RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20171, 6 May 1927, Page 5

RIVERTON NOTES

RIVERTON METHODIST CHURCH. The visit of Rev. A. J. Seamer (Superintendent of Hoiw and Maori Missions) and his talented party of Maori orators and singers was highly successful, large audiences gathering on all occasions. They presented a programme valuable in entertaining and educational properties. New Zealanders generally speaking are woefully ignorant of the manner of life, customs and recreations of the brown skinned people whom they have largely supplanted in these islands. This case, as presented by Mr. Seamer and illustrated by the members of his party, went a long way to dispel such ignorance that might have been in the minds of those present. The party consisted of chieftains and chieftainesses of the various tribes of the North Island; Warehuia Rangheuea, of the Hot Lakes District and King Country; Paikea Toka, of North Auckland; Mere Poiki, of Taranaki; ■ Huhana Henare, of Kaipara; Te Whetumaramaoteata Ngapipi Reiwite, of Orakei. These are all descendants of the Maori people, amongst whom the Methodist Missions have worked for 90 to 105 years. Rev. Seamer preached in Riverton on Sunday and in the Service he was assisted by the party. On Monday a concert was given at Gummies Bush, and in the Empire Theatre, Riverton on Tuesday. The stage was tastefully decorated, with full lighting effects, which together with the native costumes made a charming scene. The items which were heartily applauded, consisted of Hakas performed with a vogour and enthusiasm which only the Maori can put into it, and weird Wiatas one of which was composed by the great grandfather of the chief to commemorate the matyrdom of some of the early Methodist Missionaries. Five different specimens of Poi Action Songs were presented to the accompaniment of typical native music and dance, the Canoe Poi Song being specially fine. The little girl, 10 years, with a long name won the hearts of all with her sweet personality, tuneful song and graceful dance. The harmony of the part songs, the sweet instrumental music together with other items made an enjoyable and instructive evening. Mr. Seamer, who has a passionate love for the Maori people, has visited this district with a Maori party before, but the present party presents a programme which is a lonp” way superior to anything of its kind ever seen or heard in Southland before. W.E.A. The annual meeting of the above was held in More’s Committee Rooms on Monday evening, when there was a large attendance. The balance-sheet showing a credit balance of £2 5s 4d was read and adopted. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mr. McGregor Cameron; committee —Mesdames T. Borland, C. Webb, Misses Todd, Hunt, Messrs Griffiths and Price. Misses Brandford, Price and Mr. Gordon Stewart were appointed a social committee, and Miss Lydia Bell was elected secretary and treasurer. Mrs Webb suggested that Mr. August should assist the society as in the past. In reply Mr. August said he would be very pleased to comply with the wish, and would give a lecture once a fortnight, and would endeavour to attend some of the debates held during the year. It was resolved, after some discussion, that the arranging of a syllabus be left to the committee. Mr. August gave a very interesting resume of Sir Ernest Benn’s much discussed book, “The Confessions of a Capitalist.” As the author is in receipt of an income of £lO- - a year, he hold the view that the business man is the most important factor of the community, and the book holds the same place in England as those of Ford’s do in America. After Mr. August had expressed his opinion of Sir Ernest Benn, a number of those present added their remarks. Next Monday night Mr. August will deliver an interesting lecture on Robert Louis Stevenson, when it is to be hoped there will be a large attendance. HOCKEY MATCH. On Wednesday afternoon a hockey match between Nightcaps and Riverton was played on the latter’s ground, when, despite an almost continuous downpour of rain, there was a good attendance of supporters of the game. The ground was soft, and it was impossible for both teams to play up to their usual form. The visitors, however, had the best of the game, running up a score of eight goals to the home team’s nil. For Riverton Misses Atkinson, Guest, and Jones were the most conspicuous, while Misses Clapp, Aitken and Hunt put in good all round play for ’Caps. Mr. R. Bailey was referee. FOOTBALL. On the completion of the hockey game the first match of the season in the Western District Competition was played between Otautau and Riverton. The weather was little better when the teams took the field, rain falling throughout. Otautau started play, and Foster returned the kick, and for some time the ball lingered in the visitors territory, where Mills centred, and Lockett following up got possession and crossed the line, Mills converting. After this reverse the visitors put in some good work, and carried play well down the field, being awarded a free kick, the ball going over the line, and Riverton forced. Otautau kept up the attack and for another infringement were given a free kick, Harrington making a good but unsuccessful attempt to goal. Shortly after half-time was sounded, the scores being Riverton 5, Otautau nil. On resuming play the local forwards broke away, and carried the ball to Otautau line, where hard kicking prevented a score, and the visitors forced. Some give and take play followed, and shortly afterwards the local team were defending their line, where Otautau were given a free kick, the ball going o- lc ’de the post. From now on till call of time play was up and down the field. No further score was made, Riverton thus winning by sto nil. For Riverton Mills, McGregor, Foster, Lockett, Dennis and O’Neil were the pick, while Harrington, Mackie, Mclvor, Clapp, O’Rourke, and Bulman were the most prominent of the visitors. Mr. H. Spears ably controlled the