RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 12

RIVERTON NOTES

ROCKS CARNIVAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE (From Our Correspondent.) A meeting of the Rocks’ Carnival Committee, held on Friday evening, was well attended, Mr J. A- Martin presiding. The chairman referred to the passing away of Mr Harry Akhurst, a member of the executive, and it was resolved to forward a letter of sympathy to the relatives, the motion being carried in the customary way. Reports were received from the subcommittee appointed in the interests of the different princesses and these were adopted. It was resolved, after a short discussion, to hold an art union on July 10. . , „ • Memorial Prizes. The Charlie Thomson Memorial prizes which are annually distributed to the scholars attending the Riverton Presbyterian Sunday School, in memory of the late Mr J. C: Thomsons son, have been awarded as follows:—y. Heim, E. Brewster, M. Todd, N. Walker, A. Hughes, N. Borland, B. Patrick and G. Brewster. Valedictory’. On Thursday evening a number of Thombury residents met at the home of Messrs Officer, who have sold their farm (“Eastborne”) to Mr Buxton, when occasion was taken to suitably farewell them. A very pleasant time was spent with musical items, competitions, etc. At a suitable interval, Mr W. Strang, on behalf of residents, in a few appropriate remarks, presented Mr Albert Officer with a case of stainless cutlery and Mr Alfred Officer with a handsome travelling rug. Both recipients made suitable replies. Obituary. Mr George Fleck, of Otaitai Bush passed away at the Riverton Hospital last Monday after a short illness. The funeral, which took place at the Riverton cemetery on Wednesday, was largely attended by relatives and friends, among whom were over thirty returned soldiers who came from far and near to pay their last respects to an old comrade. A party of returned men acted as pall-bearers at the church and at the graveside. Every ex-soldier filed past the open grave and dropped a poppy on the coffin. Sergeant Major E. Hunter, who travelled from Invercargill to attend the funeral, sounded the Last Post and Reveille. The deceased, known among the returned soldiers as “The Colonel,” was a man of sterling qualities and of a rather retiring disposition, yet ever ready to assist any worthy cause, particularly a returned soldier, in whose association he took a keen interest. The R.S.A. mourn the loss of a staunch and valued comrade.

Mr Harry Akhurst, a well-known business man, passed quietly away at his residence at South Riverton at the beginning of last week. Bom in Reading, England, in 1869, he arrived with his parents when quite young in the Dominion, later coming to Riverton. He was educated at the Riverton High School, and having completed his schooling, he was apprenticed to the printing trade, serving his time at the Western Star Office, then conducted by Messrs Galloway and Bums. He afterwards started business as a draper and for many years occupied one of the larger premises in Palmerston street. He eventually sold out, and turning his attention to the moving pictures, he bought out the company operating then in Riverton. On the introduction of the “talkies,” he was appointed manager and ably filled the position up till his demise. The late Mr Akhurst was of a kindly disposition and in a quiet way generously assisted many who had been placed in unfortunate circumstances. He also took an active part in town matters. He served a term as borough councillor, was a member of nearly all the sporting bodies, and was a warm supporter of St. Mary’s Anglican Church. Deceased, who was in his 66th year, leaves a son, Mr Leslie Akhurst, of the Bank of New Zealand, Invercargill. By the death of Mr James G. Reed another old identity, well-known to the older members of the community, has entered into rest. He was bom in Tasmania and arrived with his people in Riverton in early manhood. He followed mining and for some time searched for the precious metal in the Longwood Ranges. He later engaged in the butchery business, and for some years worked for the late Mr Ken. Fraser, and the late Mr T. B. McCarthy, both of whom at different periods conducted their business in the same premises and now under the supervision of Messrs Thomson Bros. He afterwards returned to mining and for some time was employed by the Round Hill Mining Company, having charge of a section of the large water race in the Longwood. He eventually retired and took up residence on his bush property situated in South Riverton, and remained there until his demise. Deceased was a bachelor, 78 years of age. Another well-known resident, Mrs Eric Crawford, passed away after a lengthy illness. She was the third daughter of Mrs and the late Mr W. Saunders, of The Rocks, and was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. She leaves a husband and a family of eight young children. On Saturday at her sister’s residence, Mrs D. McDonald, “The Highlands,” Riverton, Miss Elizabeth Isabella Waldie, daughter of the late John and Isabella Waldie, passed away after a severe illness. Miss Waldie, who for some time was in the employ of Miss McKellar, Palmerston street, was well and favourably known in the town and district, and very popular with all her acquaintances. A kind hearted woman, she gave freely to all deserving cases. The funeral took place at Dunedin. Football. On Saturday afternoon a football match between Riverton and Otautau juniors was played on the local recreation area. The climatic conditions were favourable, the ground fin good order (considering the weather of late) and a fair crowd of spectators watched proceedings. Otautau kicked off, and play was even till about half the first spell, when Saunders scored a try, O’Neill converting. Shortly afterwards for an infringement Riverton was awarded a free kick almost in front of Otautau’s line, but no score resulted. Half-time was announced, with the scores: Riverton 5, Otautau nil. On changing ends the visitors made strenuous attempts to score, but the combined play of the home team frustrated every effort. Riverton had the best of the play and scored 16 points in the second spell. The game ended: Riverton 21, Otautau nil. Hayes, Don, McKay, Bulman, McKenzie, Saunders and Molloy showed up to most advantage, while Chilton, Bates, Hope and Chisholm played well for their side, Mr M. P. Lyng was referee. General. A paddy’s market in aid of St. Columba’s presbytery building fund was held on Saturday under the control of Riverton and Flint’s Bush parishioners. Good business was the result, all goods being cleared at satisfactory prices. On Saturday the National Mortgage Company held their annual horse sale in the Racing Club’s yards, Havelock street. There was a large attendance and 33 entries were received. In the light class Slaemish and a four-year-old sister changed hands. For draughts satisfactory prices were received for useful sorts.