NGAKAWAU NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1922, Page 2

NGAKAWAU NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) The weather here for the last fortnight has been very eratie, wind, with rain galore, making things very unpleasant for the visiting public, during week-ends. On Saturday, the 22nd, a foot-race was run oil’ in McNarn’s Paddock, the contestants being Harris (Ngakawau) and Nahr (Westport), the distance being half a mile. It was a wretched day, and not conducive to good running, as will be seen by the time, 2.25. Harris won by about three ami a-half yards. There was a heavy gale blowing at the time from a westerly direction, and parts of the track were under water, the result of a very heavy shower just prior to the race starting. It is stated that quite a lot of money changed hands. Taking everything into consideration, it can hardly be said to be a fair trial of speed or endurance. On Sunday, 23rd, Mr G. Marks, organiser for the Russian Famine Relief Fund, addressed a public meeting in McNarn’s Hall, the meeting was poorly attended, between 20 and 30 only being present. The speaker dealt exhaustively with the conditions that prevailed in Russia when he was there, also the conditions that were partly responsible for the shortage of food, and made an eloquent appeal for funds that were needed as soon as posible. Owing to there not beng a suitable lantern available, Mr Marks was not able to show his slides. A good many questions were asked and answered satisfactorily. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker and a collection for the above fund. Some time ago there was formed in this district a new union, called the Stockton Deputies’ and Foremans’ Union. (No harm in that.) Later on, the W.S.C. Co. gave all their foremen and weekly wage men (with the exception of three or four deputies) a fortnight’s notice, terminating their weekly wage, and putting them on a daily wage instead. The result of that was a call at the Miners’ Union office for enrolment as members of those so reduced, with the exception of two of the said foremen. Now those two gentlemen have so far failed to join up —for what reason is not ascertainable. Wliut standing have thye got? They are not weekly men; they are not in the union. It is reported that one of those who received a cut in his wages of something like 3/- per shift, and yet won’t join the union. What are the mien going to do about it I wonder? ( The Ngakawau Coal Mining Co. are still on the ‘‘go slow.’’ They are still 1 going to get coal down “to-morrow.” Quite a good deal of uneasiness is being created among the local shareholders, owing to a report that one of the most prominent members who holds quite a number of shares, quietly divesting himself of his shares to a few private persons at a good sum (£5O per share), and at the same time retaining his position on the promoters’ list. The Westport Stockton Coal Co.’s Mine has been idle during the past week, owing to a huge slip at the entrance to the stable tunnel, which completely blocked the mouth of No. 6 Section, and prevented any work being done in the main tunnel. Gangs of I men have been working to effect a clearance, and by Saturday night it was sufficiently cleared to allow of the loco road, which was badly knocked about, to be repaired, also the electric trolley wires to bo fixed. Everything was torn down with the debris. The entrance to the stable section will be opened as soon as possible. As there were only three pair of miners workingin that section, they will be found work in other parts of the mine. It was expected work in the main section and No. 6 would be resumed on Tuesday. The football season is in full swing. On Saturday, April 22, the Granity Rovers met and defeated the Westport Rivals, putting up a cricket score, 58 points to three, at. Granity. At Mokihinui the Westport Stars played Mokihinui. The game resulted six’ all. At Ngakawau the Mokinhinui Juniors | met and defeated Ngakawau Juniors by 13 points to three, though the score is not a fair indication of the play. The home team went on the field three players short. A dance will be held in McNarn’s Hall on Saturday, May 6, in aid of the Children’s Picnic Fund. On Thursday, the 20th April, Mr Alt Wheatly presented to the Ngakawau public his famous pantomime, “The Enchanted Princess,” which was well received by a packed house. Mr r Wheatly is to be complimented on the excellence of the performance whjch was in aid of the Granity Silver Band. In thanking the audience for their attendance, he (Mr Wheatly) announced that Mr T. McDonald, of Granity, had presented each performer with a box of chocolates. It is reported that a certain amount of sectarianism was introduced into the Granity School Committee election. It is a pity there was not some way of stifling those responsible for the spread of that particular germ. How do they expect to carry the education of the young to a successful issue, when they themselves are contaminated?