MID-CANTERBURY FARMERS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19057, 20 July 1927, Page 16

MID-CANTERBURY FARMERS.

VISIT TO WEST COAST,

AN ENJOYABLE OUTING

(SPECIAL 10 THE PEESS.)

GREYMOUTH, July 19. . Despite the inclement weather prevailing, there was a large number of citizens on the railway station platform to meet the Ashburton farmers' train when it arrived at Hokitika at 7.15 o'clock last evening, and a number of cars were waiting to take them to their respective hotels or billets. There was some confusion at first before the billetting arrangements were completed owing to the fact that some 80 more than the number expected arrived, but Mr H. T. Parry, who was in charge of the arrangements ultimately straightened out the accommodation tangle with the result that all the visitors were made comfortable. Quite a large number was met by the Kokatahi and Koiterangi settlers and motored out to homes in those districts. After a very wet night the weather was in a relenting mood this morning, and although a heavy fog prevailed until about nine o'clock it gradually disappeared, and the rest of the day was bright and sunny. A gathering of some 400 visitors and citizens assembled at nine o'clock in the vicinity of the clock tower, and the party proceeded to the Westland Dairy Co.'s factory, which was inspected, and a start was then made for the trip to Kokatahi arid Koiterangi. A fleet of 70 motor-cars was utilised for the conveyance of the visitors, who left town at 10 o'clock.

The first stop was made at Mr Diedrichs's farm, where a herd of Hereford cattle were on inspection. Mr Diedrichs explained that the cattle had not been winter fed and, unlike Canterbury stock, had received nothing in the way of turnips, etc. The visiters thought the herd an exceptionally fin© sample and congratulated the owner, giving him three cheers and thanking him for his effort on their behalf. The party then journeyed to Koiterangi, viewing the farms en route. A turning was made near Hokitika Gorge, which, owing to the narrowness of the road, took some little time to negotiate. Arriving at Koiterangi, the farmers were entertained at morning tea. While tea was being partaken of appropriate speeches were made by Messrs T. -O'Neill, H. T. Parry and T. It. Chesterman, and responded to by various presidents and chairmen of representative bodies among the Canterbury visitors. The party then returned to town for lunch, arriving at 1 p.m. This afternoon the visiters were motored to the picturesque Lake Kanieri. The Rimu Flat Co.'s electrical gold_ dredge was inspected, the excursionists returning to Hokitika after a most enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

This evening the visitors attended the Hokitika Town Hall, where Dr. Teichelmann presented an interesting collection of views of Westland scenery. Later an adjournment was made to the Soldiers' Hall, where the party was entertained at a social evening by the West Coast Farmers' Union. The party will arrive in Greymouth from Hokitika to-morrow morning and will be accorded a civic welcome at the Town Hall at 10 o'clock when the Mayor of Greymouth (Mr J. W. Greenslade) will preside. Brief addresses will be given by the Mayor, Messrs J. Ryall (county chairman), J. Mulcare .(president:, of the Provincial Farmers' ' Union), Joseph McLean (chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), and B\ M. Robertson (chairman .of the Progress League). At the conclusion of, the function the partv will leave by motors for Punakaiki In the evening they will be entertained at a social' under ' the auspices of the West .Coast A. and P. Association. . ■ ' .•■•■■