BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1925, Page 8

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our owi correßpondfent.) Messrs White (Wellington) and MeKellar (Christchurch) visited Blackball in connection with, the housing accommodation. This was followed by a visit of the Inspector of Alines, Mr Strongman, the Inspector of Health, Mr Russell, and the General Manager of the Mine. When interviewed, the 'Coal Companies representative seemed sympathetic enough, but claimed that the question of finance was a great obstacle. However, they arc going to state definitely within the next few days just what they are able and prepared 1o do. After a somewhat lengthy absence from this district, the Alines Inspector is once again making a tour of inspection. Evidently this gentleman has too large an area to cover, and the appointment of an assistant or the Government payment of workmen's Inspectors would enable a regular monthly inspection tr. be made. After a very lengthy enforced holiday, the schools re-opened on Monday last, iiiudi to the relief of harassed parents ami school teachers. Blackball, like the majority of the townships of the West Coast, did not have a. single case, of the dreaded disease, which, considering the complete lack of a sanitation and a water system, is some , what remarkable. Evidently the West Coast is too hard for the T.P. germ!

Everything is in readiness for the May Day celebration and dance cn Friday next, and it is fully anticipated that Blackball will bo about the busiest city on the West Coast on that particular date. Roa Union’s grand smoke concert to celebrate Afay Day and the interrational working class movement eventuates in the Union Hall, Roa. on Thursday evening at 8 o’clock.

Outside of tho usual routine of grievances, industrial peace and harmony prevail. Even the cost of living has risen, and the Alincrs’ Union have pulled away from the “starvation court of the exploiters.” All the predictions about industrial unrest and anarchy that would follow unless the Workers were under the legal machinery of the Arbitration Ccurt, have fallen fiat, which proves that even under the capitalist system of exploitation, workers can be reasonable when discussing the question of how much the slaves’ labour power is worth to the boss. When the workers decide internationally to dump the exploiters off their backs it will be easier still to regulate hours and conditions. Blackball and Roa League dubs had a strenuous time last week-end. Blackball easily accounted for Inangahua in a very tame game at Blackball, the only redeeming features of which were occasional passing bouts by the Blackball backs. The visitors wdll have to strengthen their team considerably if they arc to cut any ice in the competition. Air '!'<»m Todd refereed efficiently. The juniors landed the Rovers n a hard game at Dunolli-e, but came off second best physically. Two of the locals are now basking in the sun with strapped-up shoulders. It’s no game fur an “Algy,” is League! The thirds played Grey thirds prior to the senior game, and were Well and truly licked by the visitors, who eased up after a strenuous opening, by 16 points to three. Tn this game, AlcDounld, of Iho local thirteen, was rendered hors de combat. The Blackball Aline continues to work steadily, and could do with a few huskies to push trucks. They can sleep in the bath house or on the boilers if they cannot obtain board and lodgings.

Building operations arc going ahead some at Blackball. The Coal Company arc building a new batchers’ hut, and incidentally the “heads” have agreed to reduce the rent to 1/6 per week. The Blackball Directors arc prepared to assist in the making of a tennis court if the citizens will only get busy, and have agreed to make a donation of books to the library, and arc also prepared to donate prices for the best cottage garden, etc. This seribe van see the citizens beginning to take a keen civic pride in Blackball. The Registrar of Friendly Societies has agreed to the alteration of the rules Io enable benefits to be paid to members who get hurt in the capacity of ordinary citizens in the every day walk of life, always with the proviso that “John Barleycorn” has nothing to do with any injuries received. A. benefit jicture show will be given in Mandi’s Hall to-night. The proceeds go in aid of May Day celebrations. The sporting event for Anzae. Day al Blackball is an important soccer match at 2.30 p.m., Blackball v. Greymoutli. As the Grey team is a strong one, and both teams are after the medals, a hard game is bound to eventuate.