RIVERSDALE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 3

RIVERSDALE NOTES

FARMERS’ UNION. (From Our Correspondent.) . Mr T. McMath presided over an attendance of 10 at the annual meeting of the local Branch' of the Fanners’ Union. The balance sheet presented by the secretary showed a credit balance of £l6 10/3 and taking into consideration the present financial crisis through which the country is passing, these figures were looked upon as very satisfactory. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr T. McMath (re-elected), vice-presidents, Messrs J. Elder and H. Tayles; secretary, Mr F. Walker (re-elected); Committee, last "year’s with the addition of several new members; Delegate to Conference, Mr McMath (re-clected); Delegate to Sub-Executive, Mr Walker (re-elected). The president then called upon Mr Peter Arnott, provincial president, to speak to the meeting. Mr Arnott spoke chiefly of the Farmers’ Union and touched on various other points of interest. The other speaker for the evening was Mr O. E. Niederer. i Sacred Cantata. Some time ago, a very enjoyable concert was held in the Drill Hall by members of the Mataura Presbyterian choir,, the proceeds being in aid of the Riversdale church funds. The main item on the programme, a cantata entitled “Daniel,” was a very high-class performance, while the other items were up to the high standard set in the cantata. Besides the cantata, e E} s were supplied by the following: —IMr S. Bringans, piano solo; Mrs Hubener, solo; Messrs Russell and Jones, duet; Miss H. Allan, solo; Miss Burns and Mr Richardson, duet; Mr A. Jones- solo. In the cantata which took up one half ot the programme, the leading parts were taken by the following:—Mr D. Russell (king); Mrs A. N. Mac Gibbon (queen); Mr Richardson (Daniel); Mr M. Cameron and Mrs Hubener. On behalf of the Riversdale Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Mr Newlands extended to the visitors his heartiest thanks for the very fine programme which they had provided. On behalf . of the visitors the Rev. Mr McNeur suitably replied. General. Duck-shooting enthusiasts found conditions for sport of the best on Monday last. Towards the middle of the day, the weather threatened to became too clear but soon clouded over again. Although some limit bags were obtained early in the day, the majority of sportsmen found the birds less plentiful than last year. Garden Club. Mr T. Campbell presided at the annual meeting of the Garden Club. The balance-sheet was read, after which the president presented the annual repoit, which congratulated the members on another successful year. The balancesheet showed a loss of a little over £4, but against that the society bought calico for covering tables, , amountin o to £1 8/9, also wire-netting frames were procured for another table amounting to £1 16/-. These items would not be recurring and were, of course, a benefit to the club. A donation of £1 was given to a deserving cause, so that the year just about balanced in actual expenditure, lhe Spring Show was a financial success, but there was a falling off at the Autumn Show. The laying out of the tables at the Autumn Show was altered. Instead of the long tables individua tables were arranged, which enhanced the appearance of the exhibits and were favourably commented on. The silver cup donated by the club for the best school exhibits was won. this year by Waipounamu School, which was congratulated on its success. It had been decided to have this .exhibit at the Spring Show only as there was little time to do any new work after the Christmas holidays and before the date of the Autumn display. During the year two rosebeds were prepared atthe monument. These were planted with two dozen assorted roses, donated by residents of the district, The grounds round the. monument were much admired by visitors at the school jubilee as well as by residents of the district. The president thanked those who took turns in looking after the flowers and roses at the monument, also Mr W. Dawson, who attended to the lawns and hedges. His interest in the giounds generally was much appreciated by all. The chairman also thanked the secretaries for their assistance and for the capable manner in which they carried out their duties, as upon them fell the major part of the work, and in a great measure their efforts had added to the success of the club. In conclusion he thanked the members for their attendance at meetings and their wholehearted support. The thanks of the club were due to Mr L. A. McKenzie, of Gore, for judging the school ex hibits; Mrs Cooper, for judging the baking, and the Rev. Mr Newlands, for officially opening the Spring Show The election of office-bearers resulted in practically the same officers being re-elected. General.

On Tuesday, Mr and Mrs McAllnn, of Waipounamu, left for a motor toiu in the north. Mr and Mrs Iggo are at present on holiday. As a result of heavy rain and a thaw up country, both the Waikaia and Mataura rivers are very swollen. The flooding of these two rivers so often this year has been a great source of danger to stock kept near their banks.