RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21728, 14 June 1932, Page 9

RIVERTON NOTES

THE UNEMPLOYED. (From Our Correspondent.) The concert and tug-of-war competitions held in the theatre in aid of the unemployed was not so well attended as was expected, but the heavy demands made of late on the public was, no doubt, due to many being obliged to remain at home. Those who patronized the concert, however, were well catered for and a splendid programme was arranged by the committee in charge of affairs. Great interest centred round the tug-of-war events, for which good entries were received. In the lightweight class the team representing Longwood beat Mill A. in the final and thus took first honours. In the middleweights Hogan’s team beat Mill B. in the final, while in the heavy class the Cycle Club defeated Martin’s team. During the evening community singing, led by Mr H. E. Philp, was indulged in, and a Maori haka was well carried out by a number of Natives. Great credit is due to Mr A. Simpson (Granity) who acted as judge in the contests and to Mr M. Lyng and assistants for organizing the draw and making the announcements. The Mothers’ League, assisted by a number of local ladies, held a quilt afternoon for the benefit of those families in need of blankets. The afternoon, which was held at the residence of the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs E. B. Patrick) was a great success, blankets, quilts and rugs of all sizes having been donated. The result was that eighteen different homes will greatly benefit thereby. Some of the patchwork quilts were works of art and all were warm and serviceable—a credit to the workers. Obituary. The funeral of the late Mrs James Prentice took place on Tuesday, and was largely attended, many coming long distances to pay their last mark of respect to the departed. Born in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1853, and married in 1876, the couple three years later decided to visit New Zealand, and left by the sailing ship “Invercargill,” landing at Port Chalmers. After a short stay at the Port, they came to Southland, where her husband was engaged as a ploughman by the late Mr A. Beavan at New River. He was later employed by Mr G. McLeod at Spar Bush, where they remained for four years. On leaving there Mr Prentice secured a holding at Limestone Plains, and the family removed to that district, remaining there for six years before he sold out. He later secured a farm near Riverton, and after 17 years' occupation, disposed of the property. After a stay at Tuatapere, where? the sons were in business, Mr and Mrs Prentice came back to Riverton eight years ago, and have resided here ever since. The late Mrs Prentice, who had been in delicate health for some time past, was held in high esteem, being well and favourably known throughout the town and district. She was a former well-known competitor in the baking sections at local shows, and took a prominent part in church matters. Deceased, who was 79 years of age, leaves a husband and five of a family, viz.: Mr William Prentice (Dunedin), Mr Adam Prentice (Groper’s Bush), Mrs E. Fleck (Groper’s Bush), Mrs S. D. Moore (Invercargill) and Mrs Tull (Christchurch). There are also 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Football. Those who attended the football match played on the local ground on Wednesday between Orepuki and Riverton juniors witnessed one of the best games played here for some time. Although the home team won by 28 points to 15, the teams were evenly matched. Some fine passing was witnessed, much to the delight of the spectators. For the visitors Popham, Suddaby, McIntyre, Lennon and Riddle were the most prominent, while Mclvor, Saunderson, McKinnon, Peterson and Saunders played well for the home side. Mr E. Marshall refereed. For Motorists. The heavy rains of late and the apparently extra motor traffic on the Riverton-Orepuki road have been respsonsible for the present condition of the roadway, and during the past few days travellers for out west have been considerably inconvenienced and delayed on the journey—one party being held up for over two hours on a bad piece. Travellers would therefore be acting wisely if they made enquiries locally as regards the best route to take when visiting the western townships.