WAIKOUAITI A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20104, 21 May 1927, Page 17

WAIKOUAITI A. AND P. SOCIETY.

SOCIAL GATHERING. (From Oob Own Cobeespokdent.) WAIKOUAITI, May 20. A social gathering under the auspices of the Waikouaiti Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held in the public hall on Wednesday night. There was an attendance of about 60, including visitors from Palmerston and Waitati. In every way the function was a success. The arrangements were largely in the hands of the secretary, Mr Timmins, to whoso untiring efforts the success Of the evening is largely due liio president of the society (Mr C. 1. M Galium) occupied the chair t and a lengthy toast list and musical programme were got through with commendable promptitude, ''iftcr the toast of “The King” had been honoured. Dr Gribfcen (Seachff) proposed that of “Agricultural and Pastoral In torests.’’ Ho complimented the society on the promotion of such an evening and remarked that all too frequently the social side of those matters was lost sight _ ot. Such functions, which had for an object the bringing about of a closer acquaintanceship than was possible at tho shows, were of the greatest value. The object of A and P Societies was to further the interests of the farmer, and one way m which that could be dons was by increased production. He spoke of the benefits derived from systematic top-dressing, and gave a few particulars as to how this method of improvement was being catered for in tho North Island. In replying to the toast, Mr Twaddle (Bushey) also dealt with tho subject of top-dressing, and gave_ some interesting comparisons in connection with farmm„ in tho direction in which the land was best suited. He maintained that if tho land was fed it would feed the stock, which, in turn, would provide for tho people. > In proposing the toast of the Farmers Union ” Mr D. M. Malloch said that ho believed that the New Zealand Farmers Union was tho strongest union in tho dominion at the present time. Comparing tho life of the farmer of to-day with that of 30 or 40 years ago, he claimed for the union the credit of many of the benefits they now enjoyed. All farmers, he said, should join the union, which wag responsible for much of the sunshine that had come into their existence Referring to the Davlmht Saving Bill, he expressed, surprise'that this had not had the support of the farmers. Mr A Woods (president of the Waikouaiti branch of the Farmers’ Union) replied to the toast. Ho said he thought that the farmer made his o wn Daylight Saving Bill. If he wanted time off for any sport ho arose one, two, or even three hours earlier in tho morning, and so made it possible to have the time off. . _ , , „ The toast of the dairying Industry was proposed by Mr John M Grath, vrho said that he would leave its eulogy to the man with whose name the toast was In replying. Mr William Lea (Flag Swamp) reviewed the history of dairying in Otago, and claimed for it priority of° importance among the industries ot New Zealand, not so much from the actual value of the exports, hut from the number of people engaged it. Although the dairy farmer was going through a bad time at present, he was certain that there was a brighter time for him in the verv near future. , . . Mr John Macaulay proposed the toast of “Home Industries.” This section, he said, in spite of it usually being placed last in the catalogues, was one of the most important at any show. He remembered many of the names of the first exhibitors in this section, and was pleased to note that they had handed down to later generations not only their enthusiasm, but their ability, with the result that sometimes as many as three generations were competing against one another. The prizes did not always go to the vounger competitors. In replying, Mr A. Y. Park praised the work done in this section, and agreed with Mr Macaulay as to its importance. ... , The toast of the “Waikouaiti A. and P. Society” was proposed by Mr F. J. M’Donald (Waitati). Mr M'Donald said that the show had been started some 50 years ago, but after going for some years it had fallen through for want of support. About 16 years ago it had been revived, since which time it had gone steadily ahead, until at present he believed it to be one of the most progressive shows throughout Otago. Since his acquaintance with it he had found that exhibitors were treated exceptionally well. He complimented the society on the evening’s function, which he considered an important one in its history. Mr C. T. M'Callum (president of the Waikouaiti A. and P. Society), in replying, said he was particularly pleased to see so many old members present. He spoke of the spade work they had had to do in the early years of the society’s existence, and voiced the determination of the present executive to carry on good work commenced by them. The people who really made the shows, he said, were the exhibitors, whom the society was out to encourage in every possible way. In proposing the toast of “Kindred Societies,” Mr J. A. Thomson welcomed the visitors from Palmerston and Waitati. From these places the society received support every year, and as long as that support was forthcoming the welfare of the society was assured. The toast was replied to by Messrs P. Bricoe (chairman of the Otago Electric Power Board) and W. B. Galloway (president of the Palmerston A. and P. Society). Mr Briscoe referred to the benefit to be derived by the country from the A. and P. societies, whose competitions all led towards the improvement of stock. He would like to sea the home industries section included in the catalogue of the Blueskin Society. Furthermore, he expressed the hope that all the exhibits in that department would be cooked on electric ranges.— (Laughter and applause.) Mr Galloway spoke of the time given up by many enthusiasts who went on committees to promote the success of these shows, their only reward being the success of the work they undertook. He hoped that this would be the forerunner of many similar functions. Mr R. Templeton proposed the toast ot “Past Presidents.” Ho congratulated the society on its position and its popularity. Sinco its revival 16 years ago. the presidents had been the late Mr A. S. Orbell, Messrs J. Birtles, D. M‘Gregor, J. Maxwell, sen., J. L. Birtles, C. W. Hallum, and J. Jones. If tho presidents of tho future were us capable as those of the past the success of the society was assured. Messrs J. Maxwell. son.. D. M’Gregor. C. W. Hallum, and J. Jones briefly responded. Mr C. W. Hallum, in proposing (ha toast of “Past and Present Secretaries,stressed tho indebtedness of the society to its secretaries of the past, Messrs S. Heckler, J. G. Diack, J. Maxwell, jun.. and A. Foil, and tho present secretary, Mr Timmins. It was to the untiring energies of those men that tho society owed much of its success. Tho toast was briefly responded to by Messrs J. Maxwell, jun., and J. Timmins. Other toasts honoured wore: “New Zealand Parliament.” “Sport,” “Waikouaiti County Council,” “Waikouaiti Borough Council.” and “Men of Finance.” Tho following contributed a very enjoyable programme of songs, anecdotes, levitations, and bapnipe selections; —Messrs A. Graham, J. Hallum, Proudfoot, J. Cullen. M'Lean. IT. Herd, J. A. Pavne, G. W. Knight, J. Niehol. and D. Malloch.