BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 January 1943, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.] Mr, Green of Cobden, the contractor for a kerbing job in the business area of the township made a’ start with the work this week at a point adjacent to the billiard saloon in Hart Street, and will continue through the business section in Hilton Street. As the available money will be expended on this stretch ITis hoped to complete the other portion down to the Presbyterian Church later on. When this is completed it will mean a big improvement and will save many a wet foot, during heavy rains. . , , The grass seeding of the playin o area of the Domain, which was comDleted by Mr. Oldham, two weeks ago, fs now showing results. The ground is putting on the pale green appearance typical of young growth. in a few weeks time, when properly established it should make a good showing, and when reopened for football, should be one of the best areas on the West Coast. The Domain is securely closed against wandering stock to allow of the unhindered growth of the young grass. A start has been made to recondition the weir across Blackball Creek at the upper end of the town water race. The job presents difficulties such as the 'procuring of sufficient suitable timber, but probably the biggest trouble will be the actual washout at the weir, where the water has scoured to a depth of twelve or fifteen feet. After the erection of the new weir it may take some time o silt up behind before the water wnl enter the head of the race. Meantime, the rains lately nave caused a good flow of water through the township. It is noped that little time will elapse ere the race is in full working order again. Mr. Kerr Buchanan, Stanord Lt. has entered Grey Hospital to undergo an operation. His many friends will hope to see him return fully restored ° Constable and Mrs. G. K. Keown and family of Cobden, are spending a holiday with their relation, Mrs. E. Buchanan, Stafford Street* Misses M. and N. Pearson, of Coalgate, who have been spending la holiday here, as the guests of Dr. •and Mrs. Aylward, Clifford Street, have left on their return. Mrs. L. Kinsella' and family, Hart Street, leave to-day on a visit to Christchurch. Miss Irene Burn, Clifford Street, leaves to-day on a holiday trip to Christchurch. Constable and Mrs. Walden and family who have been spending annual leave in the Nelson district, thave relumed. I Mrs. Kernick, of Christchurch who has been visiting her relatives Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Williams, Brodie St., has left on her return. Last Saturday evening, at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Nuttall, Hart Street, gave a social on the occasion of their son Raymond’s 21st birthday. The hall was well filled, almost 100 guests being present, some from as far away as Greymouth and Wallsend. Mr. R. Nuttall was the recipient of many useful and handsome presents among them, one from his brother. Gordon, who is serving with the forces, a valuable gold signet ring, and ms hoalth was drunk, with musical honours Mrs. J. Bateman was the pianiste, and items were given by Messrs S. Kerr, T. Philip, H. Jamieson, and J. Baleman. The guest of the evening thanked the gathering and his parents for the compliment paid to him, and “Auld Lang Syne” closed an enjoyable evening. The annual meeting of the Blackball Miners’ Union was held in c.ie Miners’ Hall last Sunday. Mr. R. Duncan, who presided over a fair attendance, referred to the death of four of the members during the past year, ,and those present stood in respect for their memory. The following officers were elected unopposed: President, Mr. R. Duncan; V’ce President, Mr. H. Bowkett; Secretary, Mr. R. Clark; Treasurer, Mr Jno. Meikle; Committee, Messrs J Dillon. R. Mountford, W. Brown, W. Meadowcroft, Geo. Anderson, J. Penman, Jas Meikle; Auditors, Messrs E Lockley and H. Jennison; Trustees Messrs R. Duncan and R. Clark. The misuse made of the reading room came in for a lengthy discussion and a motion was put that the reading room be closed altogether, but this was ultimately dropped in favour of debarring all persons under 18 years of age from entering and using the room. It was decided that any one found removing, defacing or writing obscene remarks on any Of the papers or on walls of the room be proceeded against, and that the police be notified of this resolution. It was left to the Secretary to call lenders locally, for painting the root -\f the Miners’ Hall—one coat, labour only, the work to be done as early as possible.