RIVERTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2801, 20 November 1907, Page 40

RIVERTON.

November 11.-There has been quite a- carnival of event* in this district lately., -the owning of a social hall, practically in the desert i« * m ** ter whk * nMUr £ B .* i^ lg transformation in the habit, of bush We. Tr^n Bros, and Smythie., in co-operation with their employees, hare built such a place in ihe Longwood forest, and here the mm some of whom are married can meet their friends and enjoy many kinds of entertainment leading to social improvement rThen we had the opening of the rowing •eaian which made a charming holiday. Trail Bros, and Co. placed their largo liver steamer and punts at the service of tne Bowing Committee. Messrs Bulman and Brown? H. Beer, W. Sterling, Smythies, Carroll, *nd. other* all contributed launches to take the people up the Pourakino tuw. where a real regal day was spent. The native bush and shrubs have taken or. their holiday aspect. With the bloom* and garlands of native flora, the banks of the river look very gay, whilst the great forest trees tear their heads high into the sky, giving the scene a charming appearance. Such •cenee give * restful and happy view of the wondrous works of Nature.

Our annual regatta takes places on Decem"bei 26, and good work is already being done to make it the usual success that has always made this event famous among the regattas of the Dominion. The athletic sports, which used to attract ••> much attention front sporting men some years ago, aze being revived with great promise, of success. These sports and regatta Me held under the patronage of Lord Plunket *jid Sir Joseph Ward. Very liberal contributions have been tendered to the prize fund, and it i» the intention of the promoters to organise a programme of special merit. Such gatherings will materially help to make Biverton better known as a delightful place of pleasure. No doubt many out of the large ooncourse of people who will be pre•ent will take advantage of the opportunity *ffordecl by the numerous launches plying on the river and estuary to explore the famous and pioturesque Pourakino River, -whilst others will take a run over the bar •nd breathe in the refreshing air of Neptune's domain. These events amidst the lovely surroundings moke & set of delightful holid.ay«. The opening of our bowling season was » pioturesque event. The grounds, under *he direction of Mr T. R. Carroll, hod been «ot into splendid condition. There was a Hrge number of visiting bowlers from Otautau, and a splendid display of play was given. Miss Pankhurst, the Mayor's daughter, performed the opening ceremony so skilfully that a spontaneous cheer was given to the lady. There was a large attendance of the gentler sex. Many of them made themselves tiseful in dispensing the good things which had been generously donated by our popular confectioner, Mr J. Andrew. At an opportune time, the president (Mr Pitchell) called for three cheers (" hearty, you know ") for Mr Andrew, in acknowledgment for his handsome contribution to the day's pleasure. The usual felicitous speeches were delivered by the presidents of the Otautau and Biverton Clubs. Anglers have had a good time oh the Jacobs and Pourakino Rivers, some trout weighing 121b and 201b being frequently landed. A Dunedin gentleman varied his sport by taking to netting flounders, and amongst a great display he had one measuring 35§in long. Considering that it takes about five years for a flounder to come to maturity, it would bo interesting to know how old this king of his kind was. Several people «*id it should have been sent to the museum. It would have been a big advertisement for Riverton.

The most important item I have to report is the promise of a good harvest. All that is wanted just now i« a couple of days' rain to suit both early and late crops.

G-rass is growing very well, and in consequence milk is flowing well, and -big cheques are the order of the d*y. The lambing has been veiy successful, so that things in general are looking all right.