BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 February 1928, Page 8

BLACKBALL NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Idle time is still the order of the day at Blackball. So far, shipping orders for the present week only- approximate 900 tons. A happy contrast to our inactivity is the state of the coal trade in the Buller district, where all the mines have worked practically full time since Christmas. Thus is the difference exemplified as between the bar harbours

of Greymouth and Westport. All promises well for the swimming carnival here on Sunday next, which is being looked forward to with keen anticipation.

The state of the money market at Blackball may be gauged by the fact that at a show advertised to take plac? last Thursday (the day before pay day. only three patrons passed through the turnstiles. Needless to say, the show

did n6t eventuate, a postponement baling made until Saturday, when the show was run in conjunction with the pictures, with good results.

The painfully sudden passing of Mrs eJas. Neilson, junr, of Blackball, came as a distinct shock to the friends of the Neilson and Sneddon families. The deceased lady had practically spent all her life in Blackball, and will be much missed by a large circle of friends. Il is reported that the collaboration conference between the Roa Mine Directors ami Uni (rn representatives was anything but a huge success. One fails Io see what the “boss” can offer at

lhese conferences that is of any material benefit to the workers. The general trend of “Masters’ ” advice is simply:

“Give us a. good spin; produce all you can; if we do any pin-pricking or sacking, overlook it in the interests of industrial peace; and then, when we have cleaned up our other competitors, we will possibly be able to consider the workers’ demands or requests for a belter standard of living.’’ Summed up, Masters’ advice is a revised version of “You’ll get pie in t,] lp s ] <v w h oll vou die!”

Blackball Communists and friends participated in an enjoyable picnic at Ihe Seven Mile on Sunday last. Representatives of the Grey District -Miners’ Unions met in Westport on Saturday last, charged with the responsibility of framing proposals for a new agreement with the coal owners. That the miners are anything but satisfied with present conditions was proved by the large number of remits sent along. The stock of the Blackball cricketers slumped badly as the result of a heavy reverse at Brunner on Sunday last. The Blackballit.es were well beaten in all departments of the game. Ah Wce ; the well known Chinese market gard'iier, has sold out his ranch, and has left for pastures new. The small son of Air mid Mrs J. Slenhouse had the misfortune to fall and fracture his collar bone. It is reported that the sale of thr-e or four new motor cars has been effected in Blackball. Prosperity in unexpected places! The District Health Ofticer visit ed Blackball last Week, and found plen' ; r to occupy his attention. A lot of work could be found some of the unemployed supplying Blackball with a sanitary and water system. The prospecting tunnel in the West Level at the Roa Mine is still being driven! Tmst week it was reported that the anticipated seam had been struck. This report is now proved to have been too optimistic or premature. Several applications from Blackball for participation in the supposed benefits of the Family Allowance Act have been obliterated by unfriendly hands of the Pensions Department staff. Unless the benefits under this Act ace considerably widened in scope, it might as well be wiped off the statutes. The dreaded black damp has again made its appearance in the Main Dip Section of Blackball Mine. ‘Those working in this part of the mine will be pleased to see ventilation back to normal.

BLACKBALL SOCCER CLUB. Tj'he above Club held its annual general meeting last week-end, a large number of members attending, and a keen interest was taken in the business. 'The annual halant.? sheet was adopted as very satisfactory. Ofticms for the year were duly el. < I ‘d as follows.— Patron, Mrs 11. J. < ampbcll; President, Mr <'. Hogg; Yic-.-Prcsi-dents: Miss Aynsley, Mr .las- Neilson, senr, Mr U. Thompson, Mr E Dunipleton, Dr Ray, Mr Jas. Haisfv Mr A. Saralv, Mr Jas. Sneddon, Mr W. Blackman, Mr R. Colquhoun, Mr Jas. MoNicol, Mr W. Richardson, and Air Al. Stewart. Messrs J. Vaughan and D. J. Cochrane were re-elected Secretary and 'Treasurer for the ensuing season. A Management Committee, composed of Messrs W. Carter, A. Join's, G. Anderson, sour, with power to add four more (exclusive of players), was elected to deal with Club matters, along with President and Secretary of Club. Ihe 'Team Selection Committee elected were Messrs W. Carter, G. Anderson, senr, J. Vaughan. Mr C. Hogg (President) and Air J. Vaughan (Secretary) wer<‘ nominated to represent the Club at West land F.A. annual meeting. Mill. Ritchie and Air J. Vaughan were nominated as referees for ensuing season. A series of trial games will b.‘ played in the near which should enable th- selectors to pick out any aspirants for the senior team. Up t<‘ the present tinie no new players of any renown have, arrived in the district, .si the team, on tin' whole, will be composed chmfiy of the “Boys of the Old Brigade,” who are again looking forward to another successful season.