RIVERTON LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 9

RIVERTON LEAGUE

MONTHLY MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. (From Our Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the league, held on Thursday evening, was attended by Mr J. A. Martin (chairman), Mrs W. Gunnion, Dr Gordon, H. C. Johnstone, T. King, A. F. Webb. A. E. Willett, H. E. Philp, J. Crawford, W. Scobie and McDonald (Waipango). The Chief Postmaster, Invercargill, wrote acknowledging receipt of league’s letter with reference to the rural mail service, and stated that the request to have the mails leaving Riverton direct was receiving consideration. The chairman stated that the concert recently given by the commercial travellers in aid of their funds had resulted in a profit of £B. The entertainment had been greatly appreciated by the public, and the performers were deserving of their thanks. He wished also to publicly thank the ladies who had greatly assisted by giving free use of the furniture, cushions, etc., for the stage, and also for helping at the supper which was given after the performance. Messrs Philp and Scobie spoke in flattering terms of the excellent programme provided, and it was resolved to write the association, thanking it for assisting the league. Mr King said he had paid a visit of inspection to the trees planted in different parts of the town. With reference to those near Dr Trotter’s residence, he thought it would be advisable to shift them, but it would be too late to do so this year. They did not appear to thrive, due no doubt to the sandy nature of the ground, and he suggested removing them to the heavier soils on the south side. Cabbage trees could be placed there instead, and the present ones removed elsewhere. It was resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the Beautifying Committee with power to act. Mr Philp stated that a number of people would benefit, if a letter-box were placed at the intersection of Palmerston and Princes streets. It was a busy centre, and people arriving by trains and also residents in that quarter would find it handy. The one at Green’s corner was too far away, and he thought the Postal Department should be approached to ascertain if one would be erected there. He moved accordingly.—The motion w’as carried. Mr Johnstone said as the busy time was approaching, school committees and differentorganizations which held picnics annually should be circularized and the advantages to be gained by coming to Riverton should be clearly set forth. The north beach was gaining in popularity each year, still there were many who did not know' of its existence. Those who travelled by trains and had children under their charge would find the spot most suitable, being close to the town, while shelter was provided with plenty of water handy. He would like to see the beach given more prominence than had been done in the past. The secretary was instructed to forward circulars, giving full particulars to likely visiting picnic parties. Mr Philp said the question of up-to-date conveniences had been discussed at a previous meeting, but had been turned down on account of the cost. He thought if the Tourist Department was written to and informed of the numbers of people who came to Riverton during the summer season some monetary assistance would be forthcoming. Mr Willett stated that Riverton w’as not a recognized tourist resort, but if the Department were made aware of their wants they might receive a subsidy after fully explaining their intentions. The council had before them plans submitted by the Health Department, but it was considered their erection would be too costly, running into £l3O. Dr Gordon said he was opposed to the league expending large sums in this direction when suitable ones could be erected for £2O or £3O. He thought a small committee should be appointed to visit the south ward and bring up a report for next meeting. This was agreed to, and the chairman, Dr Gordon, Messrs Philp and Webb were appointed a sub committee to bring forward suggestions for consideration. Mr McDonald said he had paid a visit recently to the north beach. The place was an ideal one for picnic parties, but something should be done in the way of improvements to the ground near the shelter shed so that no difficulty would be experienced by motorists in turning their cars. The bumps should be levelled, and where necessary a few loads of clay or gravel placed in the holes. The cost, he thought, would not be heavy, and if carried out would be appreciated by motorists, especially those owning the large make of cars. Mr Willett said, as one of a committee appointed at a previous meeting, he had visited the locality, and after going into the pros and cons of improving the locality it had been recommended thafr it would be too costly to carry out what was at first proposed, so the scheme had been deferred meantime. With regard to the bumps or small ridges mentioned care would have to be exercised in having the levelling work carried out, for as soon as the top part was removed the bottom one being sand would be lifted by the wind and transferred elsewhere. The difficulty could be overcome, however, by adding clay or gravel. The matter was left to Dr Gordon and Mr Willett to inspect and report. Mr Philp brought up the question of parking cars in Palmerston street, and said it was time the borough council took action and made some provision for a proper system in this respect. Near Parkin’s corner, one of the busiest in the town, motorists rake their stand, and several accidents have been narrowly averted of late. He thought the league should take some action before something serious occurred. The chairman said the matter had cropped up at a previous meeting of the council, and the inspector’s attention drawn to the complaint. Dr Gordon said cars were becoming very numerous and would continue to increase year by year. At present the practice followed by using Palmerston street for parking purposes was dangerous to the public, especially for children. Some motorists had no consideration at all for the public. In time to come, he said, the property known as the old flourmill site would prove a great asset to the town if it could be procured and utilized for parking. A small charge could be made, and with a few small alterations to the ground it would be admirable. There are two exits or entrances either by Havelock or Palmerston street. Mr King said he favoured asking the council to take the matter up. The present arrangements were anything but satisfactory, and his experience had been that some of these motorists who own a car seem to think they own the country also. After further discussion it was. decided to leave the matter in the hands of the chairman and Mr Willett to bring up at next meeting of the Borough Council.