CANTERBURY FARMERS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1927, Page 2

CANTERBURY FARMERS

ARRIVAL AT HOKITIKA. The visit of a party of 320 Canterbury farmers to Westland was commenced yesterday. A special train left Ashburton yesterday morning picking up others of the party en route, the tally at Sprinfigeld being reported to be 280 gentlemen and -11 ladies. There was some delay in the arrival of the train stated to be caused by a long stop at Otira where the refreshment rooms were unable to promptly cope with the call of the travellers for refreshments, and a double sitting was necessary and even then from the remarks of some of the visitors they were unable to receive attention. There was heavy rain yesterday evening, and it was continuing when the special train arrived at Hokitika at 7.15 p.m.. 15 hours late. There was a large number on the railway station to meet the visitors, and various public men met them. There was some confusion at first before the billeting arrangements were sorted out satisfactorily, and the visitors v ere motored .away to their various hotels. Mr 11. T. Rarry was in charge of the arrangements and though fie did not have much assistance he was at last able to complete ihe arrangements satisfactorily. In spite of Hie inclement weather the visitors appeared cheerful. though many wore tired alter their long day. Quite a large number were met by Kokaiahi district settlers and motored away to that district.

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. After a wet night the morning broke fine. There was a heavy fog at 8 o'clock, but the sun shone out and it soon dispersed, the morning proving bright and sunny. At 9<> clock there was a large gathering of some 100 in the vicinity of the Clock towel and the party then made their way up Weld Street to the Westland Dairy Company’s factory which was inspected,' and a. start was then made for the trip to Kokntahi and Koiterangi. A fleet of 70 motor ears were utilised for the conveyance of tkc visitors who left town at 10 o’clock. The first stop was made at Mr Diedrieb’s farm where a herd ol Herefotd cattle were on inspection. -Mr Dicd,delis explained the cattle had not been winter fed and unlike Canterbury stock had received nothing in the way of turnips, etc. The visitors thought the herd an exceptionally fine example and congratulated the owner giving him three cheers and thanking him for his effort on their helm if. ’I lie party then journeyed to Koiterangp viewing the farms en route. A turning was made near the Hokitika Gorge, which, owing to the narrowness of the road, took some little time to negotiate.

Arriving at Kokntahi the fanners were entertained at morning tea. The verv large assemblage reminded one of Ihe recent Show, hut the visitors were ably catered for bv the very willing assistance of a band of ladies. " tea was being partaken of appropriate .speeches were made hv Messrs 'I. O’Neill. 11. T. Parry and T. R. Chesterminl. and responded to by various presidents and chairmen of representative bodies among the Canterbury visitors. The Party then returned to town for lunch, arriving at 1 p.m. This afternoon starting at 2, Lake Kanieri and the Raimi dredge are to he visited and Hokitika will he reached about 5 p.m.

TO-NIGHT. To-night at 8 o’clock at the Town Hall Dr Teichehnann will present his attractive views on Westland, and later an adjournment will be made to the Soldiers’ Hall where a social hour will be spent. To-morrow morning the party leave by train for GTeyiiiotilli where they stay until Friday morning when the return, journey to Canterbury will he commenced.