RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21427, 23 June 1931, Page 4

RIVERTON NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) Representatives of the political organizations hive been busy of late making preparations for the coming election. The supporters of the present administration held a meeting recently, but so far nothing has been said of the selected candidate. A strong deputation waited on Mr J. C. Thomson, who formerly represented the constituency for 1902 to 1919 and from 1922 to 1925, when he did not seek re-election, with a request that he should allow himself to be nominated in the National interests for the Wallace seat. In reply Mr Thomson said he greatly appreciated the hdn6ur of being requested to become a candidate, but he had definitely decided not to again contest the seat, and therefore he regretted he could not accede to the request. A well-known local resident has signified his intention of offering his services in support of the present administration, while two other political aspirants in different parts of the electorate are, it is reported, ready to champion the causes of the United and Labour Parties respectively. The Wallace Hospital Board, like similar institutions in the Dominion, is feeling the effects of the depression. The department has made a considerable reduction in the requisition, and as there are large amounts owing by ex-patients, with little chance of getting the major portion of the money in, a special committee was set up last month to go into .the question of economies. At Thursday’s meeting of the board, after considering ways and means in committee for some time, the following was agreed to: That 10 per cent, reduction in all salaries’ and wages of the board’s employees be made from June 1, automatic increases and allowances to be suspended during the current year; patients’ fees, both for hospital and maternity home, to be raised from 7/6 to 9/- daily. It was.also decided to ask the radiographist and the anaesthetist to favourably consider making a reduction of 10 per cent, on their charges. The old people’s home will be closed in the meantime till further notice, and the maternity home will be leased to the sister in charge. The contribution towards the nurse’s salary at Lumsden will be reduced by 50 per cent., and the meetings of the board will be held bi-monthly instead of monthly as at present. It was also decided to write to the Waipiata Sanatorium Committee suggesting that all non-paying patients be returned to the district.

Word was received during the week of the death at Wellington of a well-known ex-Rivertonian, Mr William Boniface. Born in Sydney in 1844, he left with his parents when quite young for New Zealand in one of the boats owned by the late Captain Howell, Mr Boniface, senior, being an employee of the captain. The family for a while remained in Dunedin, eventually taking up permanent residence at Riverton, where most of the children were born. During those early days Mr. Boniface, who was of a strong robust build, followed many occupations incidental to pioneering life, and saw the seaside town grow from a small settlement to one of more importance. He took an active interest in sport, especially rowing, and was the hero of many hard-fought races over the old courseround the rocks at the Narrows to the bridge. With the advent of more modern racing boats, he stroked the local men at many regattas, the four-oared crew successfully competing against provincial and outside competitors, but it was in dinghy races where he was more brilliant, and with two boats —Can You and Yu Bet—built by the late Mr James Green, he won many a race against all-comers. His chief opponent was Mr Palamountain, now also of Wellington, and the two old veterans frequently met there and discussed the racing of many years ago. Mr Boniface Was of a genial disposition, and was well and widely known throughout Southland. He took a great interest in gardening, ano when he resided at Riverton successfully competed at the local shows. He wag also interested in bowling, and was the first caretaker of the Riverton Bowling Club. About, three years ago he decided to go to Wellington, where two of his sons reside, and he remained there up to the time of his demise. His wife (a sister of the late Mr J. R. Mills) died some years ago. Deceased, who was 87 years of age, leaves three sons, Mr John Boniface (Riverton) being a brother and Mrs Frank Church. South Riverton, being a grand-daughter. A vacant house, the property of Mr Murray in Palmerston street, has received rough treatment by presumably a number of boys. An investigation showed that the electric light fittings had been destroyed. The wallpaper in some of the rooms Was damaged, while all the windows were smashed. The work of restoration will mean a considerable expense to the owner, and it is to be hoped that the police, who have the matter in hand, will be successful in locating the offenders. The lads wete seen by a resident, but he was unable to recognize them. On Wednesday afternoon a football match between the High School and the third grade team was played on the recreation ground. Tim game was fairly even throughout, resulting in a draw—a try to a penalty goal. Mr M. Lyng refereed. An exciting senior football match was played between Ohni and Riverton on the latter’s ground on Saturday, resulting in a t |raw —three points each. Alex McKay kicked "a penalty goal for the seasidere and Ces Mills did likewise for the visitors. The game was very open, Riverton having al! the better of the first half, the second being slightly in favour of Ohai. The Riverton pack excelled themselves throughout, and gave their best exhibition this season. Ohai are leading by two points for the shield. The competition is at a very interesting stage as all the teams are well matched, Mr A. Mills controlled the .game.