MILLERTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 3

MILLERTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent). The Women’s Institute met in the Rechabite Hall to hid farewell to on p of their members. Mrs Jansen, who is leaving the Hill. There was a full attendance of members. During the evening, /the president, Mrs Corbett, presented Mrs Jansen with a beautiful vase, and wished her every success in the future. Mrs Jansen suitably replied. A dainty supper was served by the hostesses, Mesdames Woods, Murray, Budd, and Strang. Vocal items were rendered by Mesdames Jansen. Sharpe, Campbell. Murray, and Magey. Games and community singing brought’ a happy evening to a close. The local mine worked all last week and is getting in full time this week.

A serious accident occurred in the local mine on July 29, when Mr F. Campbell, a married man, was buried by a fall of coal. He was conveyed to the Buller Hospital, and reports are that he is on the improve. It certainly is unfortunate-that there is not a doctor on the Hill. This worker met with a serious accident about two o’clock, but did not reach the hospital until a number of hours later. If the ambulance had been on the Hill, or stationed nearer the mines, it certainly would have relieved the injured man of a deal of suffering.

Mr J. Jack, a resident of Millerton, employed in the Stockton Company’s mine, met with a serious accident c:. Tuesday through being buried by a fall of coal in the working face. He was taken to the Westport Hospital.

The combined football clubs held their annual dance in Peggie’s Hall on July 31. The attendance was good and an" enjoyable evening resulted. Mrs R. Swan supplied the music, and Mr J. Young was M.C. Thistle junior Soccer team played Stockton juniors on the local Domain on Sunday last. The weather was fine, and a good game was witnessed. Stockton won by two goals to one. Fitzsimmon and Chippendale scored for the visitors, and R. Closs for the home side. Mr F. Riddell had control of the game.

The Caledonian Society held their weekly whist tournament in the Rechabite Hall on August 2. Mrs T. Porter won the ladies’ prize, and Mr N. Morgan, of Stockton, the men’s. It is reported that the W.C.C. intend to increase the price of electricity per unit by one penny for outsiders. If this is so, those people will he paying 8d per unit. It has also been said that the employees will have to pay 6d per unit, an increase of one penny.

A motion was carried at. the recent Buller Trades Council meeting to forward the name of Mr W. Clarke (president of the Millerton Miners’ Union) to the Prime Minister, asking that he be considered when the Government is making appointments to the Legislative Council. It is very interesting to note that the delegates realised the importance of industrial and political organisation, and due credit must be given the delegates for recommending such a staunch supporter of the Labour Party and the workers in the Buller district. Mr Clarke has been a resident, of Millerton for 27 years, and during that time has been an ardent supporter of the Labour Party. He has also been president and vice-pre-sident of the local Miners’ Union for close cn 22 years, and a national and district delegate for the United Mine Workers. The latter position he still retains. As a miners’ official, he has held the positions of workmen’s inspector and check inspector. As a miner, Mr Clarke certainly has the qualifications, and would be an asset to -Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines. He was at one time chairman of the Millerton Medical Association, and attended a number of the Labour Party conferences. During the last Government’s term, Mr Clarke was a very staunch supporter of the unemployed workers, and was prepared at all times to support them in their struggle for better conditions, having been deputed on numerous occasions to meet local bodies and Ministers on their behalf. He has acted as chairman for a large number of the present Ministers when they visited Millerton to give addresses. As a follower of sport, the miners’ president has always been to the fore, particularly with the Soccer code in this district, he being the selected referee to control the Chinese-Buller game and the Canadian-Buller match. At the present time he is a .very keen bowler. There is no doubt the Trades’ Council delegates put forward a very capable worker, and if chosen, Mr Clarke shall certainly strive on their behalf and for the good of the Buller district. I am sure all will agree with the recommendation.