RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 5

RIVERTON NOTES

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE. (From Our Correspondent.) A meeting of the Riverton Progressive League was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, when there were present: Mr R. N. Wilson (in the chair), Mrs W. Gunnion, Miss Hunt, Messrs A. E. Willett, H. C. Johnstone, T. King, L. R. Jordan, W. A. Scobie, J. A. Martin, J. Crawford, F. Ashley. CORRESPONDENCE. G. B. Burns, County’ Clerk, wrote stating that in reply to the letter with respect to the suspension bridge over the Pourakino River, the Wallace County Council would have the matter attended to. —Received. The stationmaster, Riverton, wrote forwarding a letter from the District 1 ’•attic Manager regarding the complaint made by the League to the inadequacy of the accommodation provided on the Gore-King-ston train for week-end excursions. T. e department were of the opinion that sufficient accommodalion had been provided throughout the holiday season, extra cars being attached when necessary. The letter further stated that appreciative reference had been made by the public this year to the absence of overcrowding on the trains in question, there being generally some vacant seats in both first and second-class cars.—On the motion of Mr Scobie it was decided to write thanking the stationmaster for the trouble he had gone to over the matter. General managers of the Tourist Departments, at Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, wrote in reply to a letter regarding having photographs of the Riverton district hung in the different offices, and stated that if half t dozen of these were forwarded, they would be sent to the different branches. The chairman said that in the course of the next few days he would be in Wellington, and, if it were the wish of the League, he would endeavour to interview the heads of the departments.—Agreed to. Air Adam Hamilton, M.P., Invercargill, wrote with reference to the number of subscribers to the Riverton telephone exchange. He stated that the number of paying subscribers was over 1(M), the actual number on the exchange being 104. This number would practically entitle the town to have the office open from 6 a.m. to midnight, and also for two hours on Sunday. At least 105 paying subscribers would be necessary before this right could be claimed.— Mr Hamilton to be thanked, and it was resolved that each member of the League make every effort towards increasing the list of subscribers. E. B. Gee wrote regretting being unable to be present as he was out of town. In regard to the tree-planting, he suggested two rows on the north shore, and five lots of four or five trees—pinus insignus—along Taramoa Bay from about Church street to Helm’s. Mr King said the matter of tree-planting requried consideration, and they should be placed in position at the proper season I when they had a chance to grow. Past ex- i perience had proved that the pinus insignus i would thrive in Taramoa Bay, and if the j League decided to carry out a planting scheme, the trees must be protected so as to give them a chance to make headway. It j was a waste of money to plant shrubs, etc., in land not suitable for their require- 1 ments. He said the trees already planted j should receive attention, be cleaned up, and I the failures replaced by others. The chairman stated that some people ! were against the pinus insignus, as they were considered a nuisance, but as they were for shelter purposes, and appeared to thrive in the sandy soil, it might be advisable to plant out a few. Mr Willett said he would move that the ’ Tree Planting Committee be instructed to i secure the necessary number for the north shore. He was opposed to planting any l more at Taramoa Bay, except replacing ‘ those that had not taken root. If these were attended to, and a general clean up carried out, that, he thought, should be sufficient for the present year. The motion was seconded by Mr Crawford and carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The chairman said members would have observed that their meeting had been held earlier than usual. One of <k* reasons was because the secretary, Mr George Swift, had tendered his resignation, having removed to j another district, and he (the speaker) had ; asked their treasurer to carry on the secre- i tarial duties until the annual meeting next I month. This Mr Crawford had consented j to do. Another one was he would be away ‘ in Wellington before next meeting, and he thought the League might have some matters that he could bring before the heads of the Government departments when up north. Regarding the establishment of a dental clinic in Riverton, he had waited upon the Minister of Education on his last visit. The other members of the deputation were unable to be present, but he did his best to urge their claim. The Minister was supplied with all the available information, and he promised to bring the question favourably before his colleague—the Hon. Mr Young. The Rev. C. Webb had introduced the domestic science course, and to this the Minister also promised his support. On the motion of Mr Jordan, the action of the chairman was approved, and it was also resolved to write to Mr Swift, thanking him for past services. OTHER BUSINESS. Mr Ashley said the bank near the bowling green in South Riverton should be planted with creepers, This had been suggested to him by visitors, who also expressed their appreciation of the efforts being made by the League to beautify the town. —Left to Planting Committee. Mr Martin was appointed convenor of meetings of sub-committees elected at the previous meeting. The chairman said Mr Moore had carried out some painting work for which he had made no charge, and he moved that he be heartily thanked for his generosity.—Carried. Mr Martin drew attention to the erratic train service, and moved that the department be written to. It was unfair to those people who patronised the railway to be kept waiting in a dimly-lighted station with little or no conveniences. Children were late in reaching their schools, and complaints were made by parents and the business community.—Motion carried. The chairman said that so far he had nothing definite to report regarding the securing of a portion of the bush for a reserve in South Riverton. He had made several visits to the premises of the owner, but he always happened to be away. It was decided to communicate with the member for the riding, asking him to have the road repaired leading to the school and recreation ground. Miss Hunt said that steps should be taken to have Riverton recognised as a tourist re sort. —Left in the hands of the chairman. In reply to Miss Hunt, the chairman said the annual meeting of the League would be held in June, when the annual report would be submitted, showing the number of meetings attended by members of the executive, and other particulars. The new by-laws would also be ready by then.