MILLERTON NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 12 October 1922, Page 8

MILLERTON NOTES.

(Our Own Correspondent.) We have in Millerton adopted the building craze. Houses are going up in good style all over our little township. Whether this is in the interest of the toiler remains to be seen. There is one thing certain—he will have to pay very dearly for his new home at the price of building material at the present time. Football was rather slack this weekend. The only Soccer match was between Denniston and Granity at Granity for the Webster Cup. The result was a draw, no score on either side. These two teams are going to take some beating, so wake up Wanderers and Thistle if you hope to scoop this Cup. The Ranger Football Club were rather

unfortunate in getting a very wet night for their annual ball. Nevertheless, a good crowd turned up, and a splendid night’s enjoyment was the result. The music was supplied by McNight’s Orchestra; and was much appreciated by the dancers. The winners for most original costumes were: Ladies, Miss Beynon (representing an old dame); and gentlemen, Mr J. Jeffries (representing “The Big Double’’) . During the evening, Mr A. Beverland, on behalf of the Ranger Club, presented Mr 1 11. Mulgrove with a handsome gold 'medal, he being selected as the most improved player for the season. The selection was very popular, which was I demonstrated by the round of applause when Mr Mulgrove rose to reply. The secretary, Mr (1. Newman, is to be complimented on arranging such a successful evening’s enjoyment. The petition for the continuation of .Sunday pictures has been signed by 'every person living at Millerton and Stockton. No one in this little part of the Globe is wowseristic enough wish to deny the people this little harmless enjoyment. This petition will be forwarded to the proper quarter, and will clearly demonstrate the mining population’s feeling in regard to Sunday night pictures. Everything is in readiness for the miners’ Labour Day sports. The Committee have given every detail close attention. Donations are coming in for all sorts of events for old and young, The names of those donating prizes will be mentioned in my next notes. The usual dance will be held in the evening in the County Hall, also a big waltzing competition; so roll up you star waltzers, and try yourself out! The coming election has not caused much stir in Millerton. Mr H. E. Holland is assured of a “cake-walk” here.: The Massey “Independent” need not show his head through the tunnel. We have no time for his humbug in the political arena. Something more revolutionary than the present Labour Party would suit us better, but Holland for preference against anything that, has so far appeared on the political horizon! Wo see in the paper where the judge of the Court has considered the cost of living has fallen to the extent of one penny per day on the miners’ wages, etc. Well, this should stir the miners on the Coast. If any judge can show where the cost of living has decreased on this Coast, he is a marvel. The [miners’ representatives are meeting at Reef ton this week-end to discuss this •very important question. Now what about our West Coast organisation ? Experience is the great teacher. Let these delegates use their brains in an intelligent way, and the outcome will be the [protection of the toiler on this Coast, who has been the dupe for many years. Now the reaction is setting in. Two courses are open for the Coast Unions. They must either stick solidly to the National Organisation, or immediately form au organisation on the Coast. Which is the better course, is a matter of opinion. The leaders of the Unions in these two districts are lacking in their duty if the true position is not . immediately placed before the rank and ’ Hie. We trust the Reef ton Conference will bring forth something workable towards a better understanding among the toilers on the Coast. We see a good deal of ink spilt in connection with something Mr .1. A. McDonald, the Canadian lecturer, wrote in the “Western Clarion,'’ after he returned to Canada. The only mistake that the toilers of this country made was to ever allow Mr McDonald to leave New Zealand. Your correspondent had the pleasure of hearing him a few times, and a finer exponent of working class principles it would be hard to find. He was clean in his criticism of anything he thought was wrong. He was a gentleman to meet. What, he wrote, in the “Western Clarion” was the truth. It was not his I fault that he found the Labour Movement backward in New Zealand. It is the fault of the Dubb himself. I We had a visit from the Prohibition speakers, Father Zurcher, Dr O’Brien, and Mr Todd. There was a good crowd present. Dr O’Brien dealt with the subject of liquor and the human system. Father Zurcher gave details of Prohibition in America', ami Mr I Todd dealt with Prohibition, from a I commercial standpoint. All tin* speakers were given an attentive hearing. A. vote of thanks to them terminated ’ the meeting. I -