RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22730, 5 November 1935, Page 8

RIVERTON NOTES

VALEDICTORY. (From Our Correspondent.) The Rev. N. C. Luker, who has had charge of the Riverton and district Anglican Church for the past two years and who has been transferred to Bluff, was suitably farewelled by his parishioners and presented with a parting gift. The vicar’s church warden (Mr A. D. Angus) in asking his acceptance of a well-filled wallet of notes, referred to the pastoral work carried out by their pastor. The Rev. Luker, he said, had at all times visited the sick and given consolation to bereaved families in their sorrows. He concluded by expressing the wish that the Rev. and Mrs Luker would enjoy health and happiness in their new home at Bluff. The vicar, in the course of his reply, thanked the congregation for their handsome gift, and stated that his term of over two years’ stay in Riverton had been a happy one. He had, he said, made many friends, and it was pleasing” to know that his services had been appreciated. He desired to thank the members of the church committee and congregation for their hearty support and co-operation during his ministry among them. Rowing. Members of the local rowing club are practising assiduously in view of the approaching regattas. The membership shows an upward tendency. A number of younger generation have joined up and have become enthusiastic rowers, so that the selectors will have ample material to pick from when the final selection of regatta crews has been decided upon. The first of the competitions—the Trail Shield—will be commenced this week, and the following are the crews taking part:—N. Hillis (s), Bickley, Henderson, L. Dean; Agnew (s), D. Ferrier. Marshall, Campbell; Bulman (s), Saunders, Rose R. Lockett; J. Fleck (s); H. Allison, C. Leary, D. Cassels; W. Parker (s). Tweedie, Keeler, D. McKay. Concert.

A very attractive concert programme was presented by Mrs W. Parker and Mrs E. B. Chambers (Invercargill) in aid of the Methodist Church funds. The opening chorus, “Silver Lining,” was well rendered by the performers taking part, while the other items, as follows, were well received: Piano trio, “Minuet,” Dorothy Anderson, Annie Willis and Mary McColl; song, “Two Dolls,” Betty Dickson and Dawn Webb; song. “Japanese Fan Song,” Lenore Smyth, Mary McColl, Marjorie Johnstone, Lorraine Patterson, Dorothy Anderson, Cissie Fraser, Gwenda and Kathleen Walsh, Joyce Williams, Annie Willis and Phyllis Mclvor; recitation, Rae Evans; piano solo, Dorothy Anderson; duet, “Butterfly,” Lenore Smyth and Mary McColl; recitation, “Washing Day,” Mary McColl, Lenore Smyth and Dawn Webb; dance, by Miss Playfair’s pupils; song, “Hikers,” Gwenda and Kathleen Walsh, Vivian and Bunty Webb, Mary McColl, Dorothy Anderson, Marjorie Johnstone, Lorraine Patterson, Eva Bailey, Betty Dean, Joyce Williams and Phyllis Mclvor; piano solo, Mijs W. Parker; dance, Miss Playfair’s pupils; song, “Witches,” Vivian Webb, Dorothy Anderson, Mary McColl, Eva Bailey, Gwenda and Kathleen Walsh, Roberta Mclvor, Marjorie Johnstone; song, “Good Night,” by Dawn Webb, Lenore Smyth, Grace Johnstone, Betty Dickson and Betty Webb. The second part of the programme comprised: Solo. “Chintz and Chippendale,” folk dance —lBth century (four couples); duet. “Are You Going to Dance,” solo, “Second Minuet,” folk dance, 18th century, duet “Tit for Tat,” solo, “To a Miniature,” dance, “Minuet,” duet, “Lack a Day,” folk dance, “Sir Roger de Coverley,” and solo,, “Passing By.” Riverton Centenary. At the monthly meeting of the executive of the Riverton Centenary, Mr T. Borland presided over a representative attendance of members. Mr D. C. Robertson said he had made inquiries regarding the state of the tides, and pointed out that as it would be high water at 12.30 on Saturday, January 9, 1937, it would be advisable to hold the regatta then. He also suggested that a canvass be made of the business people with a view to procuring a number of trophies for prizes. The suggestion was adopted, and it was decided to hold the regatta and landing ceremony on same date. Mr F. L. Girvan was instructed to arrange for the holding of a flower show, a collection of antiques, and to make inquiries from an Invercargill firm for the use of a number of old time dresses. Mr J. A. Martin said the official

opening should take place in the theatre on Friday, January 8, and he advanced the holding of a concert on that date. He offered, with the assistance of Mr John Crawford, to make all the arrangements in connection with the concert. —Offer accepted. Mr R. J. Walker was appointed chairman of the Sports Committee. The chairman briefly outlined what he was doing in connection with the book of early history of the town, commenced by the late Mr J. C. Thomson. The chairman also read a letter he had received from Mr E. C. Hewat, now of Oamaru, but for many years rector of Riverton High School. Mr Hewat stated he was collecting educational data in connection with the town and school. The chairman was empowered to call a public meeting to discuss the launching of the proposed company to run the jubilee festivities. • Regatta Club. The meagre attendance at the annual meeting of the Riverton Regatta Club decided those present to adjourn proceedings, and the secretary was instructed’ to call another meeting at an early date. The annual report was to the effect that the regatta was held on Boxing Day in the presence of a large assemblage, and was completed in good time. The officials, the report stated, are deserving of credit for the able and efficient manner in which the programme was carried through. Rowing/ as usual, was the star item and some close finishes were witnessed. The last event, however, was the subject of a protest from the Riverton Club caused by the Railway Club fouling. The judicial committee met, and after discussion the decision was reversed. Riverton was placed first and Railway second. The latter appealed, but the Rowing Association did not alter the placings. All the other events were keenly contested. The sailing race was again very popular, the first prize going to the Invercargill boat, the Idler, which was well handled. The motor race attracted five entries and was won by Mr D. Davis’s Marina. For some time past swimming events have been omitted. Last year, however, they were again introduced and proved very popular. The balance-sheet showed a loss of £3 15/7. The car donations showed an increase of £2, and subscriptions and donations totalled in the vicinity of £5O. Rocks Association. The annual general meeting of the Rocks Association was held in the Town Hall on Friday evening, Mr A. C. Ford presiding over a good attendance. The chairman, in the course of his remarks, stated it had been decided to include a number of local residents on the executive as some of the older members had of late taken little interest in the association, hence the meeting at Riverton. The following were then elected: President, Mr A. C. Ford; vice-presi-dents, Messrs J. A. Walker and J. A. C. Mackenzie; secretary, Mr J. Crawford; auditor, Mr A. D. Angus; committee, Dr. Gordon, Messrs T. R. Abercrombie, H. C. Johnstone, R. J. Walker and J. Matthews. It was decided to pay a visit to the Rocks on Saturday with a view to selecting a site for the erection of the bathing sheds.