EMPIRE PRESS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 August 1925, Page 5

EMPIRE PRESS

DELEGATES ENTERTAINED,

NEW PLYMOUTH FUNCTION. VISIT MARRED BY RAIN. . (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 24. Since tihe Empire Preys Union delegates arrived in New Zealand a week ago, the weather seems 'to have been determined not to leic, their high standing gain any favouritism. It 4s winter, and. they must make the best of it, like other people, so the party- came through from To Ivuiti by motor on Sunday under conditions winch made the t iTip seem an ordinary, instead of u delightful experience of quick changing land and seascape, as it is when the sun shines and the horizons are clear. The beautiful buish scenes on Mount Messenger were passed in drenching rain, almost unseen, and when the smiling meadow'laiid this iside of Urenui was reached Mount Egmont remained obstinately hidden, robbing the scene of its crowning charm. After an early morning hailstorm, in which inch stones battered windows 'with smashing force, to-day broke in a more complaisant mood. The sun shone, and the clouds were few, and ae the morning wore on hopes began to be entertained that Hie visitors would see the town and district under conditions which would enable them to leave with a just impression of their character is tics and beauties. Unfortunately, however, as the day advanced the climatic conditions again became unfavourable, and there were frequent heavy showers, though there were periods of sunshine in the afternoon. This morning some of the visitors took a cursory survey of the town and its surroundings, and were impressed with the beauty of its setting. Later they were motored to the North Egmont hostelry and had luncheon. On .the way to the mountain a call was made by many of the delegates at John Hale’s farm, on the Junction R.oad, where his welll-known Jersey herd was inspected. Some of the delegates also visited some other farms close to the town upon which some of the English j public school boys are engaged, to gain firsthand information as to tilie farming conditions under which the boys are acquiring knowledge of their new occupation. . The mountain party comprised <3 and the first cans arrived ait the Mountain House about 12 o'clock-, the drive through the bush being very keenly appreciated. r p}i»B suit siiono through on several occasions, and glimpses of the country below were obtained, but the mountain itself remained hidden; At 1 o’clock a- heavy hailstorm was experienced. Rain continued thereafter, blotting out all views,, and. making the conditions far from pleasant, flie party were practically confined to the house, where lunch was served'. At the conclusion. Mr. T. C. List, chairman of the North Committee -of the Egmont National' Park, welcomed the visitors. Lord Burnham, in- reply, congratulated the National Park. Board on hav4 ing preserved such >a magnificent stretch of vinath forest. He pointed out that they ail believed in tree planting, but solid it could ueyer replace the beautiful native forest. He expressed ipprec.iaition of the wonderful hospitality that had been extended to the Press delegates in Taranaki generally, and at the mountain to-day. The. province would carry their best, wishes for Lbs progress and development in future.

ENTERTAINED AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 25. The Empire Press delegation was entertained at dinner last night h> the citizens and the local press. Messrs Bowerman and Moore, who responded to the toast of “Our Guests, . both expressed delight with wha- had bee n seen of the Dominion. The visitors left by special train at 3 a.m. for Wanganui, where they lunch and will then continue their journey Though weather conditions were bad, all declared that they were charmed with Taranaki and the reception given them. PASS THROUGH HAWER'AThe Empire Press Union delegates experienced miserable weather conditions on their passing through Hawera this morrarig &<t J. 28 by special train. which made its first atop here idnoe leaving New Plymouth to -pick up local members to join the party. The Mayor (Mr. E. A- R ace .y)v Mi. E Dixon (presiden fc of the id aw ei u * Chamber of Commerce) and local pressmen, were on the station to welcome the ’distinguished vi.sitoris, who together with a number of New- Zealand pressmeiii were on their way to Wellington, which will be reached this evening At _ Wanganui a complimentary luncheon will be given and the party will visit Flock House en route. 5 - .