RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20002, 16 October 1926, Page 10

RIVERTON NOTES

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Riverton Progressive League was held on Thursday evening, when there were present—Mr R. N. Wilson (in the chair), Miss Hunt, Messrs T. King, H. Johnstone, J. A. Martin. A. E. Willett, J. Instone, R A. Bell, L. R. Jordan, W. A. Scobie, S. McNeil. F. Ashley, J. Crawford, E. B. Gee and Dr Gordon. The chairman said the first business to be considered was the revision of the rules and regulations. The committee appointed had gone freely into the matter, and had made some alterations and additions. It was for the meeting to say whether the amendments should be confirmed or otherwise dealt with. It was resolved to adopt the suggestions of the sub-committee, and also to have the new rules printed. The. secretary of the Southland Power Board wrote informing the league that Mr Diack, of Riverton. had called at the board’s office, and the matter of appointing him at Riverton had been discussed with the engineer. Mr Diack had been furnished with a pair of rubber gloves and high tension fuse operating stick, and has now the board’s permission to perform the service asked for. -It was decided to write the board thanking them for the appointment. G. Cassels, Town Clerk, stated t-hat the Riverton Borough Council would be pleased to accede to the request for the necessary authority to drain the Waldeck Recreation Reserve, South Riverton. The Property and Reserves Committee had been directed to supervise and act in conjunction with the league during the progress of the proposed work.—The chairman said before committing themselves the league should be supplied with the probable cost of the undertaking. Mr Gee moved that Messrs F. Webb, T. King and the mover be appointed to go into the matter and report at next meeting.—Carried.

W. More was the only tenderer for painting the shelter sheds on the two beaches, and his price (£6 G/-) was accepted. It was also decided to have the swings attended to. Mr More to be given the work. The chairman said he had ordered some timber, which had been used for protecting the trees along the beach road. Mr Crawford had supplied the labour gratis, and he thought he should be thanked for the work done.—Chairman’s action confirmed, and Mr Crawford was thanked for his kindness. The chairman said he thought some alteration should be adopted as regards securing new members.. He thought their membership could be considerably augmented if a proper canvass were made.

Mr Gee said the old system seemed to be a failure. An energetic man should be engaged who could visit the whole district and induce residents to take tickets. He was in favour of appointing someone, .and giving him, say, 20 per cent, commission. This would be some inducement for him to work the town and district thoroughly. Mr King said he thought if a little more energy were put forward they would not have cause to complain about the smallness of the membership, and if interest was lacking it would be as well to disband. Mr Willett agreed with the previous speaker. All members of the league should do their best to encourage residents to join up. He, however, was opposed to the percentage system. Collectors had been appointed for different sections, and if they were not prepared to act they should say so. Mr Jordan said he thought each member of the executive should make up his mind to account for at least five, and if all did their utmost he had no fear as regards results. It was eventually decided to again appoint canvassers, the residents to be advised by advertisement that they would be called on in due course. A short discussion followed regarding the sanitary service in the borough, and it was decided to draw the council’s attention to the unsatisfactory state of affairs at present existing. Mr King said the bush in South Riverton, owned by Messrs More Bros., should, if possible, be procured. If the owners were prepared to hand it over, the league could put in the necessary tracks, which, he thought, would be appreciated not only bytownspeople but visitors also. He hoped the matter had not been overlooked.—Left* in the hands of the chairman. Mr Willett said the Riverton Bowling Club were carrying out a number of improvements on their grounds, and at the public pavilion, and they intended utilising the money received from the recent carnival for the purpose. The committee were of the opinion that rough casting was necessary for the building, and it had been decided to proceed with the work provided the league paid half the cost. The total cost was estimated at about £2O. This part of the work would in all probability be allotted to members of the club and a saying would be made thereby. Mr Gee said the repairs proposed would greatly improve the building and surroundings, and moved that the league pay a half share of the cost. The motion was carried. Mr Martin said the Borough Council were having some painting and repairing done to the council buildings. The league had a number of pictures of Riverton and district in their possession, and instead of being packed away they should be hung round the walls of the hall. He was quite prepared to assist in having them placed in position, and he was sure there were others who would give their services in this respect It was decided to collect the photos and place them in the hall.