LEPPERTON FAREWELL

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1934, Page 12

LEPPERTON FAREWELL

FACTORY MANAGER LEAVES. OTHER PRESENTATIONS MADE. Tlie Lepperton hall was crowded on Wednesday night for toe farewell to Mr. and Mrs. A. G, Drake and Mr. A. W. McLeod and the presentation of certificates to winners of farmers’ field competitions. Lepperton was one of the first districts to take up the competitions, remarked Mr. H. E. Blyde, president of the branch and of toe North Taranaki executive of the Farmers’ Union, in calling on Mr. J. M. Smith to present the certificates. The residents of Lepperton had entered into the competitions with great, zeal and enthusiasm. During the past two years the entries had fallen off slightly, but he hoped farmers would extend their interest in the competitions because he felt that no farmer could partake in the competitions without, becoming more efficient in his farming practice. Taranaki was particularly fortunate in having toe services of a departmental officer like Mr, Smith, who was really toe keystone of the competitions and was impartial in his judging, holding toe confidence of every competitor, In presenting the certificates Mr. Smith congratulated the district on the high standard of the entries, particularly Mr. P. A. Openshaw’s concrete pit, which was leading for toe Taranaki championship. He also commented on the splendid achievement of the Lepperton Dairy Company in having topped the average grade for both butter and cheese, remarking that such success was due to the co-operation between toe various units—the suppliers, toe factory and the staff. It was evident that the suppliers were providing splendid raw material, and no doubt the competitions were to some extent responsible for that. He presented the certificates as follows: — Concrete pit ensilage: P. A. Openshaw, 1 and 3, J. N. Blyde 2. Stack ensilage: H. Woisin 1, Hunger and Son 2, W. N. Ackland 3. Earth pit ensilage: C. J. Oliver 1. Hay: J. N. Blyde 1, H. E. Blyde 2, F. T. Crowe 3.

Pastures: J. N. Blyde 1, P. A. Openshaw 2, P. Sole 3. Mr. Openshaw explained the steps that he had taken to eliminate waste v at the door, which was the only weakness of a pit, by tarring and papering the inside boards of the doorway. He also referred in appreciative terms to the efficiency and Impartiality of the judge. Mr. Blyde on behalf of the Lepperton branch of the union made a presentation of a pocket wallet, suitably engraved, to Mr. McLeod, who is leaving the district. Mr. Blyde said Mr. McLeod had been a resident for! 15 years and had proved himself a worthy citizen and a good neighbour. Mr. McLeod replied, thanking the branch for the presentation. On behalf of the Women’s Division Mrs. A. J. Harrison, vice-president, in the absence of the president, Mrs. H. E. Blyde, presented Mrs. Drake with a pair of crystal vases. Mr. J. Bigelow, president of toe Lepperton Bowling Club, in presenting Mr. Drake with a silver cigarette case on behalf of the club, remarked that he had been one of the promoters of the club and a wonderful help in financing it, as well as its first champion, Mr. Drake in reply said he had done no more than anyone else towards establishing toe club, which had proved very successful, having a credit balance. That success was, however, due to the splendid spirit of co-operation that existed among toe members, All were very sorry to lose Mr. and Mrs. Drake from the Lepperton dairy factory, remarked Mr. Openshaw, chairman of toe company. The Lepperton factory had a splendid record, which had been enhanced during the past five years under Mr. Drake’s management, he continued. Lepperton had won toe Commonwealth and Dominion Shipping Co.’s Cup (Collett and Co.), Mr. Jones having won it twice and Mr. Drake once during his first season. In 1932-33 season Mr. Drake had won the Taranaki Agricultural Society’s Cup, both for butter. Three different years Lepperton had topped the average grade for butter at toe Moturoa grading stores and had been high up in toe cheese grading. This year the Lepperton factory had been top in both butter (with an average of 94.613) and cheese (93.495), while it had also been fourth in whey butter with 89.379. Mr. Openshaw paid tribute to the work of Mr. Drake during his five years as manager, for, besides getting good results -with regard to quality, he had carried out the work very economically, having proved in all respects a splendid manager. On behalf of the suppliers Mr. Openshaw presented Mr. and Mrs. Drake with a handsome gift. Mr. Drake in reply said their five years’ residence at Lepperton had been most enjoyable. Ever since he had joined the company he had done his utmost to further its interests, and he was very pleased to feel that his efforts had been appreciated. He felt sorry to leave Lepperton, and after having been associated with factory work for so long he was entering his new sphere with some diffidence. He thanked the staff for their splendid team work, which had proved a great factor in the success achieved. The suppliers had also done their part in supplying high quality raw material. The chairman introduced toe new manager, Mr. Thomas, who had been promoted from cheese-maker from 57 applicants. Among the filial five was another assistant at the factory. In acknowledging his reception Mr, Thomas expressed the hope that the suppliers would be able to accord him the same reception in three years’ time. Supper was served by the Women's Division under the supervision of the secretary (Mrs. Openshaw).