RIVERTON PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE.

Western Star, 13 June 1933, Page 3

RIVERTON PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE.

ANNUAL REPORT. Tho following is the annual report of the activities of the Riverton and District Progressive League to be presented at the annual meeting- to be held in the Town Hall on Thursday, 15th June. 1933, at 8 p.nn.:— The committee have pleasure in submitting the twelfth annual report. The conditions prevailing throughout the world lias had the effect °f curtailing any big improvements in our home town, but the League Ims handled many matters of interest to the well being of Riverton and- districts, The following notes will show that the League is a very active body, and well worthy of the public’s sup port, hut unfortunately this has not been the case in -past years. . ■ We trust the coming year will see the end of the depression, when we will be able to carry out many important improvements for the public of Riverton.

Below we give a list of the most important matters dealt with during the past year: ' —Telephone And Letter Box Rentals.— We have been in touch with . the Postmaster-General with a view to- a reduction in the above rentals-,'but : th© Government would not accede to our request. We hope this matter will not be lost sighfc of, as a daily RuraKDelivery costs 20s ..a year against. 30 s . for a letter box

—Pourakino Valley.— For many years wo have been endeavouring to have this block of land opined for settlement and we are pleased to report that: this has now been done and several sections have been already taken up, and in the near future will be a great asset to Riverton, —Market Fa.res To Riverton.—

The League, took; this matter up with the Railway Department and drew their attention to the unfair system-, whereby a/person travelling from Orepuki can.get a through ticket to Invercargill at a very slight addition to what the ticket would be to Riverton. We have found it impossible to get the matter adjusted, as the Department seem to be setting out to centralise business to the detriment of country towns. —Radio For Nurses’ Home. — The League sponsored an art union to raise funds to install a radio set in. the Nurses’ Home, hut the response of the public was very poor, and we regret to add that after paying expenses there will be no surplus for the above object. —Art Union. — The League during the year applied to. the Government for a share, in one of the art unions and we were advised that, it had been accepted, but up to date we have not had the allotment handed, over .to /us. It is, our intention to hand the ,money over to the Early Settlers? Association to be used for. building a suitable meeting hall and museum, adjoining , the present Athenaeum '

—Unemployed Christmas . Cheer, —

■With a view of raising 'funds for the above the League held a sports meeting. The public response was only fair, but we were . able to send a parcel to every ou.e . of tlie children of the unemployed under 8 years oi age. To all those outside the League who assisted we tender our best thanks.. . —Advertising.— With a view of popularising our district we inserted notices in the following papers, drawing attention to what' Riverton could offer for a holiday resort : Mataura Ensign, Tapanui Courier, Cromwell Argus, Alexander Herald and Lake Wakatipu Mail. In response we had several letters of enquiry from th© different districts. —Widening Rock s Road. — The League lias been in communication. with the Wallace County with a .view to widening the road, that skirts the beach at the township and we, hope in tli© near future that this necessary work will be gone on with.

—Annual Sports.— We again held our annual sports and it was a complete success from the public’s point of view. Thanks to the effort °f our Mayor, Mr Patrick, we were able to secure the services of the Invercargill Civic Band and their playing and marching wa & much appreciated by the public. Also we were, able to stage an exhibition sawing match between the present, world’s champions (Messrs ; Fraser Bros), who had as worthy ..opponents Messrs Man§on and; Thomas. We wish to specially mention tile- able assistance of Mr S, Hodges, T ’Jno Martin and Mr ,R. J. Walker, wlio were a tower of strength in making, all arrangements for securing tlie logs, and taking charge of the sawing and chopping events.

—Annual Race Ball, — Thanks to. the kindness of the Riverton Racing Club granting us the use of the hall we were again able to run a very' successful dance, which was largely attended, but the committee was disappointed in the conduct of some of those present, and die committee suggest that all future dances be by invitations only, —Trees On North Beach.- — These are. growing very fast and in mother twelve months wi.ll offer s’ eery fine shelter for those using this popular beach. —Lcebiyc.— During the year we bad a visit from Mr J. R. Haigh who gave a lecture t m the Douglas Credit Scheme, and vas very interesting to all mem

bars. As in past years tlie League’s prop•rty lias been well looked after, bid " n - have again jo draw the public’s at‘■mtion to the vandalism that stil 1 ■ ri es on in our midst, and we solid’* ’-e whole-hearted support of tlie pubic in stopping thij waptop destruction

of public utilities. In conclusion w© may say thafc any' master affecting the welfare of Riverton and district that lias been brought before the League. lia s had our best support and as in the past we solicit your suggestion, for any public < improvement in your home town. We beg to thank all members for 1 their support throughout the year and to those members of the' public who have in any way helped our organisation . We tender our best thanks alsc to the Press and the-Borough .Council for the use of the.hall. .