FARMERS’ UNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1074, 22 July 1924, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION.

OPENING OF CONFERENCE. GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S REMARKS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July. 22. The Governor-General, at the opening ot the annual conference of the Dominion Farmers’ Union to-day, first paid a tribute to the memory of the lute Sir Walter Buchanan, who, he said, was one of whom the Dominion should be proud, as well it might be for he had in him all those qualities so typical of the early pioneers who had made New Zealand what- it was to-day. llis Excellency said that one ot the tilings which had struck him most during his time in Now Zealand had been the progress of the Dominion. It was quite natural (hat anyone who loved New Zealand as lie did should feel intense pleasure to think that the Dominion was going ahead, and he was very much struck by the progress made. During the ten years preceding 1923 the figures showed that there Had been

very remarkable progress indeed. Trade had increased by 83 per cent and last year was a record in that respect. Experts had increased by 93 per cent, frozen meat in volume by 37 per com, wool by 71 per cent, butter in volume by 196 per cent, and cheese by 101 per copl, while the population had increased by 20 per cent. The swamp area reclaimed had increased during ihoscten years by 474 per cent. He alluded to the drift of the population to the towns and remarked that there t-culd be no question that the country was much a healthier and better place in which lo live and bring up a family. In regard to inducing immigrants of the right, stamp to come lo New Zealand, lie gave them his assurance that on his return to England lie would do all he could for the Dominion.

Reference was matin by His Excellency to the opening of Flock House for the sons of members of tin* navy and mercantile marine who had lost their lives during the war, and be spoke in terms of the highest praise of the arrangement?* made at Flock House and promised lhat he would give tin assurance to the mothers and guardians of (he youths entitled to the benefits of the institution that they would be well eared for. When he left New Zealand he would leave behind him a great part of his heart as would also bis family. He concluded by wishing those present good-bye and God speed.