BLACKBALL NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 15 January 1929, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspo >deut-; The wage-slaves have again settled down after the holidays, and. are busily tugaged producing profits fox the boss, livelihood for Henry, Henrietta, and the small fry. The Blackball Octal Company’s Cooperative Tribute Party workers a? now numbered ajmougst the workless, their show round the hili having fallen into th>J daisies. There is a shortage of truckers la the Blackball mine, but the shortage, according to the managenl nt, will likely remain whilst sparring is going on over the turn system. Although this matter has been discussed at L'niojn meetings many times and by the District Council, no headway is being "inade. Sooner or later a flareup" is inevitable. A strong coiumittel *an energetic secretary and canvassers are at work for the annual picnic, which is to be held"m Hokitika. Even this early th-i affair looks like being well up to standard.

A problem that confronts the Blackball Coal Copipany is the udequat ventilation of the “Dip’’ or “Black Damp” section of the mine. Natural causes create difficulty fe that need a special effort to combat them. It is to be hoped, in the inceikjsts of the wellbeing of the meiT working there, that the special effort will be made. Blackball Miners’ Union on Sunday decided on linking up with the Pan Pacific Trade Union Secretariat; and on financing, by a small levy a propaganda tour by a Communist visitor to Russia. A deputation consisting of the President, Secretary and Treasurer was appoint Id to interview the new Minister of Mines in relation to the sp/edy establishment of Mine Rescue Stations, and the provision of pension's for aged minersJudging by the amount of discussion that is perpetually in ♦evidence at Union meetings in relation to jobs and the turn, quite a premium seems to be placed on Blackball jobs. The oid-established Lynch Family of Bellringers are to appear here shortly, and should be sure of a good houdX Mr W. Kells, senr., is taking over the Cobden Hotel from Mr ••"Scotty” Cilarke. Mr G. Rae sustained a rather serious accident whilst at work in the mine, which resulted in a broken knee cap. Owing to financial stress i,t has been found necessary to’ makS-1 a small charge for children for the remainder ot the - swimming seasofi. A brief but turbulent gaji played havoc with Blackball fruit trees. Beekeepers also r«?popt an advenh season owing to the~Ttequency of showers. Blackball’s billiard saloon is ratfcer like l Oliver Goldsmiths deserted village these days. The proprietor says he takes just about enough to keep square with his chalk bill.