SOUTHLAND PLEASES

Southland Times, Issue 20939, 23 November 1929, Page 7

SOUTHLAND PLEASES

GRAIN DELEGATES IMPRESSED. An extremely interesting tour through the Western District of Southland was undertaken yesterday by the delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Grain, Seed and Produce Merchants' Federation which was held in Invercargill on Thursday. The party, which numbered about 30, made an early start yesterday morning proceeding first to the Underwood factory. The party was shown over the works in three groups and were given a thorough explanation of the various processes during a very lengthly inspection. The visitors were greatly impressed with the most efficient and sanitary methods in which the operations and manufacture of condensed milk was carried out. They were surprised at the extent of the operations and the ingenious machinery utilized. The party then proceeded to Orepuki via Riverton. Luncheon was served at Orepuki after partaking of which the party visited the shale works. Regret was expressed that no use was made of such valuable machinery. The return trip was made through Clifden, Orawia, Merrivale to Otautau where afternoon tea was provided. The trip to Invercargill was made through Fairfax and Isla Bank.

Most of the delegates were on their first visit to Southland and expressed themselves as being very favourably impressed with the nature of the country inspected. Several of the party confessed that they had expected to see hilly country of poor quality. On the contrary, they found very good country, and surprise was expressed that dairying was not more extensively practised. It was remarked that no doubt in the near future the land would be subdivided into smaller holdings for dairying.