MEAT PRODUCERS' BOARD.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17769, 22 May 1923, Page 10

MEAT PRODUCERS' BOARD.

NEW MANAGER HONOURED (SnOIAL TO "WE PBBSS.*') TIMAETT, May 21. To-night a complimentary dinner and presentation were tendered to Mr R. S. Forsyth, at the Grosvenor Hotel. Mr F. J. Eolleston, MJ, presided. There were about eighty present. Mr Forsyth has been appointed London manager of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board, and the occasion was a farewell to him by the citizens of Timaru. After the toast of "The King," the chairman, in proposing the toast of "Our Guest," said that Mr Forsyth had earned the respect of all who had come into contact with him in business and in sport. He was sorry Mr Forsyth had not sought a /seat on the Timaru Borough Council. (Laughter.) The highest position in the commercial world had been given to their guest, and a better man could not have been found to fill the position. One of the few ways in which friends could show respect and esteem for a friend was by a gathering such as was being held that night. Timaru businessmen would follow Mr Forsyth's career in London with the greatest interest. Mr Eolleston then presented Mr Forsyth with a tantalus and a cheque with which to buy something for Mrs Forsyth, as tokens of the esteem and respect in which Mr and Mrs Forsyth were held. The toast was drunk with musical honours and cheers.

In reply, .Mr Forsyth said that such n gathering took away much of th<3 sting of going away. He thanked them on behalf of his wife and himself for the presentations. Although he was going a long way from New Zealand, he would keep his thoughts there in a large measure. He was glad that he was able to take away with him the good wishes of his competitors' as well as his friends. The Meat Board had appointed him, as they wanted a man with New Zealand experience. It was a great compliment, and if enthusiasm and hard work would make a success of the job he was sure he would succeed. The memento would, he was sure, buck him up immensely. (Laughter and applause.) He thanked all present for the kindly sentiments expressed. The Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace), in proposing the toast of '' Commercial Interests," said that commerce was the life, not only of all nations and countries, but of individuals. It- had found its way into every nook and cranny of the world. The commercial feeling was the pulse of every nation, country, or society. , A feverish excitement Was just as bad for the commercial pulse as for the pulse of the individual. Their guest would see that the commercial pulse in London, as far as New Zealand producers wero concerned, would be quite healthy. In reply Mr E. G. Rawnsley said there waß an element, of sadness in the gathering. He would have ne further opportunities, of playing their guest on the golf links. (Laughter.) They had in Mr Forsyth a man who would see things through, whatever difficulty he had to face. Therefore his appointment was an excellent thing for New Zealand producers. They found that the first columns men looked for ni the newspapers were the commercial columns. After the war the' Government had chosen .the best brains in the Dominion, and had established, the Meat Board. That Board had saved the Dominion many millions of pounds, and it had been happy in its choice of Mr Forsyth as Loudon manager. Mr 0. E. M. Jones corroborated Mr Rawnsley's remarks. ' : Proposing the toast of "Agricultural and Pastoral Interests," Mr R. B. Bell said that, at the present time, the man on the land was the man they should think of and help most.,-■.' Although the function was essentially a South Canterbury one, the guest's popularity extended much further. Ashburton commercial uian desired their best wishes to be tendered to Mr Forsyth. Despite the parochialnees of certain districts there had not been s word of adverse criticism in connexion •with the appointment of Mr Forsyth. Mr Bernard Tripp, in reply, said that firms sncli as the National Mortgage and Agency Co. had been responsible for carrying on during the recent slump. People were not improving tho back country as they should. Tho tenure was too long. The North Island farmer had a far better tenure than the man in the South. He had always been in favour of boards such as the Meat Board, and he was sure tlita i'l a few years the results of Mr Forsyth's efforts would be felt.to thu benefit of the New Zealand producer. Mr G. S. Cray proposed the toast of "Sport," and paid a handsome tribute to the departing guest, who; he said, had greatly interested himself in the various branches of sport. Messrs H. Lowry and W. W. Baxter replied. The toast of "The Chairman," propo«d bv Mr Forsyth, completed the list. Mr Bolleston suitably replied.

During the evening items were given by Messrs G. H. Andrews, Ralph Holdgate. S. Anderson, G. E. M. Jones, and the orchestra, Miss E. Dennehy being the aecompaniste.