RIVERTON LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 20538, 14 July 1928, Page 8

RIVERTON LEAGUE

MONTHLY MEETING. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting, held in the Town Hall, Riverton, on Thursday evening, was attended by Mr J. A. Martin (chairman), Mrs W. Gunnion, Miss Hunt, Messrs R. Hayles, T. King, A. F. Webb, W. Scobie, H. C. Johnstone, L. R. Jordan, John Crawford and Dr. Gordon. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The chairman reported that the question of the erection of conveniences in South Riverton had come before the Borough Council at its last meeting. As representing the league, he did not commit them in any way, seeing their finances were not in a very strong condition, and no decision as regards their erection in the meantime was arrived at. He had represented them last court day, and the person who had damaged the swings was fined, had to pay the costs, and damage had to be made good. Something would have to be done to have these repaired, and iron bars had been suggested in place of wood as at present used. With reference to the rough state of the Riverton-Colac Bay road, the Wallace County Council were having maintenance gravel placed thereon and other repairs were being effected. The report was adopted, and on the motion of Mr Jordan it was decided to have the swings repaired, the secretary to attend to the work. The chairman said he had been informed that the Public Works Department had found employment for a number of men on a road near Trail’s mill. As far as he could gather it was a new one, and practically led to nowhere. The Department was to be commended for finding work for the unemployed, but why not spend the money on productive roads ? Such expenditure, he said, was a waste of money, and he thought it could be spent to better advantage elsewhere. For some reason or other the road partly formed in the same locality last winter had not been completed, yet a start had been made with a new one, which would be of little benefit to anyone. It was resolved to write to the Department to that effect. Reporting for the Beautifying Committee, Mr King said work had been started about a month ago, and everything was now in readiness for the tree-planting. They intended putting out 110 trees, and these would require protecting. The committee would gladly accept petrol tins for protective purposes, and anyone who had these would oblige by handing them over. He had met Mr McDonald, of Waipango, and he had promised to assist when his services were required. Repairs would have to be carried to those growing in Taramea Bay, and the necessary timber would have to be ordered. Barb-wire had been suggested in place of wood, but, he thought the former would be too expensive. The chairman said it would be incongruous to plant the trees without some sort of protection against stock, and as there was a credit balance of £5 for this department, he thought the committee should be given the necessary authority to order what they deemed necessary, and push on as expeditiously as possible. As regards Arbor Day the Beautifying Committee could make the best arrangements possible, and there should be no difficulty about voluntary labour. He moved accordingly.—Carried. Mr Crawford said two commercial men had stated that if the league got into communication with the association there was every likelihood that the members would come and give a concert in aid of the league. They had £45 in hand, but that sum would soon be exhausted, and an effort would have to be made to raise money.

On the motion of Messrs Jordan and Webb, it was resolved to write the Travellers’ Association thanking them for the offer.

A short discussion followed as to the advisability of promoting a carnival in order to raise funds. It was stated that the Plunket Society and the School Committee would likely combine with the league, and it was decided to hold the matter over in the meantime.

Mr F. Ashley stated that it had been suggested to make a gala day on the occasion of their beautifying scheme, and he asked if they intended adhering to the proposal. The services of the school children would be available, and sports could be held after the trees were placed in position. It was resolved to carry out the treeplanting only, the children’s sports to be abandoned.

It was resolved on the motion of Mr Scobie to engage a collector, the remuneration to be 1/- on all men’s tickets collected and sixpence on ladies’, the chairman, Mr Crawford, and the secretary to look out a suitable person for the purpose.