RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20080, 18 January 1927, Page 8

RIVERTON NOTES

SHOOTING ACCIDENT. (From Our Correspondent.) On Tuesday evening at Waipango, Mr Charles Curran was accidentally wounded by a rifle bullet. He went on a shooting excursion after rabbits, when he met two friends. While sitting on the ground, and in the act of lighting a cigarette, a stick evidently came in contact with the trigger, causing the rifle to go off, the bullet entering his thigh. He was immediately conveyed to the Wallace Hospital, and is making good progress towards recovery. The members of the Salvation Army are making preparations for the reception of Commissioner James Hay, who speaks here on Thursday evening. An old and respected resident of the town in the person of Mr Alexander Roy passed away at his residence on Sunday night. The late Mr Roy had been ailing for some time, so the end was not unexpected. For a number of years he had been engaged in farming pursuits in the district, but selling out he came to reside in the town, where he lived up to the time the mighty Reaper laid him low. He took a keen interest in gardening, and his well-kept place was the admiration of those who admired the beautiful. A fine kindly old man, he will be much missed for his many friendly acts. To his wife and family the greatest sympathy will be extended by a large circle of friends.

Mr E. B. Patrick has received word from the Dunedin Museum authorities that the skull found on Wakapatu beach by Mr Nickless some time ago has been identified as that of a sea leopard. Several of the old-timers who had examined the ‘“find” held different, opinions as to its origin, and it was decided to forward it to Dunedin to settle the question. The heavy motor traffic of late is playing havoc with the main highways, and the local body will again be called upon to expend a further sum on maintenance. Since the holidays cars have been coming from all quarters, and the weak places in the roads have not been equal to the heavy strain.

The fine weather is responsible for the large number of visitors to the seaside, and all the places of interest attract many. The launch is well patronised on her trips up the Pourakino, while the beaches still retain great interest. On Thursday a large picnic party paid a visit to the Longwood Ranges, and Mr T. More showed those present over the mill, which was working. The trip was both enjoyable and educational, some of those witnessing for the first time a large mill in full working order.

Given fine weather there should be a large attendance on the racecourse on Wednesday, when the Otaitai annual picnic will be held. The Racing Club have generously donated the grandstand for the purposes of the dance, which will be held in the evening. A fine programme, with good prizes, should attract many of the local athletes.

The third Sunday train from Invercargill did not attract a large number of passengers, but this was no doubt attributable to the early morning being <wet. As the day progressed it proved ideal for picnic parties, many residents and visitors putting in the day in the bush and on the beaches. When favourable the launches have visited the fishing grounds, but the catches have only been fair.

A meeting convened (by request) by Mr J. McCall, of all parties interested in a shunting siding at Otaitai Bush was held at his residence on Friday evening, January 14. Mr McCall was voted to the chair and called upon Mr A. Templeton to explain the object of the meeting. After some discussion on the merits of the different sites a motion, moved by Dr Gordon (Riverton Racing Club), seconded by Mr W. Templeton, that a deputation of eight persons (four from each end of the district) interview the traffic manager and gain all information possible and report to a future meeting was carried.