BLACKBALL NOTES

Grey River Argus, 9 April 1948, Page 7

BLACKBALL NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent) BLACKBALL, April 8. Mrs C. Roberts, of Wellington, who has been paving a visit to her mother Mrs E. Chilion, south Bell street, has left on her return. Mr and Mrs S. Birchfield and family, of Christchurch, who have been spending a holiday with their relatives, the Glasson family, have left on their return. Mrs G. Shields, Stafford street who has been undergoing treatment _ at Christchurch Hospital has arrived home, much improved in health. Mrs Gennison, senr., Christchurch, is spending a holiday here with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs H. Gennison. Main Road. Mr and Mrs Amos Grindle, accompanied bv their son Ncii, left last Thursday en route to Hamilton where they will, in future, reside. Miss Gwen Jones, of Wellington, has been spending a holiday 7 with her mother, Mrs E. Jones, R n a Road. Miss Rosa Balderstone, for some years on the staff of the local Post Office, has severed her connection with that department and has left for Christchurch to take up nursing. While here, siie was a popular public servant and her many friends will combme in wishing her every success in her new employment, Miss S. Dunn, sole teacher in Roa State School, leaves shortly to take up an appointment in Samoa. Her many friends wish her bon voyage and good luck. The death of Mr G. R. Clark, Main Road, last week, while not unexpected, cast a decided gloom over the township, where he had been well known and highly respected. The late Mr Clark first came to New Zealand in the early years of this century and worked in the old Blackball mine for some time. He returned to the Old Country, marrying there and settling down, until the urge to return to New Zealand took him some 20 years ago, when he came back to Blackball, bringing his wife and seven of a family, with him. He worked in Blackball mine up till 1931, after wnich he did casual work, mainly for Grey County. He was, a very intelligent man, being well read and keenly informed, holding strong views on many of the subjects that affect workers’ lives from time to time. A staunch trade unionist and Labour suporter. who always expressed his ideas in a fearless manner, he was highly respected by all who knew him, and his passing will be keenly felt by a wide circle of friends, whose sympathy will be extended to his widow and family in their sad bereavement. Jjt conformity with the expressed wish of the late Mr Clark, his remains were conveyed to Christchurch, where they were cremated, last Friday afternoon The Rationalist burial service was delivered in the environs by Mr McLaren, of the Chri.stcb.urch Rationalist Society. There was a large gathering of relatives and friends present. Prior to his leaving to take over a new apcintment in Hamilton, Mr Grindle, head engineer of the Blackball State coal mine .was met in a social capacity by his immediate staff and a presentation of an envelope of banknotes was made to him. He made himself very popular with the staff while occupying the position of chief, by the unostentatious vyay in which he conducted himself; his easy method of approach, and his good grasp of his subject. Many expressions of regret and of goodwill were expressed. Mr Grindle suitably _?eplied, exnressing regret at leaving and trusting to meet them all again at some future time. At the Blackball State School opportunity was taken on Thursday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs A. Grindle, who are leaving lhe town for Hamilton. Mr Grindle was for the last two years, chairman of the school committee. Following musical items by the pupils, Mr A., Kennedy, secretary, referred to Mr Grindle’s great interest in the school and its work, and expressed his deep regret at the loss the town would sustain on their departure. He then called on Mr J. Walker, with Mrs W. Mountford, to speak on behalf of the League committee. Echoing the sentiments of Mr Kennedy, and referring to Mr Grindle’s keen interest in past active association with the code Mr Walker made a presentation of a fountain pep and propelling pencil. Mir R. Buchan, Headmaster, added eulogistic remarks concerning Mr Grindle’s enthusiasm for the school's welfare. Mr Kennedy then called on John Dunn to sneak and make . a presentation of an electric bed-side lamp, on behalf of the committee, staff and pupils. Joan Collins, in a happy speech, presented Mrs Grindle with’a bouquet of flowers. In replying, Mr Grindle thanked all for their remarks and the fine gifts. He noted the hapnv relatlonshins. which had always existed between staff and committee, and expressed deep regret at leaving the township, in which they both had resided for so long. Mrs L. Kinsella (committee member) and Mrs Buchan, were also present. Apologies for absence were received from Mrs E. Dumpleton and Messrs W Goodall and D. Rae (all committee members). The function concluded with afternoon tea,