BLACKBALL NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 October 1928, Page 12

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.)

Mr R. Hutchinson (the Blackball junior goalkeeper) now employed on the Buller Gorge, road, was on a visit to Blackball during the weekend.

The Irvine Challenge Shield game at Blackball on Sunday was a. willing contest from beginning l<> end, more “brute force" tactics being adopted than scientific methods. The Grey team, at one period, seemed to have the game in safe keeping, but a try and conversion on the locals behalf, ten minutes from the finish, staved off defeat. Air C. J. Strongman (Inspector of Mines) visited the Blackball mine on Monday. The local workers employed on the Brunner track road construction job, have been unfortunate in encountering a prolonged spell of bad weather. Thirty-two from the local unemployed ranks, cavilled the track job, but weather conditions of late have made it well nigh impossible for them to continue operations. Naturally, good pays will be entirely out of the question when pay-day comes. In view of the forthcoming elections in the near future all inhabitants of this township with at least 12 months’ residential qualifications, are being sought after for enrolment in the Buller constituency. The climatic conditions of late have been, on the ■whole, and stormy. On Tuesday local householders were, busy repairing roofs and fencing torn asunder by the fury of the gale. On Wednesday hailstorms were much in evidence, with thunder and lightning at intervals in the late evening. Sunshine, on Thursday, indicated better weather for the coming weekend.

The Blackball mine still continues to work full time, and providing the Grey bar remains workable for shipping operations, prospects for the future seem bright, several “special” trains being already booked for Blackball.

The local mine has received its fair quota of visitors quite recently. On Monday Captain Walker (Brunner), Captain Searle (Greymouth), and Ensign Thomas, all of the Salvation Army Corps, accompanied by Mr H. Frickleton and Master H. Hogg (Blackball) visited the interior of the Blackball mine, one and all being greatly interested in. the methods adopted in the system of coal production, particularly as regards blasting operations, both before, and after effects of a “shot” had been demonstrated. Ensign Thompson is on holiday, after 6J years’ service in India, and contemplates returning to India again, in about a fortnight’s time. Dr Bennett, the local medical practitioner, and Mrs Bennett, also visited the mine workings on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by Mr T. Caldwell (Deputy) of the local mine staff. On Monday last a social evening was held in the Druids’ Hall, Blackball, under the auspices of the Salvation Army. A large audience attended, and enjoyed the interesting lecture detailed by Ensign Thomas, on India and its people, and also outlined the ways and customs of the Hindoos in daily life. Ensign Thomas who has recently returend to New Zealand from India, adorned his Indian costume, to the delight of the juveniles present. Captain Searle (Greymouth) also addressed the audience present, and also taught the juveniles various choruses, whiqh were lustily indulged in throughout the evening’s entertainment. Captain Walker (Brunner) also gave an address on various subjects, after which the lady members present handed round refreshments, which was greatly appreciated.

On Monday next the Greymouth i Munipical Band will render a programme of music in the Miners’ Hall, I Blackball. It is stated that the entire proceeds of the concert will be devoted to the funds of the local unemployed ranks. Recently, Mr Jos. Glasson of this township, met with a severe injury to his hand, while manipulating an axe, the injury necessitating medical treatment. Mrs J. Vaughan, Mr Albert Clarke and Mrs Clarke, Mr F. Clarke, and Mr R. Nelson, returned to Blackball by Thursday’s express from Christchurch, after attending the funeral of teh late Mr N. Harrison. Mr and Mrs N. Clarke, and Mr and Mrs H. Harrison (Westport) will return on Saturday.