DENNISTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1934, Page 7

DENNISTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Motoring Fatality. An inquest was opened by Air. E. R. Fox, J.P., Coroner, regarding the recent motor fatality. Constable W. Spence represented, the police. Richard John Webster, a miner in the employ of the W. C. Company at Denniston states; I am a son-in-law of the deceased, Walter H. Richards, whom I last saw alive on the evening of 17th August, about 6 p.m. He was then in his usual health. I identified the body of my late father-in-law. He was 58 years of ago and was a native of Ballarat, Victoria. He had been in New Zealand 26 years, and for the last 13 years a resident of Denniston, where he has been employed by the Westport Coal Company, as an engine driver. He was a married man with a wife and seven children. He was of sober habits and neither drank nor smoked. He was the owner of a five-seater Ford car. The Coroner adjourned the inquest sine die. The funeral of the late Alr.| W. Richards took place on Wednesday at the Orawaiti Cemetery, and was largely attended. Social. The staff and pupils of the Denniston High School held a farewell social to two school masters, Mr. Hubbard and Mr. Loder, who are leaving the district to take up other appointments. Masters Haywood and Hewitson spoke highly of the relationships between the scholars and the departing teachers, and on behalf of all wished them the best of luck and every success in their new spheres. Air. Hubbard and Air. Loder suitably replied, thanking the gathering for their kind wishes. Rugby Football.

Two RTcal teams, Pirates of Denniston and Bachelors, of Burnett’s Face, met in a fixture for the Prince Memorial Cup, and after a hard and fast game the result was a draw 6—6. For Pirates, D. Hamilton scored a try and Hannah kicked a penalty. For Bachelors, Aladden scored a try and J. Doyiv kicked a penalty. Air. Vie Smith ably controlled the game, which was played in the best sporting spirit. At the conclusion the players and numerous supporters made a nice presentation to Air “Cock” Bateson. Air Gray, in a snappy speech on behalf of all present, thanked Air. Bateson for his support throughout the season and made the presentation. Mr. Bateson, who is reckoned as the best of battlers for any worthy cause, sport or otherwise, suitably replied amid cheers. Pirates won the toss, but Bachelors immediately attacked, their backs playing well. With a nice passing movement they took the ball to half way. Both sets of forwards were grafting hard. The Bachelors forwards led by Steele and Croudis, gained much ground and from an infringement Doyle of Bachelors, missed with a kick that looked a certainty. Pirates got-going, and Smythe sent out smartly, but the movement broke down when Scott was forced out a yard from the line. Curragh cleared well and play ended on the Pirates line, where from a serum infringement Doyle made sure of the kick, placing the ball nicely between the sticks. During the remainder of the first half Pirates tried very hard to equalise, but the Bachelors defended strongly and at half time the scores were Pirates 0; Bachelors 3.

On the resumption, the ball went from one end of the field to the other, when D. Hamilton snapped it up and scored a great try for I ’irates. Scott took the kick which was charged down. From the kick off, Pirate backs mulled the ball and Madden scored a try for Bachelors. Doyle failed with the kick. Pirates 3; Bachelors 6. From now on Pirates were pressing all the time, and for offside play they were awarded a kick. Hannah’s effort was lucky, for the ball hit the bar and just skidded over, making the scores even. Pirates did all the attacking and kept the play in Bachelors 25, but could not score, and the game finished a draw. Both teams have improved during the season, especially the Bachelors, for this is their first year.

Union Meeting. Denniston Miners’ Union held a special meeting to hear Air. Whittle give a report of the conference recently held over several matters in dispute. A report was given of the recent Seamens and Firemens’ stand for the restoration of the 10 per cent, cut, and resolutions were carried affecting the Buller district, similar to those at Greymouth. The miners will undoubtedly stand solid along with the seamen when the time is opportune. Certain recommendations were endorsed from the Central Committee. Mr. Meldruni’s decision re Nelson’s case has not yet come to hand, so was not discussed. but a meeting will be held in the near future. Voluminous correspondence was read concerning compensation cases and it is apparent that other cases will have to go before the Court for decision. The interpretation of the “Shewen decision” by the insurance companies puts a mine worker in a worse position than ever. Why not classify all mine workers as intermittent workers, similar to wharf labourers? They are' certainly not regularly employed. A ballot for National Officials is being taken at all the mines, but the result will not be known for a few days. The recent storms did some damage on the Hill, several out-houses and garages being blown down. The iron trellis work tower that the Fire Brigade were erecting at the fire station, was blown down. Fortunately the post office at Denniston stood the strain, though several sheets of iron were blown away. The building has been a disgrace for months now. At last the P. and T. are effecting repairs, and its not before time.

Dangerous Corner. There are several very sharp and dangerous places on the Denniston Track that could easily be removed to mhke it safer for the travelling public.