CENTENARY OF RIVERTON

Southland Times, Issue 23375, 6 December 1937, Page 9

CENTENARY OF RIVERTON

DIRECTORS HOLD MEETING PLANS FOR CELEBRATIONS DISCUSSED A meeting of the directorate controlling the Riverton centenary celebrations was held on Thursday evening. Mr Thomas Borland presided over the following members:—Messrs F. L. Girvan, John Crawford, E. B. Patrick, A. R. Dickson, F. Conn, A. G. Dooley, H. Spear, D. C. Robertson, Misses H. Hunt and A. McNaughton, and the Rev. J. Blight. The official secretary to their Excellencies Viscount and Lady Galway wrote advising that although their Excellencies appreciated the invitation to be present at the centenary celebrations, they regretted that it would be impossible for them to attend as they were already committed to engagements in Auckland on and about that time.

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) also expressed thanks for an invitation to be present at the celebrations, and advised that he was committed to engagements at that time and regretted that he would be unable to attend. He assured the committee that he would inquire whether any of his colleagues could represent the Government at the official banquet, and extended his best wishes for the success of the centenary celebrations. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) also wrote expressing Ms appreciation of the courtesy extended to him and stated that he would notify the centenary directorate if engagements would enable him to attend the celebrations.

Discussing the letters, the chairman said it was regrettable that Lord and Lady Galway and the Prime Minister were unable to attend, but the directorate was nleased to have Mr Savage’s assurance that he would inquire if any of the Ministers could attend.

It was reported that a satisfactory scheme had been adopted for the distribution of the official programmes, which were finding a ready sale. Mr Girvan renorted that the captain of the sth Southland Company of The Boys’ Brigade had chosen a number of boys to act as guides during the celebrations. The work of these boys would be, not only to direct strangers but to see that they reached their destination.

It was unanimously agreed to admit the boys chosen to any function during the celebrations free of charge, the official banquet excepted. They would wear soecial badges indicating that they arc official guides. The secretary renorted that, both socially and financially, the grand concert presented by Mr R. L. Pettitt and narty and assisted by Mr L. E. Dailey and party, was an outstanding success. The total takings amounted to £24 18/3 from which a net profit of £l7 5/6 resulted.

It was unanimouslv resolved that a letter of thanks and appreciation be '■ent to Messrs Pettitt and Dailey and their parties for the practical assistance ‘hw had so willingly given. Messrs Girvan and Robertson reported that thev had received requests that a children’s tea be held during the celebrations. Mr Girvan was appointed to deal with the matter. Pipe Band Demonstration A letter received from the Tuatapere Pine Band indicated its willingness to hold a pipe band demonstration at the recreation ground on the evening of Sunday, l January 2. Referring to the letter Mr Blight stated that local church people, on receipt of this information, had strongly objected to a pipe band demonstration being held on a Sunday. “The Sabbath is being extensively commercialized today” continued Mr Blight, “and we do not desire to encourage this degradation of the Sabbath observance, especially upon this notable occasion when we are commemorating the lives of those early pioneers who endeav-

cured to keep and observe the Sabbath.”

Several directors supported Mr Blight’s remarks and it was finally decided to alter the date of the pipe band demonstration to the following evening, i.e. Monday, January 3. The secretary was instructed to write advising the Tuatapere Pipe Band of the directorate’s decision and to ask if the alteration would meet with its approval. It was reported that special concession tickets had been printed. It would be imperative that those coming from a distance to attend the celebrations obtain a certificate for the purpose of securing the special concessions available.

It was decided to apply to the Public Works Department to obtain suitable material for decorative purposes. Mr Girvan was deputed to approach the Invercargill Boy Scouts to ask them to assist in the erection of arches across Palmerston street.

The question of decorating private houses was deferred until advice had been received from the Southland Electric Power Supply about the voltage the local conformer would hold. Mr Borland and other directors praised the display of centenary matter in one of the windows of Messrs H. and J. Smith Ltd. “The display so effectively presented” said Mr Borland, “is beyond all. praise, and the directorate is deeply indebted to this firm for its valued assistance, not only upon this occasion but since the inauguration of the company.” A motion that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded H. arid J. Smith Ltd. was carried unanimously.