FARMERS ON TOUR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 198, 7 June 1929, Page 7

FARMERS ON TOUR

THE NORTH ISLAND VISIT.

FURTHER EXCURSIONS MOOTED

(Per Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., June 6. After an interesting railway journey through' varied scenery the Canterbury and Westland farmers' party reached Palmerston-North about 9 o'clock toslight. She departing from Auckland was made at 8.53 a.m., and the excursionists had the "benefit'of a daylight trip almost as far as Taihape. , Everyone in the party is particularly grateful to the Railway Department for the excellent arrangements made for the tour, and this feeling found expression at the Ohakune railway station, where Mr A. ! W. Wellsted, Auckland business agent, made his departure. The excursionists gathered in full force on the station platform • and there was a scene of great enthusiasm when Mr Colin Mcintosh, as leader of the party, voiced the gratitude all felt to Mr Wellsted for the manner in which he had leaked after them in the Auckland province. Mr Mcintosh said that many of those in the party hoped to make another trip to Auckland next year, if possible. As . a token of appreciation of what Mr 1 Wellsted had done for the party, Mr Mcintosh presented him with a tobacco pouch.. The presentation was accompanied by enthusiastic cheers and the singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr Wellsted, in reply, said it had been _a great pleasure to him to be associated with such a splendid party, and he had made many friendships on the trip which would endure for years to come. ' His remarks were received with renewed applause and cheers, which were repeated as the train moved out of the station. Mr A. McNeil, Wellington railway business agent, joined the train at Taumarunui, and he will be in charge of the arrangements' for the party in the Wellington province. To-morrow will be spent in Palmerston North, where an interesting and instructive itinerary has been mapped out. In the morning the excursionists will be accorded a reception in the Square. They will be taken on motor tours in the morning and afternoon, will be guests at a grand concert in the evening. , Some of the members of the party j are now becoming & little travelweary, and are looking forward to a less strenuous time when they reach Wellington on Saturday. All, however, are delighted at having had such an excellent holiday, and it is certain ' tftat the Railway Department will I have no difficulty in booking up simi- j lar excursions in the future. | The visit has created a considerable amount of interest in Auckland, and it is hoped.next year to organise sev- ; oral excursions from the Auckland j province to the South Island during: the winter months. A party of farmer excursionists from Otago will be visiting the North Island towards the : end of this month, followed in July i by a party of West Coasters. Arrange-! ments are also in hand for a commer-' cial travellers and warehousemen's excursion from Christchurch to Auck- J land this winter, and next year it is j hoped to organise similar tours for the I public generally. By means of these [ interchanges of visits' a much better feeling should be created between the North and South Islands. !