RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 25362, 14 August 1935, Page 9

RIVERTON NOTES

ROAD WIDENING SCHEME.

(From Our Correspondent.)

Motorists using the road leading to Tuatapere have frequently drawn the attention of representatives on local bodies to the necessity' of widening the roadway from the traffic bridge up to Hodge’s corner on the Riverton-Ore-puki road. At the last meeting of the Borough Council the Mayor (Dr. N. G. Trotter) also referred to the subject, and said the day was not far distant when the two local bodies interested would have to come to some agreement over a road-widening scheme. In some parts it was too narrow for the everincreasing traffic, and it 'was only due to the care and skill of the drivers of motor vehicles that serious accidents had not already occurred. The Mayor also stated that in his opinion the railway reserve could be utilized for this purpose, which could be made a one-way roadway right up past the council’s south-westerly boundary. Tlie Public Works Department had a scheme under consideration for road improvement purposes in this locality, while the men were engaged in improving the road leading past Mr Hodge’s, but as the workers were transferred to another district the work was not proceeded with. Councillors agreed with the Mayor’s suggestion, all admitting that under existing conditions, the road in places was too narrow, and it was resolved to engage the services of an engineer to report on the advisability of utilizing the old railway line as a one-way road.

Political Address. Mr R. Semple, M.P., delivered an address in Fleck’s Hall when there were about 100 present. The Mayor (Dr. N. G. Trotter) presided. Mr Semple’s address was on the same lines as delivered in other narts of the district, and at its conclusion he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr L. S. Edmonds, the selected Labour candidate, also delivered a short address. Soldiers' Memorial. The members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association are somewhat concerned over the memorial erected in South Riverton. It was erected in 1925 at a cost of £9OO, and already some of the names of the fallen are almost obliterated, while other work will be necessary to give it a more presentable appearance. Several suggestions have been made for the best way of effecting repairs, but nothing definite has been decided upon. At a recent council meeting a deputation was present from the association and asked the council to carry out repairs and offered a number of suggestions. After a short discussion it was resolved to seek the advice of an architect, whose report, it is expected, will be available for next meeting. Obituary.

The death took place at his residence, South Riverton, on Saturday of Mr W. Hodgkinson. He came from the Ryal Bush district about three years ago, and purchased a property on the south side erecting a modern dwelling in which he resided up to his demise. Deceased, who was a retired farmer, took no prominent part in local affairs, but was held in the highest esteem. It is a strange coincidence that his eldest brother (Thomas) who owned the property opposite, died a fortnight ago. Deceased leaves a widow and family of four. Catholic Carnival.

The carnival being conducted in Riverton and the Western District in aid of the presbytery building fund is being well supported by the public, and those in charge are hopeful that sugficient money will be raised for the object. It has been decided that the successful princess—there are four in the running—will be announced at Otautau at the end of the month, and the coronation ceremony will take place in the town of the princess receiving the largest number of votes. An exhibit, and one of the prizes in the competitions connected with the carnival, has commanded a considerable amount of inspection during the past few days. This is on view in Messrs Keever’s window, and comprises a large cake, built to represent a modern bungalow. Among the many on Saturday who gazed upon this artistic work was a business man of Christchurch—himself in the fancy bread line—and he expressed his surprise at the excellent design and the neat and workmanlike manner in which it was completed. He was also surprised when informed that the work.

was not that of a professional, but was undertaken by Sister Alexis, a nun at the South Riverton Convent.

The following are the results of matches played in Riverton district during the week:—Otautau 8 v. Riverton A 7; Pahia 12 v. Riverton B 5; Colac 22 v. Fairfax 4; Waipango a bye. •

The Riverton District A and B teams travelled to Papatotara to play the Waiau representatives. Both teams were defeated. Tlie scores were: Waiau A 15 v. Riverton District A 6; Waiau B 14 v. Riverton B 9.

Tlie annual meeting of the Aparima Croquet Club was held on Tuesday. There was quite a good attendance of members.

The annual report stated that the membership list showed a slight decrease from the previous year, but nevertheless there was some very keen play among the members. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Miss Stephenson; vice-president, Mrs Philp; secretary, Mrs Dickson; treasurer, Mrs McKinnon; captain, Mrs Dickson; green ranger, Miss Stephenson; general committee, Mesdames Green, Girvan, Cloughley, Johnstone, Philp, Armstrong, McKinnon; match committee, the president, captain and Mrs Cloughley. Mr J. Frew was appointed greenkeeper.

The opening day was fixed for October 2.

A bazaar in aid of the Presbytery building fund was held in Fleck’s Hall on Friday and Saturday. It was largely attended and was a pronounced success. The Mayor formally opened the function, congratulated the ladies and supporters of the church on the excellent array of the large assortment of useful articles and expressed the hope that the public would buy freely and thus help on a deserving cause. The following were in charge of the stalls: Fancy work, Mesdames A. Anderson and McKinna; produce, Mrs K. Curtin, Mrs P. J. Eccleton and Mr M. Corkery (Thornbury); tea rooms, Mesdames M. McKone, J. Fitzpatrick, J. H. Brown, assisted by a number of young ladies; surprise packet, Mr L. O’Sullivan (Thornbury). The following were the winners of the competitions: Mrs A, Lette (South Riverton), Mrs John Nuttall (Hekeia), Mrs M. Marnane, Mrs T. R. Abercrombie, Mrs G. D. Keeler, Mr A. D. Angus, Mrs P. J. Eccleton, Miss C. Davis, Father Henley, Mrs Becham, Mrs M. McKone, Mr D. O’Neil, Mrs McCallum, Miss M. Cunningham (Lochiel), Mr J. A. Sangster (Invercargill), Mrs Joyce (Waimatuku) and Father Fenelon. The takings exceeded £IOQ.