REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1938, Page 11

REEFTON NOTES

TOur Own Correspondent! • REEFTON, December 13. After an absence from the district for .36 years, Mrs J. Gray, of Hawera, has been on a visit to her brother, Mr P. Smith,, Cronadiin. Mr W. Smith, Hokitika, has been on a visit’ to the district,, and spent a few days in Crbriadun. Yesterday a car went, through ,ihe flooring of the bridge at Camp Creek, on the Brown Creek road. It was, however, got out with' the aid of alorry, and was not seriously damaged. The bridge is in a bad'state, and requires replacing with a new structure. A hot spring’ has been located in the tunnel recently driven into the Spencer' Range a few chains abpve the old suspension bridge, near the Maruia Hot Springs bath houses. Boiling water is issuing from a fissure in the tunnel. The Government has now instructed the Public Works Department' to spend £loo‘to test for a greater flow. On the Maruia Road, between Reefton and'the Springs, the Public Works have approximately 150 men engaged in constructing the road.

At the last Warden’s Court the War- . den recommended to the Minister -of - Mines, and Minister in Charge of Sce- - nic Preservations, the granting of a ■. special quartz • claim-, for 42 years, in , the vicinity of the Maruia Hot Springs, 1 to Jack .Morris. The Government geologist inspected and took samples, and the Government analyst reports 15dwts per ton from the outcrop two feet wide. It was recommended by the Warden to the Ministers as a new goldfield discovery, and is said .to be the first claim-so recommended on the West Coast; It is interesting to note; that this recent new discovery, has been recommended by Government officials to grant the applicant, who is 1 a mining student, a reward special claim, and it is hoped this may be) the means of leading to .an entirely new quartz field in the Inangahual County. ■ Thursday night the Criterion Theatre was packed to its utmost capacity when the Convent pupils staged their operetta/“The Magic Ruby,” before.a* very appreciative audience. The' performance was without doubt of a very' high standard, reflecting great credit, on those’who; took, part, as well ( as their teachers, who are to be con-' gratulated on the grand success of. the entertainment. Erin Molloy, who' took the leading part of the Rajah of .Rajahpore, excelled herself, charming her audience with her regal, graceful acting. Ngaire Mercer as Harry Lisle, the poor clerk in love with the Major’s daughter, filled that difficult role to perfection, her voice being heard to great advantage in her solos and duets. Perhaps the gem of the evening was the .duet by Harry and his sweetheart in their little love scene. Mary Lock- j ington as the Major’s daughter acted in her usual sweet manner, making, a beautiful bride in the last scene. The part of Major Bangs was ably filledby Jean Yellowlees, who looked a veritable general in her .splendid costume. Special mention must be made of Gregory and John Conlon, both of whom are talented little actors. The former- as the bold Irish boy evoked much laughter by hisrmerry wit. The 'latter as Ah Sin, the Chinese servant, acted his part admirably. Betty Wicken, who took the part'of Electra, the Goddess of Light, is to be con-gratulated-bn her clear enunciation of -speech, graceful acting and dancing. 'Her costume Was all that could be desired, and her gracious manner charmed the audience through the ( whole programme. Bernard Cromp-. ton as King of the imps- was an out-| standing success. He carried out his arduous duties in a very capable manlier. His- imps caused much amusement. The choruses were well sustained throughout the' play with sweet singing and graceful actions. The final tableau was a fitting climax to a wonderful performance by such juvenile artists. The orchestral and guitar selections were well played and much appreciated’, while' Miss G. McKenzie made an efficient accompaniste; At the conclusion, Rev. Father'J. Butler congratulated the children' oh' their performancee, and thanked those who had assisted in the stage arrangements. After commenting on- the success of the school 7 year, he distributed the Christian Doctrine prizes. Dux of School (gold medal), John Austin; Std. Vi, Edna 1 Coghlah; Std; V, Monica. O’Flaherty; Std; IV, Marie Buist; Std. 11l Gregory Conlon; Std. 11, John Frasef; Std. I, Particia Conlon. The singing of “God Defend New Zealand concluded an enjoyable entertam-

merit'. ■" . , , . • The Inangahua Women’s Institute held'their Xmas Party in the Y.M.C.A. Hall on Saturday. The children-had - a great treat and'the presents delighted all. ’ Community singing, and games, treasure hunts, and putting the tail on a pig, caused much amusement, as did lollie scrambles. After supper a dance was held until nodnight, music being supplied by Mr Davis, Mr Nash, piano-accordion, Mr Timothy cornet, and Mr Cheyne violin . , T The monthly meeting of the Inangahua Women’s Institute was held on Saturday afternoon, heavy rain ■ i preventing some members from being present. The competition, best article from a yard of gingham, was won by Mrs Caldwell. Mrs Stone being sec - ond. , A debate on “Is money neces sary?" was really interesting. Mem- ; bers examined the “Not Box" demonstration... Mrs Caldwell and Mrs Stone , were hostesses for the afternoon.