TARANAKI FARMERS

Evening Star, Issue 20193, 5 June 1929, Page 2

TARANAKI FARMERS

ENTERTAINED AT SOCIAL EVENING VISITORS DELIGHTED WITH EXPERIENCE ‘The party of ISO Taranaki farmers who have been visiting Otago and Southland,. and who left for the north this morning, was entertained at a social evening at the Savoy last night. Mr S. P. Cameron (secretary of the Farmers’ Union), acted as master of ceremonies, and Mr J. D. Revie (president of the Otago Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union) occupied the chair. . There woe also present representatives of the Chamber of Commerce (Messrs E. A. Rosevuar and H. P. West), the president of tlie Manufacturers’ Association (Mr J. Sutherland Ros«” Mr P. R.Toovcy (representing tho Port of London Authority), and. representatives of the North Otago Farmers’ Union (Messrs R. B. Meek and D. J. Ross). Members of the- executive of the Otago A. and P. Society sent their apologies, regretting that the annual meeting of the society made it impossible for them to _ bo represented. The Otago Executive of the Farmers’ Union had a full representation.

An enjoyable concert programme was provided by a small band of local performers, whose efforts were warmly appreciated. Mr A. AV. Alloo contributed two songs—‘ Friend of Aline ’ and ‘ King Charles ’ —and was followed by Mr E. J. Lang with ' Father O’Flynu’ and ‘Rolling Down to Rio.’ Airs W. R. Harris contributed two very acceptable numbers to her own accompaniment, and Air W. M. APKenzie also obliged with two songs. Mr IT. P. West greatly amused his audience with two Scotch monologues. Air Ross Floyd’s orchestra contributed a deligbtlul programme of music. Air llevio briefly expressed the pleasure of the Otago farmers at the opportunity afforded them of meeting and entertaining visitors from- the north, and heartily commended the system of farmers’ excursion trains which had been so popular, and at the same time so beneficial. He dwelt for some time on the mutual advantages accruing from such trips, and concluded ny expressing the hope that the southern visit had been an enjoyable one. Air Sutherland Ross extended a welcome to the visitors on behalf ol the manufacturers, and among othei things impressed upon his hearers tho great value to New Zealand of her secondary industries, appealing to ali fanners to eo-operato with the luanulactnrcrs Only in that way could tbe dominion prosper or be fully developed. Air P. R. Toovey extended to the gathering the greetings of tho Port of London Authority, and Air Rose - ,car delivered himself of similar sentiments on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

Air K. J. Beits (president of the South Taranaki Provincial Executive ot the Fanners’ Union) at Ibe close of the- evening thanked the Otago farmers and Dunedin organisations for the hospitality and uimlness that had been extended to them. It bad been a memorable trip, and most ol them had learnt a lot about tin South Island, its country, and its pursuits They bad been greatly impressed by the land, and he personally was convinced that this end of the dominion had a great! future before it.

Mr E. K. Cameron (secretary oi' the South Taranaki Farmers’ 'Union) also spoke. He made parlicluar reference to the painstaking efforts and . unfailing courtesy of the railway business agents in every contra they had visited. The Taranaki farmers were all of the opinion that the Railways Department must have selected its best men for that division. Ho said it, was difficult to express adequately the appreciation of his party for all that had been don© for then) They were deepcly indebted to the Farmers’ Union, the Otago A.

and P. Society, the Manufacturers’ Association, the Dunedin Jockey Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and everyone who .had assisted in their entertainment. The speaker cast his eyes regretfully around the beautifully-appointed Tudor Hall, when he said that he was afraid Taranaki couid not equal such comfort and luxury, but he did not know any place, in New Zealand which could, so his district would not be disgraced. Still, he could assure those who went north next week' that there would be a royal wclcomo awaiting them in Taranaki.

All - Cameron particularly mentioned the courtesy of the city tramways staff and the Dunodin police, every one of whom had been at all times willing and eager to direct and assist any of the visitors who were not sure of their nay. He called lor three- cheers for Otago, these being lustily given.