NETHERTON LUNCHEON.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3366, 12 March 1915, Page 4

NETHERTON LUNCHEON.

WELCOME TO MINISTER.

COMPLIMENTARY SPEECHES

I Alter the hearing of the deputations at Paeroa on Wednesday those interested proceeded to Netherlon, where a luncheon to celebrate the opening'of the bridge was given by the settlers. The Minister and one or two others proceeded to Nethertdn by way of Wharepoa in Dr Smith's motor car, which was kindly placed at their disposal by the doctor. The rest of the party liiade the trip Irom Paeroa direct/ by means t of a brake. „ ' There was a large gathering at the lunch at Netherton, settlers and their wives and daughters coming from all parts of the district. The hall was crowded, and full justice was done to the excellent repast provided. Mr S. J. Laughlin was in the chair, having on his right the Hon, W. Fraser and on his left Mr H. M. Corbett (Chairman of the Ohinemuri County CouqcilVand his sister (Miss Corbett). . After the usual loyal toast had been honoured the Chairman proposed the toast of the Minister of Public Works, expressing the pleasure of the Netherton people at having him present on that occasion. He also spoke of the good work of the Public Works Department in connection with the stop banks on the river and in connection with the bridge of which they were celebrating the opening. The Minister on rising to reply was heartily applauded, and he thanked , them for the hearty reception they had given him that day. He said that when he was asked to open the bridge he made up his mind that he would visit Netherton —and he was there. He recognised the value to-the community of the crossing over the river, and he had seen the value of the land, which was worth some £3° to per acre. The people would not be doing justice to themselves il they had.not gone in for better means of crossing than they had with the punt. He believed that in a few years there would'be a marvellous improvement in the place. Mr G. Buchanan proposed the toast of " Local Bodies," to which Mr H. M. Corbelt replied, and the toast of the Chairman was proposed by the-Hon. W. Fraser, Mr Laughlin replying. I "