LUNCHEON

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 75, 12 March 1930, Page 11

LUNCHEON

TO VISITING FARMERS. SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The Aewmfily projected quite an imposing sight on Frida? last, when, for the luncheon given Dy the Hawke's Bay Farmera’ Union, long tables were arranged down the whole Wot the room, and several hunrare seated. The gathering was in honour of the farmers from Great Britain. South Africa, Canada, and Rhodesia, who at present are touring New Zealand. Many of these farmers have their wives and daughters with them, and a number were present on Friday. The visitors were easy to converse with, and all seemed to wish to express their gratitude for the kindness shown. Some charming young girls were among the party, one ol them giving a very entertaining description. in a private conversation, of her home in Rhodesia. “Many people in New Zealand,” she said, “seem to form their impression oi Rhodesia from Gertrude Page’s books, but I read some, and they did not give any idea of our country as I have found it.” Mr Tipper, from Birmingham, who was an honoured guest, is a veterinary surgeon, whose love for animals and famous medicines for them have made him a notable figure. His responsive manner and Kindly personality made him popular at once when he was introduced to local people. The speeches were all entertaining, and the toasts honoured with enthusiasm, the toast to the King being specially impressive, followed by the National Anthem sung by New Zealanders, Maoris. Rhodesians, Canadians and South Africans—all members of the British Empire. The tables looked appetising with cold viands, wine, and cigarettes. The flowers were very beautiful, all having been arranged by Mrs Balharry, whose husband is secretary of the Farmers' Union. Mrs Balharry had brought the flowers herself and arranged the many bowls with dahlias, roses, nirene lilies, pink spotted lilies, autumn foliage and clematis seed, in an artistic blending of colour. A committee of ladies representing the different organisations bad helped to arrange the function. These were:—Mrs Joe Harris, Mrs H. I.' Bimson, and Airs Lovell- . Smith (Women’s Community ( .üb. Mrs Chapman-Taylor and Mrs Mintoft (Women's Institute), Mrs J. H. Joll. Mrs Honeybun, and Mrs Fred Field (Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union). Those who were seated at the official table at the head of the room, many representing the various Hawke’s Bay organisations, were:— Mr J. H. Joll (provincial president N.Z. Farmers’ Union), Mrs J H. Jolh Mr Allen (South Africa), Mr McCormick (Deputy Mayor) and Mrs McCormick, Mr D. Crawford (England), Sir Andrew Russell, Mr R. H. Tod (H.B. Agricultural and Pastoral Society), Mrs T. H. Lowry (Women’s Community Club), Mr A. E. Jull (Napier Harbour Board), Airs Rifigir (Women’s Division of Farmers’ Union), Airs Chapman-Taylor (Women’s Institute), Air W. E. Barnard, M.P., Air Ralph Paynter (H.B. Fruit Growers’ Association), Mr Ike Robin (Native race).