PUBLIC MEETING AT BLACKBALL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 10 June 1901, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING AT BLACKBALL.

A representative meeting of the residents of Ngahere and Blackball was held in Joliiffo’s club room at 8 p. m. on Saturday. Mr John Leitch was elected as Chairman.

Mr Irvine complained of the unsatisfactory manner in which the ferrymen did their work. The coach ojly crossed the river twice this week, aim then the passengers got their feet wet, while crossing the bye-wash. Messrs Leitch and MJuir spokt of the dangerous passage andmpease imgotting to the ferry.

Mr Gregory stated that ho had been crossing daily in his own canoe, and saw two men in trying to get to the ferry, up to their waist in water, and that night, the water ran into the body of the coach. Ho thought Mr Hargraves should be requested to attend to this part of his riding. Mr Harrison moved. Seconded by Mr Muir that “ The County Council bo requested to convey pastengers across the river from bank to bank, including all byewashes, and to take means to stop the present byo-wash, and that a boat be placed at the upper ferry to enable passengers to cross until the dray traffic can bo resumed, as the bye-tvash at present prevents all cartage of mails, goods, and food from the Ngabcro railway station to Blackball. ’’ Carried unanimously. Dr Millington moved, seconded by Mr White “That the punt is unserviceable, and unsafe for the work. Carried.

Mr Riddiford moved, seconded by Mr Harrison “That Messrs W. Leitch and' Gregory be a deputation to lay these resolutions before the County Council. Carried.

Mr White moved, seconded by Mr Gerraghty “That Mr Hargreaves bo requested to meet.them that night week at 8 p.m. Carried unanimously.’’ Mr J. Leitch moved, seconded by Mr Wallace, that the Secretary write to the Oountv Clerk informing him that a deputation from this meeting would wait upon the County Council next meeting. Harried. Mr Leitch moved, seconded by Mr White that a subscription bo collected to ■defray the expenses of the deputation. Carried. A vote of thanks to the Chair terminated the meeting. It was announced at the meeting that Mr Guinness, our representative, would meet the electors of Blackball on Wednesday night. There has been a good deal of grumbling here lately about the irregular way :in which the “Star” has been delivered. No doubt the “Stars” have been interrupted in their transit, as well as the •coach. The first masquerade ball in Blackball vlll take place on Friday, June 28ch. It is being conducted to help to provide funds to purchase a piano for the school.