RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20522, 26 June 1928, Page 2

RIVERTON NOTES

VALEDICTORY. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr D. Lyttle, who has held the position of teller at the National Bank of New Zealand, has received notice of transfer to Gore branch, and leaves here this week. During his sojourn at the seaside he has proved himself an efficient and popular officer, and has won the respect and esteem not only of the bank’s clients, but of residents generally. In outdoor pastimes he has taken a prominent part. He has been secretary and sole selector to the Aparima Bowling Club, besides being one of its chief skips, and the success of the club in the past has, in a large measure, been due to his untiring efforts. As a member of the Football Club he has given ungrudgingly of his services, and when not playing has ably officiated as referee. He has also been connected with the Golf and Tennis Clubs, and has been prominent in all the club matches. While his many friends will regret the departure of a good citizen and an allround sportsman, they have the consolation of knowing that Mr Lyttle’s departure to the Eastern District means promotion, anl all will wish him well in his new place of abode.

BRASS BAND AFFAIRS. A meeting of members and supporters of the Riverton and District Brass Band was held in the band room on Friday evening. The inclement night no doubt militated against the attendance, nevertheless the gathering was a representative one. Mr H. Johnstone presided. The chairman said the object of the meeting was to consider the policy that should be adopted in the future as regards their usual weekly gatherings which generally took the form of card playing. These functions, he said, were always well attended, being popular with the public, but as euchre parties, in the opinion of some of the magistrates, were illegal, and until the question was definitely settled by a higher tribunal, it might be advisable to find some other means of enjoyment w’hereby they were not likely to infringe on the law. A short discussion followed, the con sensus of opinion being that it would be a pity to abandon them altogether, seeing they were both enjoyable and revenue producing, and it was ultimately decided to continue till the end of the season, but they will take the form of social evenings. PADDY’S MARKET. The Great Western sample rooms were a scene of busy activity on Saturday when members of the ladies’ croquet club held a sale of produce, cakes, etc. Despite two counter attractions, the attendance was good, and buyers were strongly in evidence The fine collection was promptly disposed of, good prices being the rule, and a most successful sale resulted. The ladies are to be complimented on the efficiency of all arrangements, and should nett a good sum, which will be devoted to further improving their picturesque grounds on the Kaik. The following ladies were in charge of the stalls: —Mesdames John Crawford (president), A. Provan (secretary), W. Armstrong, senr., L. R. Jordan, C. H. Gordon and Miss Southberg.

GOLF. At last committee meeting of the Golf Club, Mr R. Birch presented a handsome cup for competition. The donor was heartily thanked for his generosity, and it was decided that the conditons governing it be the same as Mr Raymond’s trophy. It was also decided to hold a Western District competition, arrangements in connection therewith being left in the hands of Messrs Jordon and Banks. The third medal round was played on Wednesday with the following results:— Rouse 80—10—70, Jordon 86—13—73, Banks 83—10—73, Birch 100—24—76, Griffiths 100—24—76, Berndtson 91—14 —77, Philp 101—22—79, McKinnon 95 —l4—Bl. THE GENERAL ELECTION. Although yet some time off supporters of the Liberal and Labour sides of the House have been busy here and in different parts of the Wallace electorate arranging preliminaries for the approaching contest. Towards the latter end of last week Mr Forbes, Leader of the United Political Party, acompanied by the organiser, met a number of Riverton and district electors in More’s Hall, when matters in connection with the election were discussed. Supporters of the Opposition make no secret of the fact that a Labourite will be one of the contestants, while from a fairly authentic source comes the news that a well-known Invercargill commercial men, if not chosen by the Liberals, will come outon his own. Should these rumours be correct, the sitting member and his party should have no fear as to the ultimate results.

THE THEATRE. The proprietor of More’s Theatre has just installed into the building the latest and most scientific heating system. Whilst it will be found beneficial for its warmth in the winter, it will also be a ventilating plant for the summer months. This latest innovation brings the commodious building right up-to-date, and will be greatly ap preciated not only by the audience, but by visiting theatrical companies. A number of other alterations have also been effected, including renovations to the scenery, drop scene, etc. Mr More is to be congratulated on his progressive policy. STRAYING STOCK. The presence of stock on roads, especially at night, is dangerous to the motorist as well as the pedestrian, not to mention the offending quadruped. This was vividly brought home to a local motorist last week. When nearing his home in South Riverton he had the misfortune to run into a cow, which had evidently been asleep on the side of the road. Fortunately no serious consequences happened to man or beast, but the car required minor repairs next day. Whether these strays gain access to the roads by their own efforts, or whether their owners turn them out at night, it is hard to say, but the presence of stock on the roadways could be reduced to a minimum if the rangers and poundkeeper were more strict with the offending owners. A short time back a number were before the Court for this offence, and the fines imposed had a saultary effect for a while, but the nuisance, especially in the south, is becoming as bad as ever, and residents would welcome a change from the present unsatisfactory conditions. GENERAL.

The shortest day has come and gone, and with its passing the old saying, “as the days lengthen the cold strengthens,” has been again exemplified. After a period of frosty weather, followed by somnolent sunshine, a decided change took place, and cold wintry conditions prevail. The Longwoods and Takitimos are well coated with snow, but so far none has fallen in Riverton. although local meteorologists predicted a fall at the end of the week. The cold snap will try the dairy herds, but feed is still plentiful, and the factory managers anticipate carying on till the end of the month, after a very satisfactory season. Tradespeople report business as being slack, and money still tight, but are taking an optimistic view of the future. Those engaged in the sawmill industry are also experiencing quiet times, but with the passing of winter, they expect to be kept going. Orders from Australia have been disappointing, but according to a recent visitor, who has just returned from the Commonwealth, business there in every trade is at a low ebb, and has not been equalled for some years past. A number of mill hands, however, have found employment roadmaking in the Longwoods, and this should keep them employed and tide them over the present slump in the timber trade. The fishing craft—the Alert—owned by Mr McGregor, sliped off the bank in front of the wharf on Thursday and reaching deep water shortly afterwards sank. The Wairuna and her crew, assisted by the other launch owners rendered assistance, and succeeded next day in lifting and having the craft beached. The submersion will mean a complete overhaul of the engine, but in other respects little damage was done*

Mr Norman Beer’s launch, Wairuna, leaves this week for the Sounds, and will be engaged in fishing for the company which is starting operations there. When in full working order it is the contention of other launch owners to proceed to the coast.

The electric light refused duty on Saturday night between 8 and 10, and, needless to say, the Power Board came in for a good deal of criticism. Its re-appearance, however, put subscribers in a better humour. and the hard words said about the management were soon forgotten. Mr Cougou, of Dunedin, who has been appointed to the position of Rector of the Riverton High School, has advised the committee that he will take up duties on July 2. The usual quietude of the town was rudely shatered on Saturday morning. As busines men and their employees were hurrying to take up their duties for the day, they were astounded by an unusual phenomenon. Instead of Palmerston street being open for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the main highway was completely metamorphosed, and the miniature lakes in the main street were responsible for a hold up. The transformation was a wonder to many, and a commercial man ventured the opinion that it must be the work of the Carnival Committee, who were preparing a surprise for the residents, and the opening act would be a “Day,” or perhaps, “A Night in Venice.” All doubt was set at rest by the arrival of the borough’s surfacemen with the necessary implements, and after cleaning out a few badly blocked culverts. and an accumulation of debris from a neglected water table, the water soon found its way to the usual outlet. Traffic was resumed, the business people hurried to the shops, and as the well-known sign, “Business as Usual,” was hoisted, the chance of imitating the Venetians had to be postponed sine die, and the townspeople pursued the even tenor of their way.

A football match between Riverton seniors and Orawia was played on the seaside grounds on- Saturday, the game resulting in a draw—three all. Despite a heavy ground and a greasy ball a fairly good game was provided. Riverton’s forwards dominated the play in the first spell, but lack of finish prevented them from scoring more. Orawia pressed strongly from the kick-off in the second spell, and succeeded in evening up the score. From then on till call of time the game was a tussle between the forwards, neither side having the advantage and was finished in semidarkness. Mr D. Lyttle was referee.