BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 9

BLACKBALL NOTES

[Our Own correspondent] The holiday season has come to An end and practically all the mines, mills and dredges in this locality have resumed operations and are fairly fully staffed. The weather for the Christmas holidays has been exceptionally line and full advantage has been taken of this pleasant state of affairs, crowds have been picnicking beside the river and creeks and thoroughly enjoying themselves, swimming and playing games, taking life in tne holiday spirit. The race meetings of course, claimed their usual quota of votaries; others travelled rurther afield, to Christchurch and elsewhere all on holiday bent.* All report a nappy and enjoyable time. By a recent mail from Sydney, New South Wales, Mr. A. Hewlett, ol Sydney, sends greetings to all old friends in Blackball. It is 35 years since he left here, and he mentions many old residents, such as the Leitcn family, Ward Robinson, tne Dalys’, A. Jamieson and many more, ana wisnes to be kindly remembered to all old friends. Yet another or our old identities has passed over the Great Divide, in the person of Mr. William Deitch, whose death occurred in the Grey Hospital yesterday morning, after a lengtny iniiess. The late ivir. Dench was a native of Airdrie. Lanarkshire, Scotland, and came out co ixew Bourn Waies when only a boy, with his parents. Later they came over to New Zealand and settled in Blackball, over 40 years ago. He was married here and lived all his life in this village, rearing his family here. He was of an outstanding character and much sought after wit. Plis sallies at a local football game, or, in fact, at any event, were much appreciated by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance and friendship. A great trades unionist and a staunch supporter of the Labour Party, and ever standing on the side of right and justice, he will be sadly missed from the life of our township. The passing of “Gummy” Leitch leaves a void that cannot be filled. He leaves besides his widow a family of four sons and four daughters to mourn his loss; John (Wellington), Edward (Huntly), James (Taylorville), William (Greymouth) Mesdames A. Blocksage and H.’Ledsham (Greymouth), I. Scott (Blackball), and Miss N. Leitch (Blackball), to all of whom the deepest sympathy of all will go out in their sad bereavement.

Mrs. G. Anderson, Senr., of Auckland, is spending a holiday in Blackball as the guest of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. G. Anderson, J'nr., Lingren’s Terrace. Constable and Mrs. Walden and family, have gone on a camping holiday to the Nelson district. During his absence Constable Latimer, of Greymouth, will take over his duties here.

Messrs B. J. O’Connor, W- 1 hornson W. Colville and B. Bell, all of Public Works camps, who have been spending their holidays in Blackball and district, have left on their return. Mr. Adam Clark, Owen River, who has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Clark, Snr., Stafford Street, has left on return. Mr. W. Adamson, of the P.W.D., Lake Tekapo, who has been visiting Blackball and renewing old friendships, has left on his return. Messrs A. and R. Fleming, of Ohai, Southland, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. R. Colquhoun, Hart Street. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, of Glenomaru, South Otago, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Williams, Brodie Street.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Williams ‘ and family, who have been spending the holidays with their parents in Blackball, have left on their return. There was a great turn-out of members and friends in the Oddfellows’ Plall on Monday evening, the occasion being a “send-off” to Mr. J. Elsmore, who was leaving for camp the same night. A presentation of a set of military brushes, etc., from the Oddfellows’ Lodge was made by Mr. D. Kidd on behalf of the members, and of a military money belt on behalf of the Oddfellows’ Tennis Club, Mr. A. Grindle making the latter presentation. Both gentlemen spoke in high terms of the departing guest and fellow member, and wished him every success and a safe return to his home. Mr. Elsmore suitably replied. ' The evening was spent in dancing until the time came for Mr. Elsmore to leave for the train. About 30 people made the journey to Stillwater and saw him off. The best of luck and good wishes were showered on the genial Jack as the train pulled out. He proceeds to T’rentham. Messrs Robert and Fred Smith, sons of Mr. and Mrs. R. Smith, Main Road, left for camp on Monday last.