HAPPY HOLIDAY RECALLED

Southland Times, Issue 23816, 13 May 1939, Page 9

HAPPY HOLIDAY RECALLED

SOUTHLAND FARMERS’ REUNION VISIT TO NORTH ISLAND LAST YEAR Memories of a happy tour through the North Island last winter by a party of 220 Southland farmers were recalled at a reunion of the travellers held in Invercargill yesterday. A luncheon was held at the show grounds followed in the evening by a social. The luncheon was attended by about 150 members of the party. The Southland. president of the Farmers’ Union (Mr A. R. Johnston), who was leader of the tour, presided. Bidding welcome to the members of the party to the reunion, the chairman said it was a matter of satisfaction to know that the party was still intact, no deaths having occurred. The trip to the North Island had been very enjoyable and had not been marred by any accidents. “I have not heard of any weddings, but I have heard of engagements,” said Mr Johnston amid laughter. “I think we should congratulate those happy couples who are now engaged as a dire t result of the tour of the North Island.” The chairman gave a welcome to the Mayor (Mr J. R. Hanan), the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton), Mr T. L. Macdonald, M.P., the secretary of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association (Mr A. L. Adamson), the president-elect of the Southland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union (Mr E. Cameron), the Southland president of the Womens Division (Mrs W. Orr), the president of the Southland Progress League (Mr G. M. Broughton). . . Mr Johnston said his position during the last two years as provincial president of the Farmers’ Union had not been without its difficulties and worries but he had thoroughly enjoyed his tour with the party. The friendly relations among all members of the party and the loyalty of all had made the trip most delightful. The toast of the hosts and hostesses was proposed by Mrs W. Young. She was sure all would agree that all arrangements had been most complete. Such trips were useful in maintaining the health of the farming community who might be regarded as the trunks of the national tree. The farmers appreciated the opportunities afforded by the Railway Department because they were able to. return home with new ideas for their work. , The Railway Department had organized the trip in a most efficient manner. Mr R. S. Watkins, the representative of the department with the party, had been a tower of strength. Throughout the tour the party had been entertained by local farmers very generously. One or the most notable functions had been at Parliament Buildings.where the Hon. Adam Hamilton had given the party a most enjoyable time. Mr Hamilton said he had been pleased to greet the party at Parliament. He doubted whether any party had ever had the procedure of Parliament explained or given opportunities to un~! derstand what was done there better than the Southland people. If the same or any other Southland party came to Wellington while Parliament was in session he would be pleased to arrange another gathering. Mr Watkins said the party had been most enjoyable and the department had appreciated the support given to the tour. The department endeavoured to give the best service possible on such tours and was glad that the tourists had enjoyed themselves. The toast of the guests was proposed by Mr H. P. Mclntyre and replied to by the Mayor and Mrs Orr. The luncheon closed with a toast to the chairman proposed by Mr T. L. Macdonald, M.P. SOCIAL EVENING Last night a social was held in Smith’s Hall, when about 120 persons were present. Dancing and cards occupied the evening. Music was supplied by Mrs R. F. Dickie, of Tuturau, and Mr J. McKee, of Wendonside. The master of ceremonies was Mr A. Liddell, of Balfour. During the evening songs were given by Miss M. White, of Wendon, Mr S. Edwards, of Pukerau, and Mr R. S. Watkins, of Invercargill. The concert party of the 1938 tour entertained with the party’s choruses. An enjoyable supper was held in Smith’s tearooms, after which Mr A. R. Johnston presented a fountain pen to Mr R. F. Dickie, who acted as secretary for the reunion. Mr Johnston referred to the fine work that had been done by Mr Dickie. A presentation of a cut-glass butter dish and a silver knife to match was also made to Mrs Dickie. In anticipation of their marriage surprise presentations were made to two couples who were members of the touring party.