SOUTHERN FARMERS’ TOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1929, Page 13

SOUTHERN FARMERS’ TOUR

COMPLAINT AT OTAGO’S WELCOME. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, July 5. Dissatisfaction at the manner in which members of the Otago farmers’ excursion were v T elcomed in Hamilton was expressed at a meeting of the Waikato Sub-Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union by the president (Mr. T. H, Henderson). He said the welcome had lacked cordiality, and he recommended that special efforts should be made to entertain the Southland farmers during their forthcoming visit to Hamilton.

Mr. J. Mackay (Newstead) said the organisation of the Otago farmers’ excursion was a disgrace to the Railway Department. The boarding accommodation arranged had been deplorable. Women who had left good homes were given small chilly ‘’holes and corners” as sleeping quarters, and many had made bitter complaints to him of the treatment they had received. Referring to a visit made by the farmers to Ruakura Farm of Instruction, Mr. Mackay said this inspection had been conducted in a most casual and informal manner. No attempt was made to divide the 300 visitors into parties, and the whole event was characterised by distressing lack of organisation. It was decided to invito the Waikato Winter Show Association and other local organisations to co-operate and afford the Southern farmers a suitable welcome.