NOTES FROM BRUNNERTON.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 March 1901, Page 3

NOTES FROM BRUNNERTON.

(our own correspondent.)

Tho holidays are now over and we are pleased at the fact that wo can onco more settle down for a few months without any excitement. ' As judging from the few who went from here to the races, they are satisfied that it is overdone with four days races at one time, and the necessary lands rather hard to obtain to keep it up, Labor is at present very plentiful here as there are at least twenty men out of places in the mine. This dis-placement is the result of the dip workings in the Brunner mine being finished, and so far there is very little prospect of this part of the mine being siarted again. Volunteering has caught on hero. Our local Volunteer Corps is up to its full strength, and several available recruits arc unable to be sworn in until there arc vacancies. The Company has a first-class man at their head in Captain Austin Tomkies, who for several years was in the Torpedo Corps at Wellington. The Company expects to have their new uniforms before Easter, when no doubt they will be prepared to face the A orks at Wellington in the “full splendour of kharki." „ , n The meeting of the Borough Council called for Tuesday evening, lapsed for want of a quorum. The Mayor and three members only answering to their country s call. Blackball road has been granted another £2OO, thanks to the energy of Mr Guinness the member for the district; but so far no move has been made towards getting it spent, Our council or member should sec that the amount voted is spent, as this is a work urgently required. “Music for Churches” is at present exercising the minds of the adherents of the Presbyterian and Catholic Churches. The former has canvassed the district and having obtained the wherewithal, have sent to America for an up-to-date organ, while the latter are in active rehearsal for an entertainment in order to raise funds to purchase one. There is no doubt but the cash will be forthcoming, as allhough we are not what might bo termed a church-going community, still we love music and are willing to pay for

it. Our population will shortly bo known. I notice Mr Ward has been appointed to collect the census for the Borough. Ho is now distributing the necessary forms. At the last meeting of the Druids Lodge held here, Past District president Bro. Gutborlet on behalf of the grand Lodge installed Bro James Arbuckle, president for the ensuing year. The Literary institudo has just received a most welcome addition to their revenue for tlio ensuing year— * a cheque for £l7 14s being their share from the Government for subscribers to Libraries. I learn that Mr Alison intends to try and secure some of tho coal out of the Pit Heath Mine which was supposed bo lost through being unable to cope with tho water. As soon as I learn any further particulars in reference to the matter I will let you know. If Mr Alison takes it in hand wo feel sure that the splendid coal now in the mine will speedily be brought out. A slight accident happened last night to Mr James Arbuckle, while working in the mine a small quantity of stone fell down striking him on the back and thigh and comoelling him to lay up for about a week, when Dr M’Brearty thinks ho will bo able to resume work.