp, Hokitika.

28,29 The Tempest, Shakespeare in the Blackball Bathhouse, 7.30pm.

29 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

29 Greymouth Sunday Market, Civic Centre, 10am.

FEBRUARY

1 First day of school term.

3 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

3 Barnstormers Blues Review, Woodstock Hotel, 8pm.

4-6 Lake Mahinapua Aquatic Club, 80th anniversary.

4-6 Grey Valley Axemen's Club, Nelson Creek chops, Nelson Creek Domain, 9am.

4 Inangahua A and P Show, Reefton.

4 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

5 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

5 Kumara Boot Sale, Kumara Sportsground, 9am to 2pm.

5 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

5 Poetry reading afternoon, Blackball Workingmen's Club.

5 Gold Trail Ride, starting Shantytown, 9.30am.

11 Buller Gorge Marathon.

11 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

11 Greenstone Park Speedway, race meeting.

12 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

12 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

12 O'Conor Home Gala, Westport.

14 Nikau Harp Trio, Reefton Workingmen's Club, 8pm.

15 Nikau Harp Trio, Barrytown Settlers Hall, 7pm.

18 West Coast Teddy Bear Run, Monteith's Brewery car park, 10am.

18 Blackball Summer Fair and Lawnmower racing, Blackball Domain, midday.

18 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

19 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

19 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

25 South Westland A and P Show, Whataroa.

25 West Coast Champs, Greenstone Park Speedway.

26 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

26 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

MARCH

3 Friday Night Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

4 TQ racing, Greenstone Park Speedway.

4 Lake Kaniere Scenic Triathlon.

4 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

5 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

5 Kumara Boot Sale, Kumara Sportsground, 9am to 2pm.

5 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

11 Wildfoods Festival, Cass Square, Hokitika.

12 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

12 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth

ACROSS

1. Beat the other dogs when it comes to showing affection? (4). 7, Is it strikingly sweet? (4-5). 8. Pop right back with the vehicle (4). 9. Dull, having no high spots (4). 10. Possibly the joint author (4). 11. Has the snow melted (4). 14. Where it is pertinent that the sharpener should be applied (2,3,5). 16. What young members of a team do on a rainy day? (4,2,4). 19. Called to the bar! (4). 22. A well-known name in the advertising business! (4). 24. Backing a horse in it I win (4). 25. A fish cleaner (4). 26. Take a chance that it’s nonsense he’d got engaged (9). 27. She’s stolen the airman’s heart(4).

3.

Thinks the tree has got so gnarled outside (6).

An American female knows how to put people in their places! (5).

She’s up set Edgar (5).

The fat boy has got right inside (4).

Last Week’s Crossword Solutions

Across - 7, Psychiatrist. 8, Banner. 9, Forage. 10, Asteism. 12, Agile. 15, Knave. 16, Earnest. 18, Chalet. 20, Seldom. 22, Imprisonment.

Down - 1, Assassin. 2, Scan. 3, Digress. 4, Stuff. 5, Nitrogen. 6, Stag. 11, Envelope. 13, Lassoing. 14, Passion. 17, Attic. 19, Hail. 21, Lime.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 20817

Across - 7, Penny-whistle. 8, Candle (stick). 9, Carpet. 10, Skipper. 12, Punch. 15, Edd-i-e. 16, Pig-tail. 18, In-tent. 20, Tar-mac. 22, Plain-clothes.

Down - 1, Re-marked. 2, Enid (rev.). 3, S-weeper. 4, Pinch. 5, Star-dust. 6, Pete (peat). 11, Price war. 13, China Tea (anag.). 14, Pistols. 17, Stone. 19, Nip. 21, Rats (rev.).

On the street

10am.

15 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 7.30pm.

16 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, NBS Theatre, Westport, 7.30pm.

18 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway.

18 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

18 Sign of the Firebird, Blackball Workingmen's Club, 8pm.

18,19 West Coast Brick Show, Greymouth High School.

19 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

19 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

25 Totally 80s Show, Regent Theatre, Greymouth, 8pm.

26 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

26 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

APRIL

1 King of the Coast, Greenstone Park Speedway, Cobden.

1 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

2 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

2 Sunday Market, Civic Centre, Greymouth 10am.

2 Demolition Derby, Greenstone Park Speedway, 12pm.

2 Junk 2 Funk wearable art competition, Hokitika.

6 Easter Bunny Street Eats, Greymouth Town Square, 4.30pm.

8,9 Greymouth High School centennial reunion.

9 Fox River Summer Market, Fox River 9am.

15 Greymouth Old Time and Sequence Dance, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 7.30pm.

22,23 Art in the Park.

28,29 Taiko Festival, Punakaiki.

MAY

4 Kita Mean, Regent Theatre, Hokitika, 6pm.

The Greymouth Star regrets if any events in the calendar have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Please contact via our e-mail with any date changes and/or new events.

“I haven't been affected because my daughter has hens.”

“No, because I can buy them from Bev's coffee cart.”

EVENTS

Community events only

“No,

James Heslan Kaiata

“Not by the shortage but by the price – last time I went to buy eggs the price had been doubled.”

Kirk Tindale Boddytown

“When it comes to making pavlovas we have. We haven't had as many as we normally would at this time of year.”

Patsy Bell Hokitika

“No, I'm very fortunate because I have a son who has chickens.”

Sue Callaghan Waimangaroa

because I've been house sitting with two chooks who have been laying eggs!”

Anna Fallon Hokitika

Pat Wilson Waimangaroa

Alice and Friends in Reefton

The pantomime was a great addition to the Christmas celebrations in Reefton, and even included an appearance from Santa Claus.

Cathie Douglas, an exasperating customer, unwittingly having the back of her dress cut away to make her hat. PICTURES: Claire Ward

Lois Williams, show pianist.

Cathie Douglas as The Caterpillar with Suzy Stocker as Alice looking bewildered. The

Cathie Douglas presents Alun Bollinger with flowers after the show.

Trevor Johns as The Mad Hatter.