THE RIVERTON ROCKS.

Southland Times, Issue 22489, 25 January 1935, Page 9

THE RIVERTON ROCKS.

To the Editor.

Sir,—l have read with interest the two letters which have appeared with reference to the unsatisfactory conditions of the bathing sheds and conveniences at the Rocks. I am sure the majority of visitors who patronize the Rocks will, like me, agree with their statements. The bathing sheds themselves are out of date, the floors just ordinary floors; no means for the water to drain away. There is no privacy for dressing, or undressing, nowhere to deposit, or noone to care for anything of value and, as if these conditions are not bad enough, we are now, and for some time have been, asked to pay for the use of these unclean and out-of-date shelters. As to the conveniences or lack of them: If such conditions existed anywhere else than in the easy-going Riverton district, the Health Department would have been doing things long ago. Wake up, Riverton! Let your citizens combine with the residents of the Rocks and provide the necessary conveniences, so that this slur on their beauty spot will be removed. As things are, it seems that the Rocks is being run by a handful of Invercargill residents who, because they are fortunate to own cribs at the Rocks, are retarding rather than helping to popularize the lovely little seaside resort. To raise money what-about these means:—

(a) Swimming display at Mitchel Bay; (b), sailing races (what about the Sanders Cup Race?); (c), beach sports, and (d), beach concert, with bonfire and fireworks—all, of course, run to suit the tide. Then Riverton could hold markets, have picture evenings, bridge evenings, sports, etc. Let them look on the Rocks as their big asset; let them forget the north or Back Beach, or whatever it is they are interested in. Let them co-operate and concentrate on the Rocks, provide better means of transport, more buses or cars for passengers on excursion days. What about a jetty and launches? It would all mean better business, and consequently, better times for all. What about it?—l am, etc., A LOVER OF THE ROCKS.