STOCKTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1947, Page 8

STOCKTON NOTES

four Own Correspondent]. Mr and Mrs J. Brown and family left Stockton on Friday, and will in future reside in Westport. Mr and Mrs J. Annon have taken the residence recently vacated by Mr and Mrs Brown. Mr and Mrs C. Steele returned on Sunday after spending the week-end in Reefton. Mrs D. Gemmell and Miss B. Gemmell, of Westport, were .visitors during the week. Mr and Mrs J. Lavery are visiting Auckland. Mr Lavery will attend the Amalgamated Picture Exhibitors' conference. The Stockton co-operative store opened on Monday. Mr Fleming has been appointed as manager. The annual meeting of the Ngakawau Miners’ Union was held in the Stockion Hall on Thursday, Mr F. Connew presiding. It was unanimously agreed that Mr 1-1. Purdy, a member of flic Fact Finding Committee on the mines, should be allowed priority in dealing with the accomplishments of that organisation. He referred to the questions of seven hours per shift, and pensions for mine workers over (if), with £1 extra per week (to be obtained from a levy on coal production) for those desirous of retiring at GO years of age. The work of the Committee was to ascertain the position regarding all the matters at the Respective mines in the country and then make proposals to the responsible quarters. Mr Purdy pointed out that, if the Ngakawau Union was in agreement with the proposals as outlined, the members must accept the necessary discipline for the success of the sevenhour day.

After many questions had been asked and answered by Mr Purdy, a resolution was unanimously carried supporting the report of the speaker, and trusting that the seven-hour day would speedily become an accomplished fact. On the motion of Messrs J. Johnston and W. Strang, a vote of thanks to the speaker was carried by acclamation.

In dealing with the minutes, the secretary pointed out that the wettime payment, according to the last agreement, dated back to June 11, 1946. It was a surprise to the members present to hear that, no decision had been given as to two compensation claims which went before Mr Justice Ongley over seven months ago. A motion was moved to the effect thrt the shilling levy recently adopted be further discussed with a view to obtaining the necessary amount of money without recourse to the levy. Nominations were taken for official positions for the ensuing year. Mr F. Connew was returned unopposed as president. Mr J. Tyler and Mr W. Battershall will contest the secretaryship. Messrs T. Douglas and G. Crackett were appointed check inspectors, and Messrs W. Little and J. Douglas deputy check inspectors. The committee will be composed of" Messrs J. Stack, 11. Mcßride, C. Stenhouse, S. Johnston and K. Jones. Mr S. Barnes was returned unopposed as checkweighman, and Mr J. Johnstone as deputy checkweighman. Scrutineers for the ballot are Messrs R. Luke and A. Goddard, and the returning officer is Mr A. Bradley. r A resolution was passed unanimously supporting an appeal by Mr Johnstone for a suitable school to be established at Hector or Ngakawau for young children, who are now forced to travel to Granity. It was pointed out that the householders should organise a meeting and jflace their requirements before the Minister of Education.