BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 25 September 1941, Page 8

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.) The honour of the D.C.M. has fallen to a Blackball soldier, Sergeant Davb Kirk, who, as recorded in Saturday’s “Argus,” in the Middle East, wcs able, under great difficulty and in extreme danger to himself, to circumvont a larger body of enemy troops to bring his own troops to safet ■’ Sergeant Kirk is the eldest son'of Mrs. B. Kirk, Brodie Street, and the late Mr. W. Kirk (who saw service in the last war). Sergeant Kirk was born in Blackball 26 years ago, was a popular figure in sporting circles since he left school. Ho iomed up early in the present war and left with the first N.Z.E.F. tor the Suez Canal area. He has been operating with his unit ever since, having been through the Greece ana Crete campaigns. His many friends in Blackball will be pleased to learn that his ability has met with due recognition, and trust that he may come through and return home again. A kitchen evening was accorded to Miss Jean Anderson, Main Road (whose marriage takes place in the near future) at the residence of Mrs. A Balderstone, Stafford Street, on Friday last. A large number of friends attended, and Mrs. Balderstone entertained the guests at tea, and the evening passed enjoyably with songs and games. Master Alfv Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mack Smith, Stafford Street., who had been a patient in Grey Hospital for some weeks, has now returned to- his home. /. farewell party was given Mrs. Gibson, Main Road, on Friday evening, on the eve of her leaving tor Kumara to join her husband. The Gibson family have been resident here for many years, and Mrs. Gibson has taken an intelligent interest in any work locally which had m view the welfare of the community. Among those present were Mesdames Kidd, Neilson, Colquhcun, Aylward, Hayes, Nuttall, Mountford and Miss Waters. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Baillie and Anderson. During the evening, Mrs Colquhoun presented the departing guest with a set of jugs and dishes, on, behalf of her many friends in Blackball. They very much regretted her going but recognised that a wife’s place was with her husband. Mrs. Gibson had proven herself a useful citizen and she and her family would carry with them the very best wishes cf every one for a happy life in their new environment. Mrs. iM. Neilson added her mead of praise and good wishes to Mrs. Gibson and family, wishing them good luck in their 'new home, as also did Mrs. Aylward. Mrs Gibson, while thanking everybody for the nice things said about her and for the lovely and useful presents, said she regretted very much having to leave Blackball, where she had made many good friends, whom she was sorry to leave behind. Life had many drawbacks and this one of economic necessity was one over which one had little control. She would be happy to have her family again with her, and trusted to meet them all again. Community singing was indulged in, and tea was served. The party broke up at midnight, all joining in good wishes for Mrs. Gibson and family, who left on Saturday morning for Kumara, where they will resiae in future.

A farewell social was tendered Mr. George Pattison, teacher at Atarau State School for over eight years, last Friday evening in the Atarau Hall, prior to his leaving for camp next day to undergo training ler overseas service. Mr. Alex Aynsley presided over a large gathering of residents and visitors, all going to show the esteem in which Mr. Pattison is held. After supper, Mr. Aiynsley, in an appropriate speech, : presented Mr. Pattison with a well filled wallet contributed by the residents. and wished him every luck and a safe return to his native land Mr. D. Doolan warmly thanked the departing guest for the great interest he had taken in the children under his care, and wished him tne best of luck and a safe .return. On behalf of the pupils, Miss Betty Me-

Gh-e made a presentation of a monej belt and extended to the departing (teacher the best wishes of his scholars. Mr. Pattison, on rising to reply, was received with musical honours. He thanked everybody foi their kindness and for their useful presents. He had tried at all times to do his duty by those placed under his care and would continue to do :o. He specially thanked the children for their 'thoughtfulness and would carry away with him many happy memories of the time he had dived in Atarau. Dancing was indulged in till a late hour, the party breaking up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr. Pattison left for Christchurch on Saturday to go into camp. A visitor last week was Mrs. McGowan, President of the Housewives Union and Secretary of the Democratic Defence Committee, both organisations having their headquarters in Wellington. Mrs. McGowan addressed a meeting of women in the Druids’ Hall on Friday evening. Mrs. Aylward, who presided, introducing tlie speaker, explained many advantages already procured by the Union in Wellington and detailed various activities of the Union. After questions had been asked and satisfactorily answered, a branch of the Union was duly formed. On Thursday ' evening, Mrs. McGowan addressed a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Blackball Miners’ Hall and Welfare, speaking a's Secretary ot the Democratic Defence League. She outlined the treatment to political prisoners and to conscientious objectors by the authorities, and pointed out various reforms and improvements the committee had been successful in securing for prisoners. She asked the Union to support representations for the abolition of the “double parade” imposed on political prisoners. Mrs. McGowan was granted a patient, hearing, was asked various questions, and at the close was awarded a hearty vote of thanks for her address. It was agreed that the Minister of Justice be written to and a protest lodged along the lines suggested The committee dealt with two requests for grants to local bodies, both of which received favourable consideration. It was agreed to call tenders for labour for the painting of the hall front (two coats) and wood work along the sides of the hall. Mrs. McGowan, during her stay, was the guest of Mrs. M. Pirrie, South Belt Street. She left for Christchurch last Saturday morning.

News of the death of Dr. Herbert Hutson, at the Grey Hospital early this week, was received with general regret in Blackball, where deceased had practised as resident doctor for a number of years, and where his ability was appreciated by all who had the benefit of his skill. The late Dr. Hutson, who was an M.D. of Edinburgh University, had a wide experience in his profession. He served in the Great War during 1914-1918. and on return to New Zealand he held various appointments, ultimately residing in Blackball as officer to the Blackball and Roa Miners’ Associations. He retired through ill health a few years ago, since when he had been an Inmate of the Grey Hospital. Although his death did not come as a surprise,■ his passing will be keenly felt by a wide circle of friends, the sympathy; of whom will be extended to nisi widow and daughter in their sad be-' reavement.