BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 5 June 1943, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES

i.Our Own Correspondent) It is pleasing to report completion of the top-decking of the bridge over the Grey River connecting Blackball with the outside world. The Railway Department has had this work in hand for some time. Now that the job is finished bu s .and car drivers will appreciate the improvement. The running surface is now on a. level with the rails, removing the fear of frayed tyres for the future. The only drawback so far as can be seen, is the lack of some roughened surfacing to prevent skidding. This is especially necessary in wet or frosty weather.

Preparations are being made to instal a new fan at the Blackball State mine, the whole ventilation system of which has been much improved in recent months. The new fan, when working, should make a further improvement. The local mines, in conformity with a decision reached at a district delegate meeting, held in the Lyceum Hall, Greymouth on Sunday, May 16, are now working every back Saturday. The mattei' of absenteeism appears to be well in hand. The National delegate was to have attended a meeting of the Blackball District Union last Sunday, but owing to a breakdown in his mode of conveyance, was unable to attend. He will probably attend next meeting to deliver his report. It is understood that he will attend the meeting of Roa miners to-morrow for this purpose. Messrs J. Lewis and A. Reid, of Leeston, Canterbury, who have been spending an extended holiday on the Coast, during which they visited Blackball, have now left on their re- ' turn.

Mrs B. McDougall, Faversham, who has been on holiday in the Palmerston North district, has returned. Mr E. Lockley, Stafford Street, left by plane on Thursday morning en route to Auckland on a holiday. Mrs : B. J. Williams, Brodie Street, has gone on .a visit to Ross, where her brother-in-law, Mr R. Donaldson, is seriously ill.

Mesdames Brown and Buchanan, who have been visiting at Benneydale and Timaru, havo returned Mr and Mrs R. Douggan, of Roaleft on Thursday for Benneydale, on a business visit.

Our local meteorologist has handed rne the following observation on local weathex- conditions: Rain fell on 13 days during April for a total of 10.97 inches, the heaviest fall being 1.91 inches on the “lOth. In the month of May rain fell on nine days for a total of 5.49 inches, the heaviest fall being 1.27 inches on May 7. There were 16 days during which no rain fell, from May 15th to the 31st, with frosty mornings and sunshiny days. The recent death of Mr John Hamilton Gilmer, Clifford St., though not unexpected, cast a gloom ovex’ the village, where he was well known and highly respected. A native of Totara Flat, he spent the greater part of his life here, identifying himself at all times in community life, and being a man of a genial disposition, he was a welcome addition to any company, his quick wit being always appreciated. He served through the last world war, leaving New Zealand with one of the early contingents. He worked for many years in Blackball mine, his latex years being spent in the service of one ox’ other of the dredges working in this locality, and some weeks before his final 'illness he recommenced work in the Blackball State mine as company weighman. A good citizen, he will be missed by a wide circle of friends. To his wife and family the sympathy of everyone will be extended. The funeral took place at Karoro Cemetery and was well attended, the services of the Church of England, at the home and the graveside being taken by Rev. Mr Scarfe of Ahaura. The pall-bear-ers were Messrs J'. Rarity .and M. O’Flahery (R.S.A.) and K. Pashfield and M. McGregor, all of 'Blackball.

A public meeting of all ladies interested in furthering the candidature of Miss Russia was held oxi Tuesday evening, Mrs MacGougan presiding, and those present formed themselves into a committee. Mr F. Mason was appointed secretary. As Miss Russia is sponsored by the Grey County along with Brunnerton and Runanga Boroughs, all local people are expected to pull their weight in furthering her candidature, While

it is probably appropriate again to call public attention to the great stand taken up by our Ally, the U.S.S.R., a stand that very definitely blunted the spearhead of fascist aggression, allowing the other Allied nations time to organise for the defeat of fascism, which appears now to be looming on the horizon, it is up to all concerned to boost Miss Russia for all they are worth .and do their best to place her in first position when the numbers go up. Let Blackball people show the others the way! All are looking to the ladies and local clubs to organise events in furtherance of this laudable object