THE ATHENIC SAILS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 276, 19 November 1913, Page 7

THE ATHENIC SAILS.

AN ENTHrUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. PRESENTATION FROM FARMERS. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. At four o'clock this afternoon the White Star liner Aiheuie left the wharf with one of the largest cargoes of New Zealand produce that has ever been carried away from Wellington. Despite a shower of rain there was a big crowd of farmers, wharf workers, and citizens present, and. as the big vessel hauled off, lusty cheers were given. The Athenie's cargo for Home included the following dairy produce: —Butter: New Plymouth. 20,510 boxes; Patea. 895; Wanganui. 2385; Wellington. 17.852; Auckland 13,830; Dunedin, -100: total. 55.00S boxes. Cheese: New Plymouth, 4930 crates; Patea. 9117; Wanganui. 224; Wellington, SKIS; Auckland. 379: total, 22.704. In addition there were shipped 1570 bales of wool and skins, 322S bales of flax, 154 casks of tallow and pelts. 20 tons sundries. 1400 carcases of lamb. Previous to the departure of the Athenic representatives of the fanning industries of the Dominion, met Commander Crossland. and presented him with an illuminated address, signed by Mr. Jas. G. Wilson, Dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, the text of which was as follows: — "To Commander J. E. Crossland. officers and crew of the RM.s. Athenic, Wellington. On behalf of the farmers of New Zealand, I have to express their sincere appreciation and thanks for the loyalty shown by the officers and crew of the R.M.S. Athenic, in the faithful performance of their duties under very trying trouble prevailing throughout the Dominion. Your splendid service, which will not be forgotten by the people of this country, has resulted in the saving from ruin of hundreds of small farmers in New Zealand, especially dairy farmers. Simultaneously with the departure of your vessel from New Zealand, three hearty cheers given by the producers, will echo throughout the land. Wishing you bon voyage. (Signed) James G. Wilson, Dominion president New Zealand Farmers' i'nion."' The presentation was made by Mr. E. t". .Tack. Dominion secretary of the NewZealand Farmers' Union, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Wilson. Mr. Jack was supported by Sir Walter Buchanan, M.P.. Mr. J. G. Darkness (secretary of the National Dairy Association). and Mr. A. Leigh, Hunt, of the Farmers' Cooperative Companies. Mr. .lack emphasised the fact that the united action of the officers, crew, and the farmers who loaded the vessel, was quite apart from the issue which precipitated the present unfortunate trouble. The officers and crew were actuated by a proper spirit of loyalty, and the farmers by the vital interests of the country, which were seriously imperilled by tbe holding up of dairy and other produce. The other speakers congratulated the commander on the excellent esprit de corps which had been shown to exist between him and those under his command. This had to a great extent facilitated the departure of the vessel with her valuable cargo of produce. It was mentioned that the value of the dairy produce alone loaded on the Athenic was over a-quarter of a million of money. Similar addresses are to be handed to the officer- and crews of the following vessels who also faithfully performed their duties in the same exemplary manner: R.M-s. Rimutaka, RM.s. Moana. T.S.s. Marere. U.M.s. Corinthic, and T.S.s. Dorset. The value of the Athenie's cargo for London was £306.634. including butter and cheese valued at £234.000.