"FINEST FARMS."

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

"FINEST FARMS."

WEALTH OF MORRINSVILLE.

CITY MEN AS GUESTS. COMMERCE TRAIN INVASION. (Special to "Star.") MORRINSVILLE, this day. "In your drive through the Morrinsville district this afternoon I venture to suggest that you have seen some of the finest little farms in the Waikato, if not in New Zealand," said the Mayor of Morrinsville (Mr. W. Member sou), in proposing the toast of "Our Visitors" at a dinner which was given last night by -the local bodies and the Chamber of Commerce to the members of the commerce train party.

vlt was a great occasion for MorrinsvHle, said the Mayor, as never before had the opportunity offered for welcoming su«% a representative party of business and|profes3ional men. The tour was a brilliant idea and must have the effect of still further improving the relationships of city and country. "There is much truth in the statement," concluded the Mayor||"that the more we get together the happier we shall be." (Applause). Mr. H. T. Merritt, president of the Auckland Chamber of Corpmerce, replied. Mr. A. A. Ross, a member of the travelling- party, and president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, spoke of various areas which had Wen visited in the course of the tour and said that the general standard of farming in New Zealand was unquestionably high. He advocated a vigorous land settlement policy for the Dominion.

"The Auckland Chamber of Commerce" was proposed by Mr. A. H. J. -Wyatt. Speaking as a banker with 20 years' experience in country districts, the speaker said that Morrinsville was more prosperous than any district in New Zealand. He referred to the boom whicli was caused some ten years ago by the foolishness of those who predicted that butterfat would reach the ridiculously high price of 5/ per lb. However, land values were now on a sound' basis and the district was assured of continued progress. "We claim," said the speaker, "that the land here produces more butterfat to the acre than any district in New Zealand. We also have a few side lines such as fat lambs, flax, and our very latest industry, Angora rabbit raising." (Laughter.) Mr. A. M. Seaman in replying to the toast, spoke of the interdependence of city and country. Mr. J. E. Leeson, chairman of the Morrinsville Dairy Company, proposed the health of "Overseas Trade Commissioners.'*' He advocated the sending of trade representatives to otTier countries to further the interests of New Zealand trade. The speaker thought that some of our young men should be sent tb America to be instructed in the art of salesmanship. (Laughter.) *- Mr. C. E. Clinkard, the representative of the Auckland Advertising Club, spoke of the activities of that organisation. He congratulated the Publicity Department of the New Zealand Railways upon the high standard of its work.

Messrs. W. D. Lambie, acting British Trade Commissioner, and Julian Foster, United States Trade Commissioner, responded to the toast given in their honour. "Our Hosts," was proposed by Mr. W. Cpltman and responded to by the Mayor, .* .'.