BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 20 June 1942, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent)

Pte. W. Dillon, who had the misfortune to break his leg when stepping from a car and was treated in the Grey Hospital, has now returned home. , , , . Mr G. Hall, Brodie Street, who has been a patient at the Grey Hospita lias returned, much benefited by toe treatment. Mr and Mrs J. Ilaisty, senr., ot Christchurch, are visiting their son and his familv in Blackball. Mrs Haisty junr. is convalesing in Greymouth, after having been an inmate of the hospital for some time. Messrs J. Mitchell (Blackball) ami C Stewart (Atarau) have left for a military camp to undergo training. Pte. W. Kidd (Wellington) is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs D. Kidd, Main Road. ’ Mrs I. Keown, Holland Settlement, Cobden, is visiting her mother, Mrs E Buchanan, Stafford Street. Pte J'. Dudley is visiting ms parents, Mr and Mrs T. Dudley, Harper Street, being on sick leave. The infant child of Mr and Mrs N. Alston, Station Buildings, has been admitted to the Grey Hospital for treatment. Our townsman Mr T. Philip senr. underwent a serious head operation in the Grey Hospital early this week, and .is now showing signs o. improvement. The operation was a credit to the medical staff of the hospital Everybody looks forward to seeing Mr Philip home again soon, completely restored to health. Mr L. Elsmore left for Auckland on Thursday, after having wound up his business here. He was tarewelled by the Oddfellows’ Lodge at their rooms, and presented with an Eversharp Pencil, m the presence of a large attendance. Mr H. Jennison, N.G., eulogised the departing guest, and extended the Lodge s best wishes. Bros. D. Kidd and A. Grindle added their mead of praise. Bro. Elsmore suitably replied, expressing regret at leaving Blackball. He would carry away memories of many happy hours he had spent in their company and trusted better times were anead for Blackball and its people. The night’s entertainment took the form ot a banquet, and many toasts were honoured. Our postmaster, Mr J. W. Robertson has reason to be proud of the fact that the Blackoall National havings last week amounted to the magnificent sum of £2056 10s—surely a splendid achievement for an. urban district, and one that should set an example to other country centres. In the. Bomber Bonds campaign Blackball was 4th in Grey district with their investments averaging almost 11 per head of the population while the Liberty Loan campaign is well up in the list. The quota tor this township is £65, this figure having been surpassed on many occasions since Xmas. Much credit is due to our energetic postmaster for this state of affairs. Last Monday evening the Red Cross Committee met at the residence of Mrs P. James to honour their erstwhile secretary and fellow worker, Miss M. McMahon, whose marriage takes place shortly. The guests partook of a dainty tea provided by the hostess, and during the evening Miss McMahon was presented with a suitable and useful, gift by Mrs James (president of the Red Cross) on behalf of the committee. She conveyed the society’s good wishes and trusted the recipient would have a long and happy married life. Miss McMahon suitably replied. Games, Rems, competitions, etc. were the order, the evening breaking up with expression of good wishes to the guest. There was a good attendance at the Blackball District Miners’ Union meeting in the Miners’ Hall on Saturday fast, Mr L. Allen (president) being in the chair. It was decided to supply the Magazine Page of die “Argus” with . information about idle time, also to write asking the Mines Department that gumboots and working clothes be supplied coupon-free and at cost price. The meeting agreed with the Minister of Mines that experienced miners and mine workers be given preference when men are being released from camp to go back to mine work. Blackball State mine has worked full time this week. Roa mine was idle on Friday, ow.ing to slack coal having accumulated in the binns. Mr A. Knowles (controller) presided on Thursday evening at an E.P.S. meeting, which was addressed by Mr G. R. Harker (District

E.P.S. Controller). Cr Jas Mulcare (Grey County Chairman) and Cr H. G. Carter were present. Mr Knowles, in welcoming the visitors, outlined E.P.S. activity in Blackball and Roa. He paid a glowing tribute to the various committees and the secretary (Mr A. MacGougan) for the excellent work they had done. Mr Harker outlined E.P.S. work generally, congratulated Blackball on its organisation, and promised any assistance in dealing with anomalies. Cr Cartel 1 also extended congratulations and offered to assist in clearing up any difficulty. The County Chairman extended to the Blackball and Roa organisations good wishes in their work. Many questions were answered and the meeting closed with ,a vote of thanks to the visitors.