NGAKAWAU NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 7 June 1922, Page 7

NGAKAWAU NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) Winter has come upon us very suddenly during the past week, live days with east to south cast with squally winds and sharp frosts which make one hunt for warmer wearing apparel. As predicted in my List notes, the Ngakawau Junior Football Ham made things very lively in th.dr match against the Millerton Rangers, ami although they were beaten by 13 points to 3. they were not disgraced. The Rangers had a remarkable run of luck, and they are to be complimented on their tine goal-kicker, who kicked four fine goals, one being a drop kick. The Ngakawau team was the only one to cross the line, when they score! a weildeserved try. Their backs were too solid on defence to allow thidr opponents to cross over.

It is reported that the Ngakawau Coal Mining Syndicate has closed down, after sending away a trial shipment ot coal. This is rather unfortunate as it was looked upon by some as Hie solution of the unemployed problem. Il is reported that on .May the ISth a fire broke out in the dT.’lcrton mine in one of the best sections, but the latest information is that the Company’s officials have the fire well in hand and are pre\ anting it from spreading to the other sections. The Westport-Stockton Mine has been idle since last Mon<lay. 29th, owing, iis stated, io the lack of shipping. This coming on top of the huge reduction in wages will make it felt doubly strong on next pay-day but what about the reduction in tlie cost of living! It appears that it is still stopping up alter all the- blow about the fall if wages were reduced. Having tried to think the thing out from various viewpoints and found that they still intend to keep the cost up, I have concluded that the only solution to be arrived at by the workers is to deduct the same percentage from their accounts when paying them as has been deducted from their pay. Not for one or two to do it, but for all to make common cause '‘nd thereby’ force down the prices the sanu as wages have been forced down. At a meeting of the Ngakawau Miners’ Union held recently, the written answer of the Directors to the various deputations was received and discussed There was not much gained with Hie exception of the retention of certain privileges which have to be left intact. and where there has i>«en a reduction of those privileges, they have to be reinstated. A good deal of discussion took place with regard to a movement that is started to form a branch of the West I: 1 ml Hngine-dii vers ’ Firemen’s and Mechanics' I nion. The general opinion seemed to be that it would be a retrogressive move instead of a progressive one. and that the days of cruft unionism were past. What was wanted avus a more solid organisation to fight the capitalistic movements that uro making such inroads into the working-class movement. Eventually it avus decided to call a special general meeting at an early date to consider the matter, when a full attendance is expected. Mr J. Brayshaw, late of Ixumara. has severed his connection with the West port-Stnekton Goal Company, and is .seeking fields and pastures ucav. A social evening is to be hvld on Saturday night next at the resilience of Mr R. Taylor. Hector. Avhen Air and Airs Taylor propose to celebrate their silver wedding. Mr and Airs Taylor have resided in this district for a good number of years and are well liked by all Avho have come in contact Avith them and no doubt Avill ha\o the good Avishes of the whole community on the happy occasion. The friends of Afiss B. Taylor Avill regret to hear that she is al present laid up owing to a rather serious scalding accident which she met Avith the other day. The latest report, is that she is progressing as Avell as can bo expected. Arrangements are being made in this district to run a bazaar in aid of the Piano Fund for Granity and Heclor schools. Canvassers were appointed to make a house to house canvas to raise funds. Airs Alexander and Airs Gear w-ere the canvassers for Hector district. The Salv: tion Army held a rally at Ngakawau in AlcNarn’s Hall on Wednesday last. Quite an enjoyable evening avus spent and quite a good crowd turned up, although it was a bittcil.A cold night. The event was organised by Ensign Samuels, who is at present staying with friends at Hector. It has come to the knowledge of vour correspondent '.hat there are sca - oral residents of (his district Avho are in the habit of buying the “Grey River Argus” only on the nights that the* Ngakawau Notes appear. Now in future I Avill endeavour to gel mv notes aAvay in time for Thursday's paper, so as to save those customers tin' trouble of having to ask the boy every night if they are in- providing always of course it is suitable to those who have the setting up of the paper. Perhaps some day avo may induce them to take it every day.