REEFTON GARDENS DAMAGED BY HEAVY MORNING FROST.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1947, Page 9

REEFTON GARDENS DAMAGED BY HEAVY MORNING FROST.

(0.C.) REEFTON, This Day. Following heavy rain, with boisterous southerly weather on Sunday, an improvemeht in conditions brought the Reefton district a very heavy frost yesterday morning. Of mid-winter severity, the frost played havoc with yourig garden growth and uncovered potatoes of the early variety were blackened. The day was sunny. There is again a heavy fall of snow on the mountain tops. POWER PLANT QUESTION

The meeting at Reefton between the public relations officer.- of the Christchurch City Council (Mr T. 11. Langford) and Messrs J. K. Patterson, 11. Yellowlees and V. L. Newcombe (representing the Inangahua District Progress League) concerning the potential resources of the district fci; a steam-driven electricity generating station was held during the week-end.

Mr Langford explained the need in Canterbury for an increased supply of electric power. He said it had been considered that Reefton presented an ideal situation for the ereclion of an electric power plant. Data prepared by the league was supplied to Mr Langford. This covered the availability of coal supplies, sources of water supply and the probable labour forces needed.

Following a lull discussion on the report, Mr Langford thanked the Progress League for its work.on the report and its interest in the proposal, which is to be placed before the appropriate department. COAL OUTPUT IMPROVED Output from Reefton coal mines showed an improvement last week, 2408 tons being consigned from the leading ramp. The mines worked the full week, but the showery weather hampered production at the opencast mines. One open-cast unit is able to produce over 150 tens per day, under normal working conditions. HIGH SCHOOL BALL The Reefton District High School annual fancy dress ball was held on Friday night, in the.gymnasium. The attendance was verj’ large. This year the fancy costumas of the children were very gay, the improved supplies of crepe paper being an assistance. Music lor the dancing was supplied by Mrs Archer (piano), Mr M. Nicholls (cornet) and Misses E. Nicholls and V. Maindonald. Mrs Cunniffe also assisted. Mrs Kidd played for the later adults dance programme. MINOR FIRE OUTBREAK

The Reefton Fire Brigade was called shortly after six o’clock last evening to a minor outbreak of fire at the home of Mr W. J. Humphries, Shiel street. Located in the roof, between the tiles and the ceiling, the fire was noticed early. No major damage was caused to the building, although water and smoke caused some damage. One lead of hose was run out, but was not needed. The use of the emergency fire pumps stopped the spread of the flames.