RECIPROCAL VISITS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1926, Page 4

RECIPROCAL VISITS

RAILWAY DEPARTMENT'S INNOVATION. WELLINGTON, June 9. A novel idea is being developed by the Railway Department working in conjunction with die funning communities of the South Auckland, Waikato and the Taranaki districts, with a view to enabling farmers during the winter months to pay each other reciprocal visits in large bodies, and by special train. For this purpose a low rile equivalent to single fare, plus a quarter, lias been provided. Tl'o idea underlying the excursion as explained to a reporter to-day is to I'uliil tlie department's intention of doing something for the farmers : t a time when farming is at .a slack period, ami also as a proul of the department's recognition of the splendid support accorded by the farming community d triug the year just past, to the national transport system. It is believed that a gre.it deal of information regarding ditlerent breeds of cattle and various methods of dairying in the Taranaki district may be turned to profitable use by those who make' the journey to New Zealand’s premier dairying province.

The farmers of Taranaki for their part are throwing open (heir homes for the reception of the visitors, ami ar-

rangements have boon made for the dispatcb of a farmers’ special excursion train from Erankton on the morning of June 30. which will make the journey through to Hawcra arriving there about 11 pan., and covering a distance of approximately 315 miles. It is intended that a film will he made of the train, as the unique nature of the excursion is such its to lie considered worthy of being placed on permanent record. The days will he spent, in the Taranaki district and the visitors >vill return by special train on the evening of the third day, arriving home the following morning. A return visit of a similar character will be made to Waikato next year, probably about the time of the Waikato winter show. There are already indications from the company suppliers that tv very heavy response to the proposal has been made by those desirous of securing accommodation for the trip, and

its success appears to be assured. If the present indications for it are borne out, and the excursion proves to be

of .the benefit anticipated, a series of similar winter excursions will be undertaken in all parts of New Zealand letween -one dairying district and another. This will not he confined solely to one island. Inter-island visits can he arranged under this system to enable the people of the North Auckland peninsula to see their fellow-far-mers in the fertile Southland plains and vice versa.

Tlte opinion is held that, the benefits which will accrue lo the whole Dominion as an outcome of the departure will he almost immeasurable, as the advantages of travel will he enjoyed for the first time by farmers travelling as such, and in groups to see their friends in another province, with the special object of looking into development, methods of producing possibilities of the district visited, and bringing the knowledge thereby gained to hear on the methods adopted in their home province.

During the journey to Hawcra in connection with the present excursion, the travellers’ entertainment will he catered for in the shape of competitions hearing on matters of interest to the dairying industry. The journey, which, by the way, is being made in daylight through the most interesting scenic parts of the North Island, will he rendered still more interesting by the distribution of a . souvenir booklet well illustrated, describing Lite Kiln re of the country passed through, its value at different, points and the fertiliser methods used, etc.