THAMES TO-DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 258, 31 October 1928, Page 19

THAMES TO-DAY.

NEW TURN IN INDUSTRY.

COMMERCE TRAIN PARTY. FUTURE SHOWS GREAT PROMISE. (Special to "Star.") \ THAMES. Tuesday. With the spirit of hospitality which is still much more than a tradition,'the members of the Thame? Borough Council and Chamber -of Commerce welcomed the tourists of the commerce 'train on their arrival from Waikino. Wearing the badge of office, which consists of golden links with historic bygone years, the Mayor (Mr. W. Bongard), accompanied by the president of the Chamber of Commerce (Dr. J. B. Liggins) and other officials, boarded the train at Thames South. On arrival at the main station the Mayor assured the visitors that their coming was sincerely •welcomed by the people of Thames. The response on behalf of the visitors was made by Mr. H. T. Merritt, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The welcome was repeated with warmth of feeling at an official luncheon, which was given by the combined bodies at the Royal Hotel. "To-day," said the Mayor, "you do not find the Thames of olden times. It is a Thames with a different character, but there is ever the same warm welcome for our visitors." (Applause.)-

In proposing "Our Guests," Dr. Liggins said that, unlike the other old mining towns, of New Zealand, Thames had been fortunate in having been able to develop into a commercial centre with the backing of one of the finest dairying districts in New Zealand. He predicted a great future for the dairying industry in the Thames Valley and on the Hauraki Plains. (Applause.)

"It is with particular pleasure that I am able to respond to this toast as an old Thames boy," said Mr. C. F. Bennett, in expressing thanks for the welcome and at the same time proposing the toast of "Our Guests." He expressed firm faith in the future of the Thames. The toast was honoured with cheers.

A fine tribute to the pioneers of Thames and other old mining districts of New Zealand was paid by Mr. Eugene Casey, Divisional Superintendent of Railways for the North Island. In referring to the idea behind ; the commerce train, the speaker 6aid that the officials of the Railway Department believed in co-operation and service. They were eager to serve the primary producers and provide for the people a service which would establish the transport system as one of the .country's greatest assets. (Applause.) •;

Mr. J. B. Shacklock, a member of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, who is travelling with the party, said he was pleased on returning to Thames to see so many signs of prosperity. He emphasised the wisdom of patronising New Zealand industries as a means of establishing the prosperity... of the Dominion. (Applause.) Before the departure of the visitors for Waitoa to inspect the New Zealand Co-operative Dried-milk Factory, an instructive visit was paid to the engineering works of Messrs. A. and G.Price, where the manufacture of cast steel by the Bessemer system was demonstrated. The visitors were informed that 123 engines from these workß are now carrying the name of Thames over the railways of New Zealand.