STOCKTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 5 June 1942, Page 7

STOCKTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent? Mr A. Morrett, of Christchurch, a former resident of Stockton, paid a visit to the township during the week. Miss J. Jose left on return to Wellington on Monday, after spending annual holiday with her parents, Mr and Mrs J. Jose.

Mrs D. Kelly, of Blackball, is spending a short holiday with her mother, Mrs S. Clarke. Mr and Mrs F. Callaghan, of Westport, were visitors last weekend. Mr H. McEwan has resumed work after his recent indisposition. Mr and Mrs A. Harris, of Ngakawau, paid a visit to Stockton last Friday. Mr A. Walker, of Westport, was a visitor during the week. Owing to a large number of the residents of the district attending the funeral of the late Mr G. Hornsby on Thursday of last week, the mine did not work on the back shift. . The funeral of the late Mrs J. Walker, of Hector, was attended by a large number of friends and relatives. The services were conducted by the Rev. Mr McNeur. Mr F._ Connew (president of the Ngakawau Miners’ Union) represented the organisation and was one of the pallbearers.

At the monthly meeting of the Ngakawau Miners’ Union, Mr F. Connew, the chairman, gave a report of the last meeting of the [Buller Trades Council. A claim by two members of the organisation to priority for a particular job was settled after a prolonged discussion and an equal, vote for both members on two occasions. Remits for the district agreement will be taken at the next meeting of the Union. Should the conference eventuate earlier than anticipated, a special meeting will be called to deal with all the remits.

A meeting of the Stockton householders was held to receive a report from Hon. W. H. Mclntyre, re the closing of the Stockton School because of the shortage of teachers. The thirty-three pupils will now have to travel to Millerton school to receive their education. This will, entail the use of a bus in the morning and afternoon. It is a pity the Manpower Board cannot see its way clear to grant exemption to at least one teacher for Stockton to enable the school to be kept open. It is not in the best interests of the younger children to send them out of the township by bus to school, as bustravelling does not agree with everyone. However, a petition to the Hon. Mr P. C. Webb and the Minister of Education on the above-mentioned matter should be sent immediately. Sending the children the best part of two miles from their home at a time such as the present, is not in the best interests of education, children or parents.