RIVERTON

Southland Times, Issue 24421, 29 April 1941, Page 3

RIVERTON

PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE

The annual meeting of the Riverton Patriotic Committee was held in the Town Hall, Dr C. H. Gordon presiding. Miss McNaughton referred to the area over which the quota of parcels for soldiers should be distributed. Colac had forwarded £2 and Gummies Bush £l/16/-, but replies had not yet been received from other areas. The apportionment of the quota was left with the committee. Mention was also made that the women’s committee had been supplied with inferior wool for knitting; this had been returned. The wool had been harsh and most unsatisfactory and they were of the opinion that the money was not being spent properly if it was being used for purchasing such unsuitable material. It was decided to protest against the quality of the wool. The chairman advised that there was no provision in the regulations for the re-election or election of officers, although anyone who -was absent from three consecutive meetings ceased to be a member of the committee. They had started off with a committee of 65, which had gradually dwindled. A message of sympathy with the wife of the late Mr J. A. Wilson was passed. Mr Wilson had been a collector for the committee.

Mr F. L. Girvan asked whether the Provincial Council had met since the last meeting as no reply had been received to the correspondence dealing with the rehabilitation imprest account, nor had the women’s committee received a reply to letters it had forwarded.

The secretary read a report of the work that had been accomplished during the year. It indicated that over £l6OO had been obtained. The chairman said that the report showed that Riverton had subscribed an .average of £2 a head of population, "but more money was needed. Mr Marnane paid a tribute to the work of the secretary, Mr G. H. Millow. While Mr J. W. Martin is absent on military duties his wife will take his place "on the control committee. Mr Girvan drew attention to the fact that, there was no balance-sheet, and said that the treasurer showed only the net proceeds from all functions, which

was not a guide to their expenses. The secretary stated that of the £lO imprest account for expenses there was about £5 still in hand. The balancesheets of all efforts went to Invercargill for audit. Mr Girvan said they should have a properly prepared balance-sheet and an election of officers. The chairman said that the chairman and committee were elected by public meeting. EMERGENCY REHEARSAL A rehearsal of an alert was undertaken by the Riverton Emergency Precautions Committee on Thursday. Four shrill blast of the whistle, which in future will be from a siren at the top of a building, were promptly responded to. Each unit gathered at a peg that indicated its position in the assembly. The transport committee had a number of lorries and cars available, the medical unit took the opportunity of attending to a casualty, bandaging the victim and conveying him away in a converted tradesman’s van. Instructions were given that each unit was responsible solely for its own duties. The Mayor, Dr N. G. Trotter, congratulated the committee, on the turnout.