MASTERTON FARMERS' CLUB.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 128, 7 April 1879, Page 2

MASTERTON FARMERS' CLUB.

A dinner,to -Inaugurate. the Masterton Farmers' Club was held at the Empire Hotel oil Saturday evening, last. Mr Pay ton occupied the chair, and Mr Rockel the vice-chair. Between thirty and forty settlers sat down to the table. Host Oorbett provided an excellent spread, to which ample justice was done. After the toast of the " Queen" had been duly honored; the chairman proposed the health of the Governor,' alluding to the private visit paid to the Wairarapa by Sir Hercules Robinson that day, and hoping that it would be the precursor of a more formal visit at which they might all liavo the pleasure of welcoming a gentleman of whom everything that was good was reported. Mr Rockel proposed the toast of the " General Assembly," coupled with the name of Mr G. Beetham, M.H.R. He said that in the past the interests of the district bad suffered from want of adequate representation, The returns of the ■Wairarapa railway vindicated the .importance of the resources of the valley and its claim for consideration, He also referred to the fact that with the Assembly rested the decision of whether the country should have peace or war, and as one of those who had lived in the colony, during former wars, he expressed a hope that they would not see the old-times over again. Mr G'. Beetham, who was received with applause, said that though the present was not a political meeting, it jvould not be out of place for him to refer to some of the points which Mr llockel had raised. He reminded the meeting that it was not only necessary for their representatives to be energetic in advocating the wants of the district, but also for the settlers themselves to back them up wellin allthey undertook. Without such support they could do but little. '■ Both his colleague aiid himself had tried to do all in their power for tlieir constituency, and ; he believed it .might at least .be said they had done more good than harm,, He had been glad to learn from the Hon. the 'Colonial'Secretary that day that the prospects, of peace were a good deal better than they had been a few days ago, and that the danger had seemed almost to have passed away.. In the Assembly his voice would be raised for peace, if peace could be obtained with honor, (Applause.) The Club, which they were forming might do much good. It could run concurrently with the Pastoral Association with mutual advantage, as the latter body's operations were confined to its periodical shows, but the Club could meet more, frequently and discuss questions of importance to the district, such as grass seeds, grains, and the rabbit question, and he believed that such discussions would result in action beneficial to the district.

Mr Cowan proposed the " Masterton Borough Council," coupled with the name of •Qr llussell, of whom he spoke in the highest terms, Mr Russell, in responding, regretted the absence of Mr Bunny, their other member, as he thought he would have been edified by the present gathering, and more particularly by the present .speaker. He made a' humorous speech of some length, which was frequently interrupted by laughter and applause. Mr Elkins proposed " Success to the Farmers' Club," coupling with the toast the name of Mr Buchanan.

Mr Buchanan was glad to have had an opportunity of being present at the dinner, but was sorry to see so few farmers among the guests. He thought that' if the farmers took up the movement good results would follow, and instanced the rabbit question as one in which combined action was absolutely necessary. _ Mr Petherick proposed " The Commercial interests of the Borough," coupled with the name of Mr Rockel, who responded in suitable terms.

The toast of " The Press," coupled with the:name of the Chairman, was proposed in kind terms by Mr R, G. Williams, and drank with honors.

The toast ef " The Ladies;" proposed by Mr Campbell, and responded to with considerable felicity by Mr Falloon, completed the list. _ According to a prior arrangement a little business in connection with the Club was then proceeded with. The Chairman read a letter from Mr Donald Donald expressing his regret that absence in Wellington prevented him from being present, and intimating the warm interest he took in the success of the Club.

Mr Dreyer proposed that Mr Vallance be appointed President of the Club, in an eulogistic speech. Mr Cowan, in seconding the motion, which was carried nem. con., said that Mr Vallanco.was now on an expedition'to Dunedin. which had for its object the introduction of improved machinery into the Wairarapa. Mr Corbett-proposed Mi' Donald Donald fis .a Vice-President. Mr Carr seconded the nomination, Mr Donald Donald had taken a vast deal of interest in the Club, and merited well the honor."

' Mr Chamberlain proposed Mr Murray as thd other Vice-President.

Mr.'.Skipper seconded the proposal, speaking in very high terms of Mr Murray's. ability and willingness to discharge public duties.

Mr Donald and Mr Murray were duly elected as Vice-Presidents by the meeting.

Mr T. Chamberlain was proposed by Mr Russell as a Vice-President, but declined the honor, • Mr Can' was elected Hon. Treasurer on the motion of Mr Corbett,' seconded by Mr Williams. .

Mr: Corbett was elected Hon. Secretary on the motion of Mr Skipper, seconded by Mr Petherick. ! The following were duly proposed and elected as a Committee—viz,, Messrs T. Clmniberiain, E, Chamberlain. A. Cockburn, RCambell, J.' Harding, W. Morrison, A; Elkins,'Chalmers, J. lorns, and Skipper..

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.