REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 4 July 1944, Page 6

REEFTON NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent!.

REEFTON, July 3.

Black’s Point Red Cross Committee sponsored a welcome home social on Saturday night to Ptes. T. Fensom, E. Loughnan and K. Sara, who recently returned from the Pacific war zone. The hall was crowded, many being present from Reefton. Items were rendered by school children, especially “Nosey Gang” and “Hush, Hush Club.” Other items were given by local residents. The chairman, Mr W. Butcher, extended a welcome to the guests of honour, saying how pleased he was to see them looking so well .after Army life, and hoped it would not be long before all the boys were back from overseas. Other speakers were Messrs W. G. Porter, President of the R.S.A., and Mr J. H. Crossman, headmaster, Black’s Point School. Miss F. Nicholls, secretary of the Red Cross, presented well filled envelopes to Ptes. Fensom, Loughnan, Sara and Mrs McHenry, on behalf of her son, Pte. W. McHenry, who was inadvertently omitted at a previous function. All joined in singing “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows,” and the recipients replied. An opportunity was taken to make the presentation of a fireside companion to Mrs W. Nicholls who has gratuitously supplied the music for all Ped Cross functions. The chairman also conveyed the thanks of the committee to Mrs D. Black for free use of the hall on many occasions The funeral of the late Ernest Topp took place yesterday, it being attended by a'large number from all parts of the Grey Valley. The services at St. Stephen’s Church were conducted bv the Rev. V. Leaning, assisted bv Rev. R. Sprackett. Members of Lodge Robert Burns, of which deceased was a member, were present. Wor. Bro. J’. A. McElwee read the Masonic, service at the graveside. An innovation in mining machinery in the Inangahua coalfield is an electric coal-cutting machine, which is now being operated in the New Pyramid Dip. in the Waitahu sectibfi of the field. Driven by ,a five horse-power electric motor, the machine will cut a six-foot shot hole in less than ten mrnutes, and is capable of channelling to a width of 12 feet in a face of coal.