RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1729, 18 April 1873, Page 3

RIVERTON.

(fbom otjb own cobbespondent.) April 15. Good Friday was of course observed as a' close holiday here. In the morning, at the sound of the bell, the Maories might be seen wending their way to their pretty little church. After the service was concluded, Mr Henri's boat, which recently returned from the West Coast, made a start, with a good fair wind, for the mutton bird islands. Those of the Natives who did not go, followed along the beach till the boat had fairly cleared the river, singing all the time a Maori farewell, which had a solemn though pleasing effect. One or two other boats started some time ago on the mutton bird expedition, but were detained a long time at Colac's Bay by a head wind. I believe that an attempt is to be made shortly for the further spiritual enlightenment ofthe Maories, which is a step in the rigbt direction, and will no doubt prove successful. Every other Sabbath evening a Gospel meeting is held at the kaik here, and on the whole there seems a willingness on the part of the Natives to attend. Mr Bocke is just about entering a very handsome establishment, in which he intends not only to carry on his old business of chemist and cordial manu facturer, bat also to combine the grocery trade. Here, as everywhere else, as the town advances, people begin to see that the real business centre is always in close proximity to the Government offices. Yesterday being Easter Monday, was observed by some of our townspeople as a holiday. Owing to the presence of a number of the Invercargill Volunteers, who began arriving early in the morning, the place looked very lively. About 11 o'clock the Volunteers mustered at Vol. Mills's Marine Hotel, where they fell in. The Band struck up "The Campbell's are coming," and at the word of command a start was made for tbe Butts, where a match took place, which ended in favor of the Rivertonians. A good many visitors were present at the Butts. At the close of the firing, the Volunteers, preceded by the Band, marched back to Mr Longford's Commercial Hotel, where they were dismissed. A few of the Invercargill men made an immediate start for home, but the greater number remained to witness the performance given in the Oddfellows' Hall in aid of the Eiverton ' Band fund. The house was crowded to^ excess, and the performance gave great satisfaction. A comic duet, " Very suspicious," was remarkably well rendered by a local lady and gentleman, and deservedly met with a unanimous encore. At the close of the performance,

an impromptu ball took place, which, together, with the play, realised some £16 towards the Band fund. It was a novel sight here to see the Invercargill and R ; verton men marching en masse, the different colored uniforms forming a pleasing contrast, added to which there was th© charm lent by the music, which was highly appreciated. There is no doubt tbese riile matches help to produce good shots. After a time, when the Kiverton Band has attained some little proficiency, I should think an occasional match between the two Bands would make the members of both look to their laurels, and tend to make every man master of his instrument.