HON. O. J. HAWKEN

Feilding Star, Volume 4, Issue 729, 11 March 1926, Page 5

HON. O. J. HAWKEN

ENTERTAINED AT F.LTHAM RECEIVES CONGRATULATIONS Press Association. Tltham, March 10.

The Egmont Reform League tendered a garden party at Taumata Park this, afternoon to the Don. 0. J. Hawken. There was a representative gathering from all parts of the province. Speeches of congratulation were made' by the president of the League, the Mayor of Elthnni, Mis IT. J. Dickie, M.R. (Patea), Ajr. J. S. Cdnnott and Air. D. Hebenton (Reform /organiser). The Hon. 0. J. Hawken in reply thanked the Loague members and others lor honouring Him He, said ho realised the responsibility of the- position he had taken and would endeavour to carry out his dUies faithfully. His endeavour as Minister would he to increase production in the. country and the people. , Cheers were' given for- the; Minister and Mrs. H,awke|n. Afternoon tea was served in the grandstand.

A complimentary dj/mer ihn the Town Hall this evening was tendered bv representatives of the agricultural, pastoral, dairying and commercial interests of Taranaki. Mr. Bridger, Mayor of Eltlinm, presided and R>o were present. Congratulations were offered to the Alinister, who thanked the gathering for the honour conferred upon him. He said he hoped to merit the good wishes expressed. He recognised the difficulties confronting tlie farming community and, would endeavour to assist as far lay in his power .

Regarding the wheat industry Mr ITawken said he could not see any difference between wheat growing and thp secondary industries. He saw no reason to interfere with what P'arliainent Iliad decided. Touching; on the meat- industry, Mr Hawken dealt with the refusal of the transfer of a license. The Government ho said, was strongly of the’ opinion that care should he taken that the industrv did not fall into l the hands of outsiders, America for instance. If it did the results would' lie most unfortunate for New Zealand farmers. The meat industry should come to the rescue of the. freezing industry and put the works on a proper toot-

The Hon. T‘\ J. Rolleston, re presenting the Alinistry, responded to the toast of Parliament. ,