PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 5

PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE

RIVERTON BODY. (From Our Correspondent.) The usual monthly meeting held on Thursday evening was attended by Mr R. N. Wilson (president), Miss Hunt, Messrs Jordan, J. Crawford, W. A. Scobie, J. A. Martin, A. E. Willett, T. King, Instone, H. Johnston, Berndtson and Dr. Gordon. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The chairman said that since last meeting he had visited Wellington, and had done his best as regards several matters which he had been instructed to attend to. He had had a short chat with the Minister of Education as regards a longer term of the domestic course at the local Technical School, and received a favourable hearing. He noticed that the department were applying for two extra instructors for this work, so that Riverton should soon have a chance of securing the services of one of these teachers. The Tourist Department had been visited with a view to ascertaining the probability of making Riverton a recognised tourist resort, but as the head of the department was away nothing definite was accomplished. Coming nearer home, he said, as a result of a meeting of Wild Bush settlers an increase in subscribers was promised so that the request for an extension of hours should soon now be fulfilled.— The report was adopted.

CORRESPONDENCE. The District Traffic Manager, Invercargill, wrote in reply to a complaint from the League about the late running of the morning and evening trains to Riverton. The delay, it was stated, was due to waiting on connecting trains at Makarewa. The stock traffic had been heavy, but would soon be over, when the department hoped that a more regular service would result.— Dr. Gordon was appointed to wait upon the Traffic Manager as a delegate from the League. A communication was also received from the department regarding better lighting facilities at the railway station. The letter stated that in probably 12 months’ time the department would be able to give them the electric light.—Received. The Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Health, wrote regarding the request for the appointment of a dental nurse at Riverton School, and stated that applications for service have been, and are being, received continually, many of them dating a considerable time back. The application from Otautau was received on November 5, 1924, and that from Riverton on August 8, 1925, and whilst priority of application is not the first essential, it was only right, all things being equal, that it should be taken into consideration. The chairman said the dates mentioned by the Minister were wrong, for he was informed on reliable authority, that the local School Committee had made application for a nurse some time before the date named.—The letter was received. A. P. McDonald, Wild Bush, wrote offering his services by assisting in the proposed improvements to be carried out on the Pourakino River. He complimented the League on the good work it was doing by the erection of a shelter shed, fireplace and snagging.—Mr McDonald to be thanked. H. Akhurst, Riverton, drew the League's attention to the request by a South Riverton resident, for permission to remove certain sycamore trees. It was a pity to see them destroyed, and he hoped the League would do its best to prevent, if possible, their removal.—Messrs Martin and Willett were appointed delegates to confer with the chairman of the Reserves Committee of the Borough Council. Mr Martin said the fishing boats made frequent visits to Puysegur, and he had been asked to ascertain if daily weather forecasts could be posted up at the Post Office. It had often happened when the boats left here in calm weather that the very opposite was being experienced down the coast. Inquiries to be made.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting was held immediately after the ordinary one. The chairman read the annual report (which has already appeared in these columns), and in moving its adoption, briefly referred to what had been accomplished during his term of office. The incoming executive might have some new plans, but he hoped all would do their best to promote the welfare of the town and district. The motion, on being seconded by Mr J. A. Martin, was carried. Mr J. Crawford submitted the balancesheet, which showed that, with assets, etc., the League was in a sound position; £ll4 3/3 was on final deposit, and practically there was a credit balance of £lBO. Mr Willett said they were in a good financial position, but he was surprised that the membership was represented by £6 11/-. He had made a canvass of his part of the town and had only had one refusal. If all did their best and systematically canvassed this sum should be considerably augmented. Miss Hunt expressed her surprise at the small number of members. She had herself collected £3 7/6. Mr Crawford said since the balance-sheet had been made out £3 17/6 had come to hand. There were 35 men and 27 ladies, the former paying 5/- and the latter 2/6. The chairman stated that all Leaguers experienced the same difficulty, and instanced one case where the membership had been reduced to one shilling, the idea being to have an extra large list of subscribers. However, if a united effort was made he was of the opinion that many residents in town and district would be induced to subscribe. The balance-sheet was adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS. The chairman, in vacating the chair, thanked members for their hearty co-opera-tion, and concluded a short address by nominating Mr L. R. Jordan for the position of chairman. Mr Jordan, however, declined, and Mr Wilson was re-appointed. Vice-presidents: Messrs J. A. Martin and Jordan; Committee: Mrs W. Gunnion, Miss Hunt, Messrs King, F. Ashley, Willett, J. Crawford, P. Williams, C. Parkin, H. Johnstone, W. A. Scobie, E. B. Gee, S. L. McNeil, H. E. Philp, G. R. Berndtson and Dr. Gordon; secretary: Mr F. Ashley; treasurer: Mr J. Crawford. It was resolved to make the former secretary, Mr George Swift, now in another district, a grant of £5 in recognition of his excellent services. On the motion of Mr Martin, Mr L. W. Petchell was re-appointed auditor, and a letter of appreciation for his services was ordered to be sent. OTHER BUSINESS. The chairman said the new by-laws would be ready shortly and in circulation before next meeting. The League’s thanks were due to Mr Norman Beer for the free use of his launch at the Swimming Carnival. He had also consented to take the members and their wives up the Pourakino, but for various reasons the picnic had had to be postponed. The Borough Council was thanked for the free use of the hall, the Press for the fullness of their reports, and Mrs Gunnion, whose name was inadvertently omitted in the annual report, for her assistance at the Swimming Carnival. Mr Crawford reported that the fireplace on the north shore had been damaged and it was decided to draw the attention of the police to the wanton destruction of the public’s property. Mr King reminded those present of the tree-planting scheme, and the proposed shelter up the Pourakino. He hoped these matters had not been forgotten. It might be as well to appoint some person to see that the trees were put in position before the season was too far advanced. Mr Johnstone suggested placing a few trees near the rubbish heap. Mr Instone stated that Mr E. J. Stevens, of Hekeia, had informed him that he was prepared to supply a number of native shrubs if the League could make us of them for ornamenting the different parts of the town. It was decided to thank Mr Stevens for his generosity, and Mr King was appointed ito supervise the planting.

It was stated that Mr N. Beer had offered £5, Mr W. Stirling £l, and the League £5 towards the erection of the shelter, etc., up the Pourakino, and the matter of having the work carried out was left in the hands of Messrs Martin and Berndtson.