DENNISTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 4 October 1934, Page 7

DENNISTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Gymnastic Display. Mr. A. Spencer and his company of athletes, are to be heartily congratulated on their endeavour to assist in raising finance to help the Holland Memorial Hall Committee. With that object in view, they gave to a good house on Denniston one of the best gymnastic displays, interspersed with vocal items, of the Concert party. Unfortunately the weather was at its worst, heavy 7 rain, keeping away many, but one and all can rest assured that this show is well worth seeing. Mr. Gibbons acted as announcer, and the opening item was a full gymnastic tab leaux by the entire company 7 , which was greatly 7 appreciated by the audience. Marches were given by ladies and gentlemen, and a song “Danny Boy” by Miss Lee, was rendered beautifully. Step Dancing by Misses Ryan, Neame and Caldwell was a snappy item that deserved the demand for an encore.

The Ladies’ Club then gave their bar bell drill, accompanied by music, this item being also encored and it earned unstinted applause. The ladies moved as one in keeping time and their instructor must be proud of them. Miss Mollv Kilkenny 7 followed with a dance,

“Shean Trubhais” and on being loudly applauded obliged by giving a very clever display 7 of the Highland Fling. This young lady is becoming an expert at Highland dancing, her item being wonderfully well received. Miss Kearn’s then sang “Wyoming” and was obliged to render an encore. Miss K. Caldwell gave the recitation “Foolish Questions,” many’ wondering why they- had not been enlightened years ago. During the vocal items the parallel bars had been erected, and as the curtains were opened the Gymnastic Club took the stage, ami some very clever solo efforts were witnessed. Several tableaux were erected in fast time and the public appreciated these items. The babies of the Club, “The Durkin Twins,” carried their parts out very well indeed. A fine recitation was given by Miss Fat tie Ryan, and a clever eccentric dance by Mr. Dick Durkin, who was loudly' cheered for wonderful dancing on his hands and clever step dancing. After the interval, the special item of the party was staged by Messrs G. Spencer and Trevor Phipps—in classical posing, both these performers are splendid specimens physically, and under the instructions of an old master, have perfected their various poses. Each item was received with loud applause but this did not affect the steadiness or accuracy 7 of each model. This item will bo starred anywhere. A song by Miss Rees, “Daddv,” was beautifully’ rendered and well received, and she obliged with “Little Moira Come.” The song, by Miss Lee “Mv Ain Folk” drew an encore, and “The Valley of the Moon ” was cordially received. The Ladies’ Club then gave a splendid display' of Club swinging, keeping beautiful time to the piano, and their item was encored. A horizontal bar display by the Gymnastic Club gave the opportunity for solo efforts and some very clever work was shown Every member of this troupe is physically fit and each item was heartily cheered, especially the grand circle by Mr. A. Bradley’. Miss Kilkenny then gave

“Impersonations,” and showed what a talented dancer can do. Mr. D. Dur kin gave a song and dance and as a recall “The Drunken Man,” a real scream, with wonderfully' clever dancing and balancing, which all enjoyed. The final item was a tableaux by’ the entire company and undoubtedly' every member deserved the thunderous rounds of applause that greeted them in their act. Mr. Gibbons thanked the audience for their wonderful attendance on such a wet night, and for their financial support to build a memorial hall in loving memory of the late Mr. 11. E. Holland. There was a good attendance at the dance that followed the concert, Mrs. Curtis supplying spirited music, and it was acclaimed by all as one of the best shows that had appeared at Denniston.

Union Meeting. Mr. Chas. Smith presided over a good attendance of members. Mr. T. Whittle gave a full report of the proceedings of the annual meeting of the West Coast Miners’ District Council recently held in Westport. The members were handed a copy of the council’s balance sheet and several items wre questioned and satisfactorily answered. One of the resolutions carried was that all branches terminate their financial periods at the end of June and December. There was a recommendation re representatives on the “Grey River Argus” Board. A grant of £2/2/- was made to the Greymoutft Council of Action and a similar amount to the Buller Council of Action when it is formed. There were certain

recommendations re safety in mines, etc., and report on the Seaman’s strike. The report and balance sheet were accepted, except one item as to what the delegate was asked to inquire from Secretary T. Sniitheram. Mr. T. Whittle gave a report of the Disputes Committee held in Grey mouth, where Mr. W. Meldrum acted as the independent chairman. Mr. Whittle read the written finding of Mr. Meldrum. Several questions were asked of Mr. Whittle and Mr. F. Nelson, and it was carried unanimously that the Secretary be instructed to give the full facts and a report of the chairman’s findings through the National Secretary’ to Mr. iP. C. Webb with a view of bringing the ease before the Select Miners’ Committee of the House. The full details of this case and Mr. Meldrum’s decision will be published in the “Argus” at a later date.

A circular was read from the National Secretary re a conference that has been arranged to take place in Wellington on the 15th October, the miners to have three representatives, the owners three and the Mines Department representation with a view of setting up Rescue Brigades, etc., at the mines and with the Minister’s assurance that the conference should have a full discussion, embracing safety in mines.

Mr. A. McLagan, Mr. J. Smeaton and the northern miners’ delegate will represent the Miners and several remits were discussed and sent forward to the national secretary. Mr. T. Whittle will take office as national President at the annual meeting of the United mine workers and it is hoped that the returning officer Mr. J. Clark, will have given the result of the ballot for the representative for the Buller so that he will also be in attendance.

Mr. Hugh Smith, the local secretary supplied all members with the local Union’s Balance sheet. Several questions were asked and the secretary answered them satisfactorily. The balance sheet was accepted as satisfactory. Several members have made a continual practice of being behind in their financial obligations to the Union and drastic action will be taken within a given period, in compliance with the agreement. The secretary was instructed to communicate with persons who have obtained loans from the Union and have not attempted a refund. If this is unsuccessful other methods will be adopted to recover the Union funds. The Secretary’s action in getting Mr. P. Struthers as auditor was endorsed. There was a long discussion on necessary renovations to the hall at Denniston and the committee were empowered to get prices, etc., and report so that thes.' improvements may be put into effect. The position of check weighman and the salary will be discussed at the next meeting. It was decided that Mi. Lou Harrison carry the weigh sheets to the top mine. The Committee are busily employed, as instructed at the general meeting, in drawing up an article for publication throughout N.Z. showing the wages and conditions that have been filched from the mine workers on Denniston during the last three years. When some of the pay dockets are printed, the truth will be exposed to the householders in the towns that have to pay such exorbitant prices for coal, and are under the impression that the miners get enormous wages, instead of the majority of underground workers slaving for next to dole wages. The miners worked six shifts for the fortnight pay, which they will draw on Friday. "Monday and Tuesday of this week will be idle davs.

The Scab. That splendid working class writer, Mr. Jack London, wrote the following: “After God had finished with the rattlesnake. the toad and the vampire, he had some awful substance left, with which he made a Scab, a twolegged animal with a corkscrew sou], a water-sogged brain, with a backbone of jelly and glue. Where other people have their hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles. When a Scab comes down the street, honest men turn their Lacks, the angels weep tears in heaven, and the devil shuts the gates of hell to keep him out. No man has a right to scab, as long as there is a poo] of water deep enough to drown his body; or a rope long enough to hang his carcase with. Once branded a Scab, he is marked for life, for he has tried to undermine men who are battling for the bread and butter of their wives and children. There are different kinds of Scabs. The slimy political twicer, the straight out industrial traitor, the crawler whisperer, and tell tale; but the most obnoxious is one that holds out both hands for what the Union has fought for, but uses every excuse to avoid paying his dues and levies.”