RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21561, 26 November 1931, Page 12

RIVERTON NOTES

PLUNKET SOCIETY CONCERT. Tlie concert in aid of the above society was well attended, and the programme, although a lengthy one, was received with hearty applause. The Mayor (Mr E. B. Patrick) presided, and the Hon. A. Hamilton was also present, Mr Hamilton, in the course of a short address, referred to the excellent work of the Plunket Society, and said he considered the growing generation were better cared for than those of the earlj- days. He thanked all for their assistance, on behalf of the society, and trusted they would spend an enjoyable time. The programme, a long and varied one, comprised items by scholars attending the Riverton, Colac Bay, Convent, Gummies Bush and Ermedale Schools, and the young performers greatly pleased the audience, the Ermedale children giving a fine exhibition of club swinging. Two dances given by Miss Playfair’s pupils were gracefully carried out by B. Angus, B. Walden, A. Abercrombie and M. Parkin as w-as also a poi dance by the Colac Bay pupils. Other items were: Solo by Bruce Patrick; partsongs, N. Templeton and D. and J. Oag; dialogue, Convent pupils; duet, D. Turner and B. Trembath; song, Naomi Templeton; pianoforte solo, M. Hawke; song, Bertie Anderson; recitation, M. Hogg; song, Maida Cussen; trio, by Dickson family; song, “In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree,” Riverton pupils; trio, “Three Old Maids of Lee” by Colac School; dialogue by Convent pupils and “The Toy Maker's Dream” by B. Templeton, D. and J. Oag. Civic Welcome. The Hon. A. Hamilton, who hns Keen visiting Riverton, was accorded a civic reception during the week. The function took place at the Great Western Hotel, and the Mayor (Mr E. B. Patrick) presided. In the course of his remarks, the chairman took the opportunity of congratulating the member for Wallace on his elevation to Ministerial rank. Mr Hamilton, he said, had been a worthy representative of Wallace for a number of years, and they had been honoured for the first time in having their representative appointed a Minister. Notwithstanding the strenuous times through which Parliament had gone during the past session, it was gratifying to know that their worthy member was in good health, and that the welfare of the Wallace electorate, would still receive every consideration by him. Mr W. Hopcroft (Wallace County chairman) endorsed the remarks of the Mayor. Wallace was, he concluded, very fortunate in having such an able representative as Mr Hamilton, and he wished him every success for the future. In the course of his reply, Mr Hamilton said he appreciated very much the kind way in which Mrs Hamilton and himself had been welcomed. He had now represented Wallace on three occasions, and his election to Ministerial rank was due to the electors themselves. The electorate was a large and scattered one, and it was extremely difficult to visit every portion of it, but he was in hopes of addressing electors in all parts of the district during the next few weeks. Referring to existing conditions, he said the country was passing through a strenuous time at present, but he was in hopes that the cloud of depression would ere long disappear and they would again enjoy times of prosperity. The Regatta. At a meeting of the Regatta Club Committee presided over by Mr E. J. Stevens (president), the following officials were elected: Umpire, Mr T. E. Trail (Kennington) ; judges (rowing), Mr John C mningham; (motors) Mr G. O. Cassels; starter, Mr G. Dickson; starters’ stewards, Messrs J. Joyce and H. Helm; motor steward, Mr W. Fleck; general committee, Messrs G. O. Cassels, J. A. Martin, J. Cunningham, J. Joyce, G. Dickson and A. E. Willett. It was decided that the prize money be the same as last year, and the programme was drawn up on similar fines as the one held in 1930. Messrs D. C. Robertson, W. Fleck and G. Dickson were appointed a time committee, and it was decided to enlist the services of the Boy Scouts for the sale of programmes. The following crews have been selected to represent the local club at the approaching regatta: Youths’ Fours A —Agnew (s), Davies, McKinnon, I. Hillis; B—McNeil (s), Weir, Bailey, Stcnton; Light weight Maiden—C. Beer (s), Horsham, P. Fleck, Spencer; Maiden Fours —N. Hillis (s), Tweedie, Rose, Allison; Junior Fours —J. Beer (s), Matheson, J. Fleck, Whyte; Senior Fours —J. Frew (s), A. Beer, Branks, J. Joyce; Youth Sculls—Tweedie (s), McKinnon; B—Agnew (s), Davis; Maiden Sculls —Branks (s) and Agnew; Junior Sculls—Branks and Agnew; Senior Sculls —Frew and A. Beer; Youths' Pairs -—Agnew and Davies; B—McKinnon and I. Hillis; Maiden Pairs—N. Hillis and Tweedie; B—Rose and Allison; Junior Pairs —Beer and Whyte; B —Fleck and Matheson; Senior Pairs—Branks and A. Beer; B—Frew and Joyce. General. The rain which fell on Saturday will do an immense amount of good to the country, the pastures already giving evidence of improvement. Householders had their tanks replenished, and there will now be no need to carry water. A light shower of hail fell on Saturday, but did not injure the fruit trees or gardens. The Longwood ranges were carrying a white mantle, showing that snow fell in high country. Shearing operations have commenced in several farms, and it is generally expected that the smaller flock owners will have the wool stored early this year. At a meeting of the school jubilee committee Mr Phillips, Dunedin, was appointed official photographer for the re-union, and the Rev. Evans, of Sterling, wrote accepting the invitation to conduct the commemoration services. Little business is being done in the sawmilling industry, several of the mills being idle for some months. Seasoned timber, however, is being lifted at frequent intervals from the Hekeia yards and carried per motor to Dunedin and places en route. At a meeting of the Aparima Anglers’ Club it was resolved that the competition for the trophy donated by the Southland Acclimatization Society be fixed for the week-end of 28th, 29th inst. It was stated that Mr John Forsyth (Riverton) had donated a trophy fcr a fly fishing contest, and this will be held in the new year.