Social at Bannockburn.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2644, 13 October 1919, Page 5

Social at Bannockburn.

(From a Correspondent.) A very enjoyable evening was spent at Bannockburn on Tuesday, 29th nil , the function being organised for the purpose ot making a presentation, and bidding farewell to Mr T. Byrns, who was leaving the district after a sojourn of over three years therein. The presentation took the form of a handsome gold medal suitably inscribed. In the absence of Mr - J, Ritchie, Mr E. Holloway was in the chair. In presenting the medal, the chairman stated that Mr Byrns was an engineer, and had been engaged, in partnership with Mr Johnson, in constructing the Cromwell Devel ipment Company’s works on the Kawarau river. During the time he had been in the district he had, by his amiable disposition and many good qualities, made himself a host of friends. The purpose of the gathering was to extend some token of esteem, and appreciation of their departing guest, and at the same time to wish him Cod-speed and success and happiness in his future life. Mr J. Farcell endorsed the chairman’s remarks, and considered Mr Byrns’ departure a loss to the district. He had proved himself a thorough gentleman, and the district could not afford to lose such men. The toast of “The King,” was loyally responded to. The next toast was that of the health and prosperity of their departing guest, which was accompanied by musical honors and hearty cheers. “The Army and Navy,” proposed by Mr J. Farecll, met with a rousing reception.

In response, Mr Byrns thanked the donors for their handsome gift, which he would always value as a memento of the many pleasant days lie had spent in the district, and especially at Bannockburn He was proud to think that during his short stay among them he had gained their esteem and respect. Mr Byrns proceeded to give some interesting particulars of the Development Company’s works. He said that the water was not yet on the flat, but in the near future it would be there, and would turn what was now a barren desert into a veritable Darden of Eden. He spoke un hydro-electric power, and predicted a glorious future for Central Otago when the enormous power that is now running to waste was harnessed.

In speaking to the toast of fanning and pastoral interests, the chairman (Mr Holloway), gave some very interesting details of his method of cultivating lucerne. He had travelled a good deal and had seen lucerne being grown in other countries, but nothing he had seen could in any way compare with what can be done, with irrigation. on the desert plains of Central Otago. In the county of Surrey, England, lie had seen land, valued at b'liUU per acre, devoted to growing lucerne, and comparing it with whTit can he seen here, lie could only say it \vas a dismal failure. As an instance of what can be done by irrigation, the speaker stated that on his property, on the south bank of the Kawarau, in partnership with Mr Manson, they had a forty-acre paddock of lucerne, from which three crops were taken each season, and the amount of fodder taken from that area was more than sullieient to winter 3000 sheep, and that oil land which before water was brought on Would hardly carry a sheep to the mile. Mining, Commercial, and other toasts were proposed and heartily responded to. Hongs and recitations were contributed bv several of the company, and one of the most enjoyable gatherings held at Jinn nockburn was brought to a close by singing the yld lime-honored ‘‘ AuM Land bync.”