NGAKAWAU NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 February 1928, Page 7

NGAKAWAU NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Rain which fell during Saturday night and Sunday morning proved most acceptable, after another week of good weather. YYrnng Jim Reid, of Hector, deserves commendation for the way he rescued a boy, Raymond Dunbar, of Ngakawau, from the river. This is not the first rescue he has made despite the fact that he is just ten years old. All are pleased to see Andy McCabe, junr, home from the hospital, he having recovered from a bad attack of pneumonic influenza. It is also good to hear that Dave Stevenson is progressing favourably at the hospital. As a result of a serious accident, Dave has had to have the fingers of his left hand amputated. The Westport Stockton Coal Coy’s new bins, which were erected at the same time as the flume, were burned to the ground during the week.

Rumour hath it that Air Charlie Turnbull intends erecting .a billiard saloon here. All hope it is true, because there is no attraction in Ngakawau these days for the boys. It is also stated that our local storekeeper, Air S. McArthur, has sold out to Air Sowerby, of Waimangaroa. Air AlcArthur has always befriended the working man and helped him when lu need.

At a quoits match held at McNarn’s paddock on Saturday between Ngakawau and Stockton, the visiting team had an easy win.

The following is the result of the ballot for the Stockton Miners’ Union. — Secretary, Air J. S. Russell (unopposed); President, Air J. Afcßride (unopposed); Vice-President: Mr AlcArtluir 154 (elected), Air J. Alorgan 54, Air J. Bodger 26, informal 7; Check Inspectors: Air F. Theobald 201 (elected), Air J. Ethridge 144 (elected), Mr I. Tyler SO, informal 26; Checkweighman: Air J. Mcßride 49 (elected), Mr T. Sayfield 4S. It is reported that the workers are not all satisfied with Ihe result of the election for checkweighman. In reply to “Stockton Aliner’s” correspondence in the Argus of February 17th, I may state: —(1) Only 97 votes were recorded, but since that notice was posted >t

has become known that there were three informal votes, though the posters have not been altered. (2) Yes. the dispute re. votes was settled by the Union Committee. The general opinion is that t should have been settled by the Checkweigh Committee. (3) The checkweighman voted. Whether he has a right to do so or not is a question. (4) Yes, the ballot box was opened on Friday night by the Returning Officer, Air Bennett. Air Berry was not present. The votes for Vice-President, Check Inspectors, and Checkweighman were all in the same box.

Such is' the dissatisfaction felt as regards the result of the Cheekweigh-

man’s election, that I hear a protest Ims been lodged for a re-ballot, and it

is to come up for discussion at the next general meeting. The local Cycling Club held a Hunnel ball lit Kiely’s Hall, Granity, on Friday night, and it was a huge success. Mrs MeCaulay, of Christchurch, who has been spending a long holiday with her daughter, Mrs J. Hill, of Ngakawau, returned to Christchurch on Saturday. Miss B. Matthias, of Ngakawau, has returned from Wellington.