RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21093, 27 May 1930, Page 5

RIVERTON NOTES

BIRCHWOOD HOUNDS.

(From Our Correspondent.)

The meet of the Birchwood hounds, which took place on the racecourse on Wednesday, was spoilt by the stormy weather prevailing, and the attendance and followers were not up to the average. The hunt took the form of 'a qualifying run for a number of horses which have engagements at approaching race meetings. These were in attendance, and some good jumping was witnessed. The Huntsman was mounted on Silvery and the Whip on Lady Chicken. The horses qualifying were: French Fleet, West Dome, Kuku, Tunamoe, Squatter, Wairio, Naghue and a Balboa filly. A Coming Event. The members of the Anglican Church are holding a grand masked, plain and fancy dress ball on the 30th inst., the proceeds going to the bazaar funds. An energetic committee is working hard to ensure its being a financial success, and judging by the interest being shown locally, indications point to a large attendance. The competitions comprise: Canadian three stem lucky spot waltz, best fancy dresses and most original costumes. A Visitor's Impression. Mr Donald N. Ferguson, B. Ag., teacher <f agriculture at Waitaki High School, has been spending part of the May holidays with his uncle, Mr J. C. Thomson. During his stay here he has visited different parts of the district and was greatly interested in what was to be seen. Speaking of the pastures he said that it was refreshing to see them looking so rich for this time of the year—a richness that was due to an adequate rainfall, combined with top-dressing. Compared with other places Southland was looking remarkably well. In North Otago, he concluded, there was little growth, and the pastures had a withered appearance owing to the rainfall having been insufficient. Methodist Church. / On Friday, a very pleasant function took place in the Methodist Church, when the members of the Riverton and Wild Bush Bible Classes held a birthday party to celebrate the fourth and second birthdays of their classes respectively. At 6.45 p.m. 30 members and guests sat down to tea, served in the church and the six candles on the birthday cake were lighted—four by the secretary of the Riverton class and two by the secretary of the Wild Bush class, after which the cake was cut by Mrs F. O. Prosser. The Rev. Mr Prosser, leader of the Riverton class, then gave a very inspiring address. Reports were given by the leader of the Wild Bush class, Mr J. Churchill, and the secretary of the Riverton class, Miss T. Baxter, dealing with the work that has been done by both classes. After a presentation speech by Mr C. Anderson, Miss Baxter, on behalf of all members, presented Mr and Mrs Prosser with a handsome travelling rug as a token of appreciation for what they’ have done for both classes. Mr and Mrs Prosser both suitably responded. The tables were cleared and draughts and ping-pong tournaments commenced. These, together with other table games, were in progress until 9.45, the winners being: Draughts, Mrs Prosser 1, Mr G. Willis 2. Ping-pong, Miss M. Prosser 1, Mr E. Willis 2. The party therf adjourned to the vestry’ where games and competitions were indulged in for the remainder of the evening. The winners of the competitions were: Mr C. Anderson and Misses T\ Baxter and M. Hopwood. Obituary. A well-known and popular resident of the town in the person of Mr Thomas .1. Price passed away at his residence on Sunday after an illness lasting some time. He was born in Kington, Herefordshire, England, and came out to the Dominion 42 years ago. He was in business in Invercargill for some time, and a number of years back purchased the dispensary establishment in Palmerston street, Riverton, which he ably conducted up io the time of his demise. A typical Englishman, he was held in high esteem, and was well-known throughout the Western District. He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge, a strong supporter of the Anglican Church, and was also interested in horticulture. Deceased, who was 68 years of age, leaves a widow, one son (Mr Eric Price, Wellington) and two daughters (Mrs Bell, Dunedin, and Miss Price, Riverton). St. Mary’s Church. There was a full congregation at St. Mary’s Church on Sunday ■ evening, the occasion being the dedication of a litany stool in memory of the late Miss Hannah Hancock. The stool was designed and made in Invercargill, and is the gift of the sisters of Miss Hancock. The Rev. C. E. P. W-ebb, in the course of his address, said Miss Hancock was an ardent lover of music. She chose music as her profession. In Riverton she was a member of the choir, and took a large part in all music affairs of the town before leaving for the north to follow her profession. Her last post, was the charge of the orchestra at her Majesty’s Theatre, Wanganui. Under her capable and loving guidance the music was always a feature of the theatre entertainments and always good. Miss Hancock organized a concert in the very hospital where, only a few days afterwards she was admitted as a patient on the seriously ill list, and within a short' time of admittance passed away to the great sorrow of the matron and staff and a wide circle of friends. She was never of very robust health, but always unselfish and uncomplaining. She possessed, he said,., in a wonderful degree all the attributes of a true woman, and although the world was the poorer for her passing, yet all that goodness and helpfulness had not been lost. Appropriate hymns were sung, and a special form of service used. General. The past week has been the worst experienced this winter so far. Rain, accompanied by high winds, has been the rule, and the surrounding hills have been coated with snow. Yesterday morning, however, broke fine and calm, with a light frost, while the sun shone out foreshadowing, it is hoped, a spell of better weather. Work is being pushed on with the erection of the new bridge, and a gang of men is employed in concreting. Judging by the progress made within the last few weeks, it looks as if the structure will be completed up to schedule time. The dairy factories are still in operation, but the majority will shortly be closing down for the season. The Hckeia company has received a substantial order for a consignment of cheese for the Home market, and when this has been completed operations will cease. Deep sea fishermen have been having a quiet time, due to the weather, and fish are not, plentiful. Mr Beer’s launch Wairuna returned from the coast on Thursday, the crew reporting the trip to be a fairly successful one. The local schools reopened yesterday after the May vacation. The attendance, it was announced, was up to the average, despite the fact that there is still a lot of sickness about. The muttonbirders are expected back from the Islands this j week. Private advices received here are to the effect that the Natives have done well, the birds being large and in excellent condition.