BLACKBALL NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 29 November 1901, Page 2

BLACKBALL NOTES.

(OUB OWN COBBEBPONT>ENT.)

After all the growling it is very pleasing to be able to record a good word to the proprietors of the punt. For some time back the bye-wash has been making considerably, every fresh deepened it, until doubts were entertained of the possibility of the coaches fording it. Even now a very small fell of rain occasions a stoppage. This allowance is considerably lessened by the act of the proprietors putting an extra boat on the bye-wasb. Though it adds considerably to the work of the men, yet this thoughtful act is fully appreciated Dy the Blackball residents, who now koow that when they leave the township, they have a chance of getting back again.

The township is just beginning to recover from the effects of the fire. The people are again beginning; to feel oonfident with regard to the permanency of the district, for the building trade at the present time is exceptionally brisk. Several new residences have been built, or are in the course of erection. The most noticealle improvement is the substantial additions to Kinsella's Hotel. Under the able direction of Mr Arnett, a new wing has been added to the side, and an addition has been put to the back. The whole building is to be painted and decorated, and when the work is completed this Hotel will almost be the best built outside of Greymouth.

A good gaugo of the progress of a place may bo taken from the school. DuriDg the last three months the roll number has increased considerably, and has now reached 96. The Inspector in his report recommended more seating accommodation. This will relieve the pressure for a while; but if the increase is maintained, a now wing to tbe building will be necessary, for even now there are too many children in each room.

Last Sunday the Blackball band played the following pieces of music in the township :—Lurline, Invader, Jems of Modern

Melody, The South Afric^' Eveline, Yours Always, Our Fallen Heroes, and Auld Lang Syne. This band has improved wonderfully of late, and the Bandmaster, Mr Mcintosh, is to be congratulated upon tho state of efficiency he has now brought about. Financially, the band is almost -out of debt, which, when cleared, will allow a few more instruments to be purchased, and then the band should equal almost anything on the Coast.

The Blackball sports promise to bo a great success. The entries are good, the committee has worked very hard to provide a suitable track, the catering for the public is in good hands but like all outside sports, it now depends upon the weather. The track is quite an animated picture with tho number of "peds" training in the evening. The following should wiu the events—Maiden White, Point Handicap Williams, Half mile Daly, Mile Handicap Grogan, Trucker A. Green. By reference to the advertising columns it will be seen that the Eailway Department is providing cheap fares to Ngahere, where Crawford's cjach will moet all • trains. |

The Blackball residents are much el" ated ovea the decided prospect of the construction of Ngahere Eailway bridge. If no hitch occurs, fifteen months should see the work completed. m