MILLERTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1935, Page 7

MILLERTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Alillerton mine worked two days last week and, according to report, is likely to be idle all this week. The Caledonian Society held their Card tournament in Peggie’s Hall on Alay 6th, there being 38 players present. Airs Lavery, of Stockton, won the ladies’ prize and Mr. T. Pollock, of Alillerton, the men’s prize. The Society held an open night social last Friday night, there being a fairly good atendance, including guests. Aliss D. Alason and Air. F. Peggie won the Lucky Spot Waltz and Airs and Air. Riddell won the Alonte Carlo. A dainty supper was supplied by the ladies’ committee. Mr. R. Jack announced that members intending to go to Westport for the gathering of the Society there, should advise the secretary, Air. T. Blyth at once. The Women’s Institute met on Alay Ist. It was unanimously agreed to make a donation to the School Dental Fund. Airs. Mclnnes was appointed delegate to the annual conference in Auckland in July. An interesting demonstration in pastry making was given by Airs. H. Smith. The competition (article from 1 yard of cretonne) proved difficult to judge, owing to the variety of articles made. Finally the judges, Alesdames Mclntyre and W. Smith, awarded Ist prize to Mrs. AlcBcan and second to Airs. H. Smith. Supper was then served by the hostesses, Alesdames Corbett, Darbyshire, Ninnes and Williams and some amusing games brought an enjoyable evening to a close.

The Rechabite Lodge held a social and dance on Alay 6th.

The local Plunket Committee are holding a ball on Friday, May 31st, with Swan’s Orchestra and popular prices.

The Unemployed Union met on Alay 41 h to hear the report of a delegation which interviewed the Alining Committee in connection with the new rules, etc., which have been issued to goll prospectors in the district, by Air. Collier, Engineer. A report was given by the Chairman of the Union, Air. R. AlcGregor, the other delegate who attended the conference being unable to be present. The report showed that one hour travelling time had been passed for a number of the prospectors travelling from Alillerton. The other point agained was that of a prospector living away .from home received a communication from his wife that he was urgently required to fix a leakage in the house, ail he had to do was to ask the supervisor for a day off and this would be granted. After a deal of discussion the meeting decided that the secretary get in touch with all branches in the district asking them to call special meetings and have a ballot taken in regard to accepting or rejecting the new conditions.

A special meeting of the Afiners’ Union was held on May 6th to hear the report of tho National Council conference. Air. B. Davidson was appointed chairman, Air. AV. Clarke being away, and called on Air Longmuir, of Denniston, who stated a National Council Conference had been held in Wellington in April, all of the officials being present. The result of the National ballot on the restoration of the 10 per cent, cut was given which was in favour of strike action. The report stated the National Council had affiliated to the. Friends of the Soviet Union, and that Unions could also affiliate if they desired. It was also a recommendation to the Unions to state if they would be in favour of sending a miners’ delegate to visit Soviet Russia sometime in Afarch, 1936. There was a further recommendation that a full time National Secretary and Organiser be appointed. This was carried. Next for discussion was a report of the conference between the coal owners and the United Aline Workers. The delegate stated that when the final returns of the ballot showed the result was for strike action, the Executive decided that they would get the coal owners together for another conference. They were successful, and on the first occasion the owners were prepared to grant a 5 per cent, increase to wage workers and 24 per cent, to contract workers with 18 months as the duration of the agreement. The officials stated that they could not consider this offer. The owners then advanced .further proposals, which were a 5 per cent, increase all round, and an 18 months’ agreement. The council recommended to the men that this should be accepted. The officials got in touch with the Hou. Air Alacmillan in connection wth the depressed state in the coal trade, and asked that a embargo be placed on imported coal and oil, and that no more coal leases be granted. They stated a sympathetic hearing was accorded, and the Alinister would see what could be done. Air. T. Whittle (National President) gave a report on the Puponga dispute and the working conditions the men had won through the strike. Also touching on the conference between the United Aline Workers and Coal Owners. It was resolved to accept the owners terms as recommended, provided southern miners received the same terms. This was carried by 9to 2. The recommendation for the appointment of the full time secretary was carried. In regard to the F.S.U. affiliation, Air. B. Davidson gave an address on this matter, explaining to those present why they should link up with the new political organisation, and he moved a motion to this effect. The motion lapsed for want of a seconder. The chairman then asked for the adoption of tho report with the deletion of the affiliation to the F.S.U. The report was received. A vote of thanks was accorded the delegates.

Air. Al. C’arke, Official candidate for Denniston, gave a short address here which, was well received, and Mick certainly got his share of the votes on polling day. The candidate stated that he hoped Mr. Evans and himself would be very near the top of the poll. The ladies’ hockey team travelled to Stockton to play the first game of the competition. The weather was bad and the ground not fit for play. Rangers won by 4 goals to 2. According to opinions on the game, the local girls need lots of practice if they ■want another victory over Stockton in the next game. Ranger Rugby Seniors and Juniors journeyed to Westport on Saturday to play both Old Boys teams. The juniors played a draw, three all, and the seniors also a draw, 11 all. The senior game was very hard. Old Boys were certainly fortunate to come off with the points even. Air. 11. L. Evans, Workers’ official candidate for tho Alillerton and Stockton Riding, also the Hospital Board, gave an election address in Peggie’s Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a very large attendance. Air. W. Clarke, who presided, stated that according to the opposition right throughout the district, it seemed as if the people were looking for a change in their local administration* If the

people thought a change was necessary they should have the right to a vote to bring it about. As things were, a great number who would have cast their vote in favour of Mr. Evans, had been disfranchised, and although the committee had done their utmost to find ways to secure votes for the defaulters, it had been of no avail. Nevertheless, they would carry on the fight and give their opponents a good fight. Mr. Evans stated he was no chopping block as some had suggested. He had been nominated as a Workers’ candidate by the Millerton and Stockton Miners’ Unions, also Millerton Unemployed Union and the two medical associations. If elected he would look after the interests of the people who elected him, and once he got to know the inside workings of the local bodies, he would be prepared at all times to address the public when the meetings were arranged. It was only right that a member should let the electors know what business was being dealt with in those bodies. The candidate was asked numerous questions, and all were answered to the satisfaction of those present. The meeting closed with the chairman reminding all present to support the other official candidates and to give their fullest support to Mr. Evans.