REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1948, Page 8

REEFTON NOTES

(Our own Correspondent) The week-end has been very wet and cold. Sunday night’s rain was accompanied by thunder and lightning. Mr W. Mackie had the misfortune to injure his leg, fracturing a small bone, while at work at the Burkes Creek colliery. Mr E. Elieston, of Bridge street, Reefton, has received word of the death of his brother, Thomas Clement' Elliston, at Santa Clara Hospital, San Jose, California. The late Thomas Elliston, who was 56 years of age, was born and educated in Reefton. On leaving school he entered the Post Office and was noted for his unfailing courtesy. He was a leading member of the Reefton Drama Club, Reefton Concert Orchestra and Silver Band, and was also noted for his ability as a tight wire walker, in which he gave exhibitions across the baths at swimming carnivals. When the 1914 war broke out he enlisted with the Rifle Brigade. was in Egypt and landed with the Division in France, where he saw front-line service in the first days of the Division at Armentires. As the result of his service he was invalided back to New Zealand, and was in St. Georges (Rotorua), Lowry Bay, and Hamner Hospitals. On returning to work, his health gradually failed. Seeking a warmer climate, he then went to California in 1921, and had resided there ever since. His death was the direct result of his war service.