RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21578, 16 December 1931, Page 11

RIVERTON NOTES

THE UNEMPLOYED. (From Our Correspondent). There are at present on the local unemployed relief works 24 men with women and children dependent upon them. The amount received from the unemployed funds, supplemented by the Borough Council’s money, is only sufficient to give 14 of these men three days’ work each, a total of 37/6 for each, and ten of the men two days’ work, or 25/- each. Beginning this week there are ten working days for each man if money were available before Christmas, but, unfortunately funds are low. The Mayor (Mr E. B. Patrick) is therefore making a strong appeal to the public for monetary assistance, and it is to be hoped that sufficient will be forthcoming to enable work being carried on at full time up to the festive season. The amount required would be £l5O, and the sun; available from the Unemployment Board would be approximately £65, leaving a shortage of £B5. Donations or offers of employment may be left with Mr G. O. Cassels, Town Clerk, or Mr P. J. Eccleton, postmaster. Residents in the past have always generously assisted when asked to contribute, and the present appeal is,one that should be supported by all who are in a position to help the unfortunate members of the community to spend a more joyous Yuletide. Presentation. On Thursday afternoon, the Rev. C. E. P. Webb, who had taken an active interest in the welfare of the local branch of the Plunket Society, was met by the members and was the recipient of a present. In asking his acceptance of a case of pipes, Mrs E. Gray referred to the excellent services rendered the society by Mr Webb during his term as president for a period of eight years, and trusted that he and Mrs Webb would enjoy the best of health and happiness for the future. In thanking the members for their gift, the recipient said his work with the association had been a pleasant one. He was shortly removing to the Eastern District, but would always remember the excellent work carried out by the members of the Riverton Plunket Society. Regatta. The programme for the annual festival on Boxing Day has been issued, and the local crews are getting ready with the expectation of securing a fair share of the liberal prize money offered. The tide will be suitable, and given fine weather visitors should put in an enjoyable day at the seaside. It is expected that the provincial clubs will be well represented and that oarsmen will be present from Dunedin. The committee has made every provision for the convenience of rowing enthusiasts and visitors, ’and it is expected that a large crowd will be present. Notwithstanding these times of economic depression, inquiries are being daily made as regards accommodation for the period extending over the holiday season, so that it would appear the popular seaside resort still maintains a high place in the minds of tourists and holidaymakers. As an inducement to further popularize the Pourakino River, the league has had the waterway cleared and snagging operations on a large scale have been completed. This will enable picnic parties to go further up than formerly. The question of shelter sheds has not been overlooked, and ample accommodation has been made in this respect. The river launch has been overhauled and is now almost ready for the busy season. A new motorists’ camp has been decided upon, the locality being on the recreation area on the Kaik. The site has been brought up-to-date, the more modern conveniences being provided for, while the sandy nature of the ground always ensures a dryness underfoot, notwithstanding how wet the season may be. A representative has been placed in charge of the camp, and he will be in a position to supply all necessary information, which will be a boon to all strangers who contemplate spending their holidays away from home and enjoying themselves in the open spaces. An Objectionable Practice. “The attitude of a certain class of the community is beyond my comprehension,” said Councillor A. E. Willett at the last meeting of the Borough Council when making his report on behalf of the Works Committee. “Why,” he continued, “they will persist in destroying and defiling the town’s property has been an unsolved problem, and the sooner the practice is stopped the better.” He went on to say that the league had spent hundreds of pounds on beautifying and erecting shelters and swings for the convenience of townspeople and those who put in their leisure time at the seaside, yet they were being compelled to spend money in the way of repairs entirely due to the nonsensical machinations of the vandal element. " Instead of doing all possible to protect the town’s property, they were doing the very opposite, and it was very discouraging to those people who gave their time and labour in the hope of advancing and popularizing the place to see the work so shamefully treated. A vigilance committee has been appointed and a careful watch will be kept for wrongdoers whose “fun” on New Year’s Eve generally comprises the removal of gates and otherwise interfering with public and private property, it being fully recognized that the one guardian of peace and order has enough to do in the main thoroughfare, and could not be expected to visit all parts of the town. Bowls. Members of the local bowling clubs are taking full advantage of the fine weather, and several close contests have taken place. On Wednesday afternoon a number of enthusiasts watched the game between Aparima and Riverton for the Brown trophy, but Aparima (the holders) succeeded in defeating the challengers, the scores being 20-17. Messrs Hill and Eccleton represented Aparima, while Messrs Alex. Evans and Hall were the players from the south side club.