The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, August 20, 1937. THE STATE MINING CENTRE.

Grey River Argus, 20 August 1937, Page 8

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, August 20, 1937. THE STATE MINING CENTRE.

Because it had industrially and otherwise a notable beginning,. it is by no means the idea of its citizens that Runanga should live only in the past. Sure testimony that they look forward, to a still brighter future will this evening take the form of the opening the new Miners’ Hall. The structure is itself a new monument to that co-operative spirit which, from its birth, has been markedly . a characteristic of the State mining community. In the record of West Coast settlement, which has so largely been identified with mining, both for gold and coal, a contrast might be noted. The gold miners were, very many of them, rovers, and as the mineial they sought petered out, fresh fields and pastures new became their goal. The passage of time has obliterated nearly all of their habitations, and where once there used to be very numerous communities, there are now only pathetic piles of moss-grown tailings to recall the day’s of out earliest pioneers. Yet they played a dominant part in liberalising the minds and customs of New Zealand, just as, in turn, the coal miners also have left upon public opinion a lasting impression that is exemplified in. humanitarian conventions in social and in-, dustrial life. It is a consoling reflection, therefore, that Runanga should be to-day giving such a demonstration of permanence and progress on the part of the coal mining community as the restoration of its historic Mineis Hall does signify. A decided improvement on its predecessor m every structural way, it must make for still. more congenial and cultural associations, its equipment, at the same time, being such as to guarantee, that new. needs shall be met in modern fashion, and upkeep be assured until population may require some extension. In other columns the history of the old hall is given, including the roll of influential people who have had reason to recall it with affection since they have come. themselves to make history in a wider sphere. They will all be of one mind m a recognition of this enterprise and confidence which, have prompted their successors m making the loss of the old hall the occasion for a building still finei, more commodious and more m keeping with the needs of the ■ present day. To one of the founders of Runanga., however, who not only has remained .on the scene, but played the unique part of designing both the old hall and the new, Mr. George Millar, . & special debt is due, and Union leaders, Messrs G. E. English, and W. Pendlebury, together with the

rank and file and residents generally are mindful of the aid _hq has ’rendered them in carrying their undertaking to so successful a conclusion. In being given shape, so soon it recalls not only the spirit of old Runanga, but also the other ventures of a cooperative character since identified with the town. Runanga rightly has claim to having played in the working class movement of New Zealand a part second to no other community, and in the present instance gives an authentic example of the sentiment of co-operation that • should eveiywhere inspire the Labour Movement. To all who joined in the work of financing and erecting the hall, every credit is due, and, at the same time the Unionists and residents of the whole State Mines district are to be congratulated upon coming into possession of an amenity that will prove alike a benefit and an ornament to their town.