NOTES FROM BLACKBALL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 October 1901, Page 2

NOTES FROM BLACKBALL.

(OUU OIVN CORRESPONDENT.)

The programme issued by the Blackball Athletic Committee is a very creditable one. The several events are well selected, and what with the substantial prize money, should provide for an excellent meeting. I note that the nominations close on she 14th prox., and I would not be surprised to see almost every “ped” in the district on the list. Good competition may then be assured as the handicapping is in excellent hands.

The residents of Blackball wore sorely grieved to hear of the sad calamity at th Moonlight crossing. Mr McGill was well known in Blackball and was noted for his sterling qualities. Much sympathy is felt for his people in their sudden affliction.

It seems strange that accident after accident has occurred and yet no action taken with regard to bridging the Grey River. At Blackball there are close on 500 people and with the surrounding district there are 800 people. Yet these people must put up with a common punt, for crossing the river. We areas primitive as 25 years ago. Just fancy day after day at the Moonlight crossing, men have to cross the river by driving the dray through the stream on the best track they can find, often through coloured water. No wonder thwro are accidents. If the Government cannot seo its way to construct a railway bridge, the County should urge a dray bridge at once. Mr W. Walton of Grcymouth kindly gave an excellent entertainment in aid of Self-denial Week fund yesterday evening. His lantern views were much appreciated, and a very large audience swelled considerably the Army fund at Blackball.