DENNISTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1936, Page 7

DENNISTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) Personal: Mr Sid Braggins, of Denniston, is a patient at the Buller Hospital, and will undergo an operation. Aprs Clarke, of Denniston, will shortly proceed to Christchurch for medical treatment. Mr Jock Allan, of Westland, paid a recent visit to his parents, Air and Airs Allan, of Marshallvale. Airs W. Baird, of Marshallvale is a patient in rhe Buller Hospital, receiving medical treatment. Mr Steve Smythe has accepted employment. with Air Frank Scott, the well-known farmer and troti'ing owner, of Sergeant’s Hill. Mr J. Longmuir has returned from Wellington, where he attended the Coal Conference. Mr and Airs ,T. Lowe and family have left the Hill to reside in Westport. Afrs Slaven, of Burnett’s Face, has undergone an operation in the Buller Hospital. Her many friends will be pleased to hear that she is making steady progress to recovery. Afrs W.' Colligate of Burnett'.-, Face, has returned home after spending a few days in the local hospital. Women’s Institute:

Thpre was a large attendance of Denniston members, also of visitors, by invitation, from Burnett’s Face, when Mrs W. Spenee presided' over the monthly meeting and extended a hearty welcome to Alesdames Mulholland and Morris (President and Secretary) of the Buller Provisional Committee, who both gave addresses to the newly-formed Institute on the aims and objects of the Women’s Institute, also general information re. the Dunedin Conference. Many questions were satisfactorily answered. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visitors. A demonstration of girdle scone making by Airs Al. Brodie, was thoroughly appreciated. The hostesses were Mesdames S. Lewis, H. Baird W. Thomas and S. Braggins. A most enjoyable afternoon was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Public Works:

Several men from' Mackley Track have been transferred to Buller Gorge, and the remainder are expecting orders in the near future. Many thousands of pounds have been spent on this track, with a view to having the Alaekley country thoroughly prospected by men wider the supervision of the Buller Gold-Mining Committee. Apparently this wonderful gold-bearing country, that the old-timers dearly love to talk about, will still keep for another generation! On Denniston Highway, about a dozen 'iien are .still removing small slips and gravelling. The Public Works Department have taken over the Cascade Track work from the County Council, and a further grant will allow tho work to be completed'. A circular ha.s been issued to the. men employed on public works, drawing attention to t’he fact that they will be liable to dismissal on committing a breach of the 40-hour wei’K, by working at other jobs on Satunlay.

The Denniston Track workers were the only men in the district’ that did not receive a benefit when the Ministers visited the district. The (Band:

There was a good attendance at the Band Social, bur very few bandsmen were present. .Some keen games of forty fives eventuated, the ladies gaining all the prizes. Airs C. Smith, with 12 wins, was Ist; Airs Wiseman. 10 wins,, 2nd and Mrs Andrews and Mrs Kerr, tied with 9 games, for the other prize. These social evenings are a great success, rhanks to Mr P Alexander.

Girls’ Club: This newly-formed Club has Aliss E. Cooper as leader. Miss Tes.sie Allands Secretary, and Aliss Jean Lawry as Treasurer. They and the Committee are to be congratulated' on their efforts in running a bazaar. They wish Io thank all donors asd others who ass’sted in raising a nice suin’, wh.eh they aro forwarding no headquarters for Christian mission work. Industrial:

The Denniston Alines worked Alonday and Tuesday of last week. The mine was laid idle by the men on Wednesday. For many months, numerous disputes have arisen, and (he Union have wasted money on deputations that have proved abortive. The management 1 have requested that numerous disputes go to the Disputes Committee. Unfortunately, the machinery set out in the agreement for settling disputes has not functioned for many mouths. Though the Buller Commit tee have nominated many for the position of Chairman, the Company declined all of the nominees, and a deadlock prevailed'. During the past week the management paid some of thecases in dispute. Mr J. Longmuir, delegate to the. Conference in Wellington, presided at a wonderfully-attend-ed meeting, and gave a report on the Conference that he had attended in Wellington. Air A. AfcLagan, National Secretary, is expected at 1 an early date, also Air Flavell, the Alanuging Director of the W.C.C.; when local Denniston disputes will be dismissed. Tjhe present agreement expires at the end of the year. All day wage men have been grant'ed a ten per cent, increase and a ten per cent, increase of the minimum wage has been granted to miners. The report was accepted as satisfactory. The Denniston stoppage was discussed and it was resolved: “That we return t'o work, on the understanding that early in the week, all outstanding disputes are discussed; and that, if this does not eventuate, the Central Committee use their powers, by united Buller action, to obtain a settlement.” Again nominations were made for an independent chairman of the Disputes Committee, which will be submi.’ted to the Coal Companies’ representatives. The miners will continue the 40-hour e.oal producing work, and day-wage men will be worked on Saturdays for essential work only.