BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1944, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent; Miss M. Anderson, of the staff of the local Post Office, is on annual leave in Christchurch. Mrs. E. Dumbleton, senr., is on holiday in Christchurch. Last week end was a very busy one in the social lite of the village. An energetic committee of ladies held a very successful “Bring and Buy” with the object of providing seating accommodation along the embank'ment at the Domain. There was a big rush of customers and all goods were soon disposed of. The proceeds will go far towards achieving the object aimed at, and the thanks of the Domain Board is extended to the ladies for their splendid effort. Last Saturday the town was all I agog on the occasion of the visit oi the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister ol Mines, to perform the ceremony or opening the Domain, which had been closed for some years, to.allow or excavation work on the playing area. The day was overcast but remained fine until towards the end of the programme, when the weather broke, rain continuing intermitently all the afternoon. There was a big crowd on the Domain. The League Clun, put on a programme of seven-a-side games, plus a relay race. Probably the most interesting game was that between a ladies’ seven-a'-side teams representing Ngahere and Blackball, which finished in a draw. While in progress it created much amusement, and the ladies had a great ovation. In most of the other games the men played in costume. At the opening ceremony, Mr. R. Clark, Secretary to the Domain Board, who presided, gave a brief outline ol the history of the Domain, and then called on Councillor J. Mulcare of Ngahere to address the gathering. Mr. Mulcare, who was the Secretary of the Domain Board when it was first formed, was able to tell the gathering of the early struggle, to wrest the domain from the primitive bush, also touching on the old identities, many of whom have now passed away. He paid a fitting tribute to their zeal and integrity. The next speaker was Councillor H. G. Carter of Kamaka, another old Blackballite, who expressed pleasure at being present and concongratulated the Board and the residents on their very fine domain. He also recalled some onicdot.es of the earlier days in the mining township. Both speakers were loudly applauded. The Minister in his address covered much ground, expressing his pleasure at being able to keep his promise to the Board. He said how pleased he felt to be with them on such an occasion. He had always advocated that the miners and all workers, were entitled to all the social amenities it was possible to give them As Minister of Mines he had carried this policy into effect. He recalled many episodes in the earlier history of Blackball, in which mine he to had worked, many years, ago. The Minister was in a humourous mood and kept his audience in fits of laughter. At the conclusion of his speech for which he was roundly applauded, he wished the Board, the League team and the citizens, every luck with their splendid playing area. Mr. Webb then matched down the field with a football under his arm, kicked for a goal and declared the Domain duly opened, > He had a great ovation. Shortly after this, the rain came increasingly, and the programme ha'd to be curtailed in consequence. Saturday night last saw the Miners’ Hall fairly well filled, the occasion being a ball* to finalise the Domain festivities. The Hon. P. C. Webb and his party graced the occasion by their presence. The music was in the capabe hands of Mrs. J. Bateman (piano), assisted by Mr. A. Grincde (cornet) and Mr. N. Gibson t and s *de effects), while Messrs {•. Nel son and J. R. Williams made highly efficient M’sC. The floor was in good order. An excellent “sitdown ’ supper was provided, thanks to the energy and foresight of the ladies’ committee, who are worthy of the greatest praise. Altogether, a splendid night's entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Mr. A. Openshaw, of Denniston, was a visitor last week-end, and was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Cook Stafford Street.

Mrs. E. Bell of Parras, who has been spending a holiday in Blackball as the guest of Mrs. Buchanan, Stafford Street, has left on her return.

Accompanying the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines, were Miss p’ Crabbe, (stenographer), Mr. T. Callinan (secretary), 'and Mr. R. Simpson (chaffeur). While in Blackball they were the guests of Mrs. H. J. Campbell, at the Dominion Hotel.

Mrs. K. Colquhoun, Hart Street, left