NOTES FROM THE HEREKINO BANQUET

Northland Age, Volume 18, Issue 15, 13 January 1921, Page 6

NOTES FROM THE HEREKINO BANQUET

“ When I came to Hcrekino nineteen | ye irs ago I never imagined that at the end of that period we would still be without a good road to Kaitaia and also to W hangape, and this in a district where wc’ have such splendid land the good quai'tics of which we do not yet realise.” —V .R. Rowe. “ The first time that I heard of Kaitaia was in Dannevirke where i bought some of Colonel Bell’s Art Union Tickets, but I did not get anything out of them ” said Mr. Peter Mckenzie at the Hcrekino banquet amidst laughter. “ In Taranaki the boys and girls can jump into a car after milking and go fifty miles to attend a social function because they have good roads. Bad roads and bad conditions of living drives the boys and girls to the cities.” —Coionel Bell “The financial position is most embarrasing to the Council and particularly to myself as Chairman, and we want you to help us to get things put on a sound financial basis.”—Mr. A. H. Long, County Chairman. “ I have seen wethers sent from Herekino one hundred pounds in weight, and also some of the best beef grown in the Dominion. It has also produced some good men—and ladies also—said Mr. Robt \ Rowe as an afterthought at the Herekino banquet. " ThE Northland Age has been one of the biggest factors in the development of the district during the past few years and the Editor, Colonel Bell, is to be specially congratulated on his splendid development articles.”—Mr. N. L. Gurr. “Owing to the recent disturbances, Hrrekino seems to be known all over New Zealand to-day. When I was in the Manawatu the other day 1 was asked Where is this place Herekino where you are now living ? ’’—Colonel Bell. “ Some people complain that they are mlsreported by the Press. My experience leads me to the conclusion that many public men do not know what they have said after they have sat down. Probably the greatest damage that we could do many of those who complain would be to report their speeches exactly as they deliver them. I can imagine then what would happen.”—Misslsalyn Hart, amidst laughter. “ The formulation by Colonel Bell of the £54,000 and also the £52,000 loan proposals was one of the best pieces of work which he has done since he came to the North and for this and the excellent service which he has rendered in procuring the money he deserves the thanks of every resident.”—Mr. A. H. Long. “ There is no district in the Northland that I have seen that will show such splendid results from the work of organisation as Herekino. \V ith the progressive ideas now in evidence three-fourths of the battle is already won.”—Colonel Bell. “ In conclusion 1 wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy. New Year and I trust that you will all pay your rates promptly said Mr. Chas. McKinnon, County Treasurer, amidst laughter at the Herekino banquet. “ The stirring campaign just ended has done a lot of good to the Herekino district, not only has it advertised it far and. wide but it has secured the permanent interest of Colonel Bell and the future is now assured.”—Mr. L. M. Masters. “It has been a pleasure to me to be associated with a paper which I believe is known as the ‘Northland Lyre,’ and to - hear the kind things which you have said about it to-night. I hope that you will all become subscribers and pay your subscriptions in advance.”—Miss Isalyn Hart responding to the toast of the Press at the Herekino Banquet. "Before the roads can be efficiently maintained we must have permanent surfacemen. Unless we do this it will be impossible to avoid the waste which is going on at the present time.”—Mr. T. R. McMullen, County Engineer. ■ "In the future I shall never feel that I am a stranger in Herekino, I shall just come in and feel that I am one of a progressive, and I hope, happy family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and hospitality.”—Colonel Bell.

" As a Press representative I rode to Whangape last summer and I shall not forget that trip in a hurry.”—Miss Hart. “ Notwithstanding what has taken place we are not going to spragg the wheel, we are going to assist the Council in every way possible. The Dairy Factory directors have already decided to advance £2OO to assist in securing the Government subsidy on the Awaroa road and the Puwhata settlers have also provided the money to take up their subsidy.”—Mr. Leo Lecouste. " The ‘ pullback ’ is to be found in every community. He has had a strong hold in the North, but his days are now numbered. —Colonel Bell (Continued on page 3)