AT TANGARAKAU FLAT

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1932, Page 7

AT TANGARAKAU FLAT

DINNER HELD IN THE HALL

EXHIBITION OF

toast list, honoured. On arrival at Taiigarakau Flat the official party and guests to the number of about 250 were entertained to luncheon in the Tangarakau Hall, the luncheon being prepared by Mr. and Mrs. George Sullivan. Mr. N. R, Cleland, chairman of the Whangamomona County Council, presided, and on behalf of the residents of the Whangamomoua County extended a hearty welcome to the Ministerial party, the Leader-of the Opposition and the members of Parliament present. He expressed, the hope that their visit would be a pleasant one and that they would return to Wellington with happy memories of Whangamomoua and its district. Before leaving he invited them •to visit the oval, where an exhibition chop would be given by E. Shewry, son of a pioneer settler of the district and a. world’s champion axeman. He had chopped in Australia, on the battlefields of Prance and in England, as well as in New Zealand. After the loyal toa&t had been onthusiastically honoured the chairman proposed "Parliament.” He did so, he said, with the feeling that the status of the New Zealand Parliament was as high as that of any other Parliament in the British Empire. Parliament had produced men who had made a good showing at many important conferences, and had proved statesmen that New Zealand had no need to be ashamed of. He felt, too, that there were other men in Parliament who if given the opportunity would prove just as able. There had never been a more difficult time in the history of New Zealand, when so much -was required from members of Parliament, and they were confidently looking to Parliament for that guidance and assistance without which he was afraid very little could be done.

“TOTJiV GOOD FELLOWS.”

The 'Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, thanked; th® speaker for hie remarks and ths audience for their cordial reception of the toast, especially for their enthusiastic singing of ‘'For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” It was pleasant to come into a district and find that they were looked >up to as “jolly good fellows,” because in Parliament and from what he gathered outside he wondered sometimes if they were. He thanked them for the hospitality that had been extended by the district. That, together With the pleasant weather, the green pastures, and everyone in hi® best humour, had helped to make the day not only one of the most important in the history of the district, but also a pleasant memory. As far as transport facilities were concerned, continued Mr. Forbes, the line would be a benefit to the district and would assist the settlement that Would' take place.- The value of the line, too, had a wider aspect from the point of view of linking up the present railway services, and also of bringing Taranaki closer to Auckland. Looking back, he thought the Government could claim to have done very well in providing railways and roads to enable the primary producer®, who were so important to New Zealand, and to whom -they had to look for a great deal of -business, to get their goods to. market. As a farmer he knew the difficult times that the farmers were facing at present, and that in order to carry on his important industry - the farmer needed every assistance that could possibly be given him. The opening of the line was but another step in giving that assistance, and he hoped that it would be appreciated by those who Were receiving the -benefit. When .one looked back and realised what had bebn accomplished in the short history of New Zealand one had every reason to feel proud, said the Prime Minister. Practically the -whole of the progress had been made in about 70 years. The early pioneers found th'e country bush-clad to the sea beach, and had transformed it into what it wa® now, supplying the Old Country with a very considerable amount of perishable produce in the shape of butter, cheese a-nd meat. In that span .of 7fl year® everything had been done, in‘cluding the breaking in of the land and provision of transport facilities, whilst science had comb to their aid in enabling them to place the produce on the Home market. That, he thought, was a record to be proud of. When in England he had spoken to members of Parliament, pointing out that New Zealand, in making the progress that it had and in largely supplying their wants, had fully upheld the traditions of the British race. Certainly money had been spent a little lavishly in the past, but it had been available then. He thought that it had been spent mostly on sound lines, and had placed New Zealand in a very favourable position in -regard to production. WHAT OF THE FUTURET

They had that record behind them, continued Mr. Forbes, but what of the future 1 At the present time they were faced with dfficulties. The prices of prim-ary produc'e were below the cost ‘of production, making matters very difficult for everyone, not only for farmers, but for the secondary industries, for business men and also for the Government. He felt, however, that the difficulties were not insurmountable. They had to be faced, and it whs. only by showing courage and determination that th'ey would be able to overcome them. The overcoming of difficulties ahead only brought out the best qualities of the British race. While many were being called upon to make sacrifices he felt that all had faith that the country would ultimately pull through. New Zealand had great advantages, and if people did not play their part by making sacrifices to enable her to hold her place, they would not be living up to the traditions of the British race.

Reverting again to the railway, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that it would be the m'earos of increasing settlement in the district and so increasing production, which was growing each year. This year the increase was 15 per cent, over that of last year, which had b'een a record. Indeed, the last few years had been establishing records, not only in the gross amount of production but also, on account of more intensive farming, in the quantity produced per acre. That showed that there was still great scope to enable farmers to increase production, and

so reduce costs of production, thus enabling them to carry on at the louei prices ruling. Mr. Forbes paid a tribute to the worn that had 'been done at the Ottawa Conference by the Hone. J. G. Coates and W. Downie Stewart. The arrangements that had been made there on behalf of th’e producer had been very favourable, he said, and would be of benefit in view of the competition that was taking place. Indeed, he felt that the Old Country had acted very generously to both Australia and New Ze'aland, and it was therefore up to them to do their best to promote trade with the Old Country, and so assist the Empire of which they were so proud. (Applause.) Mr. F. Langstone, M.'P. (Taumarunui) remarked that the line would. prove very valuable not only in providing for the •transport needs of the district but also by bringing into closer relationship such far-flung parts as Auckland, Waikato and Thames with the Ohura and older Taranaki. In that he thought would be i'ts greatest value. In fcOinstructing the railway the engineers had ibuilt bridges and fillings over gullies and canyons, and had pierced hills with tunnels, overcoming all difficulties. Parliament, however, did not seem able to place a viaduct over or drive a tunnel through its difficulties. Though it appeared contradictory it seemed that th'e more they produced the poorer they became. One' of the things that fine felt sorry for in connection with the opening of the railway was that its Completion meant the unemployment of the m'en who had made such a great asset. Those men had seen great service, and had done wonderful work. He recognised that the engineers had designed the work, but the .men .of •might and muscle had co-operated with them in building the railway. He hoped Giat Parliament would do something to see that the men did not suffer the degradation of unemployment. He recognised that every member was keen to overcome the difficulties with which they were faced, and he hoped that by co-operation with the Prime Minister and: the Government something might be arrived at to enable prosperity to bo reflected in every home and life. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

“The Public Works Department” was proposed by Mr. (0. A. Boles, Mayor of Taumarunui, Who remarked that of all Departments the Public Work® Department was the greatest, having under fits control railway construction, •road construction and hydro-electric Construction work. It possessed engineers who had carried through their work despite any difficulty, and with marvellous precision. This was shown by the fact that two gangs could commence to tunnel on either side of a hill, and meet at a point dead in the centre. He contrasted present-day conditions (With those of the pioneers who blazed the trail, packing some of their food in with them and hunting for the balance. Frequently they spent their nights under canvas, and often the sky was their only covering. He had often wondered whether the completion of that line ■might. not be the funeral pyre* of the Public Works Department. He certainly hoped that would not prove the case, a® he cqnBidered that it could do valuable work in handling th l ® unemployed. With all due respect to the Unemployment Board and to the local bodies, which (he realised were doing their best, he pvould like to s'ee at least s'o per cent, of the 70,000 unemployed absorbed by the Public Works Department. (Hear, (hear!) He pointed out that.it was just 24 years ago on Sunday since-an-other great work had been completed by the Public Works Department, the last spike of the Main Trunk line having been driven, .on that date by the late Sir Joseph Ward, as Prime Minister,,and the lion. Sir W. Hall Jones, a® Minister of Public Works. In conclusion, he complimented, the Minister of (Public 'Work's and his officials in the undertaking that had just been completed. -The Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Wonks, (said that he so often received; prods from bioth. 6-ides that it was. pleasing to receive appreciation, especially when it was well merited. The (Public Works Department was the largest department of the State. Indeed, he doubted if the public generally realised the great amount of work that it carried out, though it was subject'to a good deal of criticism. With live men like Messrs F. W. Furkert and C. McKenrie each - at one end of the line, things simply had to go. (Since 19'25-26, When they had started on the Tahorh-'Matiere section in earnest, Mr. P. Keller had had charge at one end and Mr. T. Ball at the other. The latter was succeeded by Mr. A. <>. Albertson. Anyone knowing the calibre icf those men knew that the Public Works (Department was well served. The foremen, too, were all .straightgoers, who .would not stand for money toeing wasted. The men on the job also took a pride in their work, and if (there were .my money wasted, they would .be the first to complain. A good deal of (the information if there were any sliaefane®® came from th® men thembel'vee. The men were not out to beat anyone. He spoke as one who had close association (with the departin’ent since ISH9-

I It .was true, continued Air .Coatee, that they had fallen on difficult times, btrt he believed that they would even-, tually come out satisfactorily. It was difficult for the Government because at a time when ’the people were looking bo receive -assistance to enable them to pull through 'th'e Government had. to increase the burden. It was a time for common sacrifice. Indeed; it was only fair that everyone should share the burden. It would be unf air if some were to receive their usual salary or iwages while others were unemployed. He agreed that the Public Works Department could take control lof the unemployed much more than it had, ’but fit would not be able to pay the unemployed the normal rate of pay. That fcould not possibly be done, even though b'bhers said it could. They must, however, see that the children were properly and thoroughly fed. That was the least they could do. They were apt fco think -that New Zealand had all the (troubles* and it .was astounding bo hear (that the Unified -States was faced with 80,000,000 unemployed. He himself had been thousands camped in dry riverfeeds. I KEEP MEN IN HUTS.

As far as possible, continued Mr. Coates, he would endeavour to keep (the men in the huts and place (them -at -work on relief pay. That was the foes't he could do at present. He stressed the point that Ithe Is fax had to (be paid, and other ta<xes as well so flong as there was a possibility of anyone going without food. It was hoped, ttrowever, with the co-operation of Ithe (other departments and of the farmers Ithemselveo, to develop a land se-ttle-iment policy. 'Where a farmer had too {much land, amd .some had more than Itihey could profitably handle, it might (be possible bo take some of t'hat land jand put it to better use 'by placing on lit come of the men who showed signs |of (becoming reliable settlers. He was Jinclined to believe that a little piece of Hand might 'be just the deciding line beitween starvation and success. At times lhe became thoroughly fired of criticism, land he would like to see whether some Isfcllieme could ndt be evolved for the hi'tilieation of the. strength and labour

lof the unemployed so that though they (could not at present be paid what they would like (and lie realised that would be the way to become popular) 'they could make a competence, in the future .for themselves and their families. To bring that to success would require the help of the farmers and the public. - Times certainly were difficult, in fact, 'the one thing that had concerned ■public men, though it had not been publicly stated, was: “Would it be possible at any price to sell their primary produce?” Th alt was their chiei concern, and i't was one of the driving forces that had led to tlhe holding of the Empire Conference. One definite purpose'arrived ait by those within the Empire was that Ithey were going to stand together. Representing one-quai-ter of the world’s production, they had laid it down definitely that tohey mw raise the level of the wholesale price. That was The general desire of the re preseh'tabives of the Empire, and they turned Ito the public of New Zealand for their assistance. The Government, he said, would see that locks did not kick them off their faim£ The Government was there bo do a .fair Mr. Coates paid a strong tribute to the .services of Mr. F. W. Furkert, and expressed regret at the prospect of losing his service®. He was a valuable man, mild the Speaker, possessing the respect and confidence of everyone in this country, as also did his successor, Mr. C. McKenzie. They could, certainly rely on their good work and judgment. Let them hope, he added, that 'they could see a 'little rift 6f light through the long tunnel of depression. In conclusion Mr. Coates said (that the .men on the railway had built well. In handing Over to the R&iliwaiy Tj&•yartment he believed that the latte# would extend Ito the seWers the same Courtesies as had been extended by the members of 'the ’Public Works staff.

'■'BRIGHTER DAYS.”

In proposing “Brighter Days For Farmer®,” Mr. W. J. ,PolsOn, M.'P. (Stratford) said 'that it was beyond his capacity, c/r that of most (people, to ®ay When they would come along. Jt wa® difficult to tell in two and a-half niinu'tes the steps to toe taken to bring success to .the export industry of the (country. All {believed that a country p'OSsesßing the climate, the people and the pastures (that New Zealand did Would not go down, but they must oatrry on Ifairming. The farming community had the courage aifd determination to carry on, knowing that the day® IwGre dark, but they were full of Optimism, believing Ithatt. what had recently been done in Canada and avals being implemented in various RariMmcribs (was the beginning of a (bright page in their history, and that suheess would return in reality. He did not wialh to embark on what was realised as a. controversial «übject, (but he believed that it iwa® within the power of the people of New Zetaland to establish brighter day®, and Parliamenit particularly by bringing about a higher exchange for goods Khat were sold. Brighter days must oome to the farmer before the difficult times would go by, because the prosperity of every Iman, woman and child was wrapped up. in the success of the farmer.

I FARMERS DOING THEIR JOB.

In reply Mr. G. A. Stanton, chairman iof flho Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Company, said that he had hoped for teome definite indication as ’to (When dhey could expect brighter days. Varispeakers had stressed the im'port«ance of increased production, but he that in 6’pite of the poor returns received (in some Cases. There were no return® at all), the farmeis Were doing tiheir jo’b. The exports di dairy 'produce had eet a record, and it seemed that another record would be established thia year. Indeed, ho thought that the sheep farmers, as well as the dairy farmers of New Zeaiand were looking to Old .Strawberry ifo pull (them out of 'tlhe wood. Ho pointed out that of the 400,000 tons of dairy •produce imported into the United Kingdom New Zealand sent over onefourth, and .wifrji Australian just on 200,000 tons. These facts should 'make them realise how important that export of dairy produce was. It seemed (that this year Australia and New Zealland combined could export 230,000 tens.

Farmers therefore appreciated the efforts that were made on their behalf at Ottawa to see that the produce was taken care of when it reached the. Home market. Though the exchange question was a controversial one, all farmers of New Zealand were thinking of it, and were asking (how it was that Australia was received 'per 'lb more for its butter than the Ne'w Zealand farmer. That was a serious question. There was a proposal from Ottawa to establish a Central Bank, and perhaps exchange was one of the thing'® the Central Bank iwould deal with. He recognised that he (had spoken at some length, but there were more member® of Parliament present at Tangarakau than there had ever 'been 'before, or were ever likely to be again. Mr. C. J. Ryan, chairman of the Ohura Valley Co-operative Dairy Company, said that it was a happy day as far as Ohura Was concerned. Twentyeight or thirty year® ago he had taken up a section in the district, when there were only Ituis, pigeons -and- ’ a few Maoris there, in anticipation of 'the Stratford-Okahukura Railway. He thought he would “get in early” in order to . receive the benefit of the line, and he had seen it (through. He did not think that any farmer had turned his back to his job, but all had put every ounce of energy into producing more; He sincerely hoped that times might yet brighten, so" that they could get the benefit.

) TRIBUTE TO AIR. CLELAND.

1 ‘’The Chairman.” was proposed by ■Mr. P. Thomson, Mayor of Stratford, who said that Mir. Olel'and represented that class of man whom it was a delight to know—the outback settler. Mr. Cleland came into t/he district 31yeans ago, his 'bride joining him five years •later. Whilst attending ‘to his own business he had also at all times given Of 'his best to public affairs., For the past 20 years Mr. Cleland had been a ■member of the Whangamomona County Council, being chairman for 13 years. ■When the history of tho Whangamomona district came to be written the names of the chairman and his wife ■would be treated with all due honour, ■ On behalf of hie wife and himself; Mr. Cleland said that their long asso-, ciation 'with the backblocks had not been altogether a dull time. They had to face many hardships, but those had been overcome -largely 'by the friendly feeling that always existed among the settlers of the backblocks.

Subsequently the Ministerial party visited the Tangarakau Recreation. Ground, where sports were in progress, to witness ‘the exhibition chop -by E. She wry mentioned by the chairman. The trains meanwhile were delayed. Shortly before three o’clock the official train departed from Tangarakau for Stratford,-which was reached a lit-, tie al’cer five o’clock. There Was a very large concourse of- people on the streets, at Stratford to welcome the official party and speed them on their way to Mt-. ‘Egmorft. Th* second train, Which.

left Tangarakau a quarter of an hour later, arrived at Stra«ord some considerable time after the first as it had to stop alt all wayside stations to set down (passengers. All along the east line fhe trains were cheered along then way from practically every homestead 'and vantage point, 'though fiom the ■number of cars parked at ‘the various flag stations each district wa- also welj represented at th* opening ceremony.