N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13580, 7 September 1917, Page 4

N.Z. FARMERS' UNION

OFFICIAL OPENING.

OF WAIKATO EXECUTIVE'S PREMISES.

A GREAT GATHERING

The official opening of the new premises of the W aikato Sub-Provincial district of the Farmers 'Union (see page 2) took place yesterday afternoon. There was a representative gathering upon the platform, including Sir James Wilson, Dominion President, and a large crowd of spectators. Mrs Duxfield, wife of the President of the Waikato Sub-Provincial Executive was presented with a basket of beautiful narcissi and freesias. A number of apologies for unavoidable absence, including one from Mr J. A. Young, were read. r

Speeches referring to the importance of the occasion and the need for co-oper-ation if the interests of the farmers were to be better served, were made by Mr R. D. Duxfield, president of the Waikato Sub-Provincial District; Mr J. R. Fow, Deputy-Mayor, on behalf of the citizeng of Hamilton; Colonel Wynyard, president of the Te Awamutu Sub-Pro-vincial District; Major Lusk, a veteran of the Farmers' Union, who had been farming for 68 years; Captain Colbeck, vice-president of the Provincial Executive; Mr Logan Donald, manager Farmers' Trading Company; Mr Ross, Provincial President, Auckland; and Mr Glass, one of the founders of the Union. Mr Ross asked Sir James Wilson to accept a handsome ebony and silver inkstand as a slight token of the happy occasion. The gift was inscribed: "Presented to Sir James Wilson, Dominion President of the New Zealand farmers' Union, to commemorate the opening of the premises of the Waikato Sftb-Provaicial District, N.Z.F.U. Hamilton, 6th September, 1917." The gift was handed to Sir James by Mrs Duxfield, who expressed the hope that whenever he used it he would think fk pleasantly of the Waikato. ▼ Sir James Wilson's Address. Sir James was warmly applauded upon rising. He thanked them heartily for the presentation, and could assure them that Waikato would always be pleasantly remembered by him. He was pleased to see that ladies were being encouraged to take an interest in the affairs of the Union, and that in the new building a room was provided in which they could meet in social intercourse. The Waikato was one of the most interesting places in the world, from many aspects. It was making extraordinary strides. The rainfall was, perhaps, too heavy for sheep, but dairying would always be successful. Sir James referred to the formation of the Union about 18 years ago. A great wave of so-called Liberalism was passing over the country at the time and the townspeople wanted to boss the farmers. The position was dangerous then, and there was still a certain amount of danger in this direction. After a Tiard fight the freehold, upon which the prospects of the country largely depended, was obtained, with the result that the farmei began to come into his own, and the country prospered. During his long connection with the farmers' Union he had been struck by the number of men willing to devote time and money to its affairs. The success of a concern depended largely upon its leaders, and the Union was pararly fortunate in this respect. Jelening to the Trading Association, sir James jaid the co-operative movement was growing all over the world. By co-operation they hoped to be able * to buy and sell in the best markets, to the benefit of the farming communitv as a whole. Sir James regretted the overlapping of different farmers' organisations. If the best results were to be obtained from the co-operative movement there must be some tribunal to decide upon the limit of their districts and business. Some method oi arbitrating was needed. Hamilton is a beautiful town but it depended Jargeiy upon the tarmerg VV ithout the farmers the town could not exist The present movement in the direction of organising the sub-districts was a good one as the sub-districts would be of great assistance in the management of the affairs of the Union He was very pleased to see the enthusiasm ot the local members, and hoped it would continue. He would never forget this district, and would do all in his power to promote its interests. (Loud ap-

Unveiling of Tablet. bir Jarnes afterwards officially dei are J building open, and unveiled the handsome tablet containing the names of the Executive. Three hearty cheers were given for the distinguished visitor.

A dainty afternoon tea was provided and was much appreciated bv the guests. J

The Social. An interesting and enjoyable dav was brought to a close by a social in' the "4 1 heat re Royal tea rooms last night when there was a large attendance. A lengthy toast list was gone through, interspersed with musical items, and a happy time wa s spent by all. Th« opening of the new premises of the Waikato Sub-Provincial District will long b- Jfc pleasantly remembered by tlje manr far- r mer s present.