VISIT OF OTAGO FARMERS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1928, Page 1

VISIT OF OTAGO FARMERS

INSPECTION OF WESTLAND.

Yesterday morning twenty-four cars conveyed the visitors to Lake Iyanieri, where a short stay was made, and despite a slight shower of rain the beauty of tho lake impressed all, who were loud in their praises of its charm and attraction.

The party arrived at Kokatahi punctunall.v on time, and were immediately entertained at lunch in the Public Hall by the combined Kokatahi and Koiternngi settlers, after which speeches of welcome were made by -Messrs O'Neil, Meharry, Jamieson, Mulcare and others, being replied to by .Messrs Revie, Christies and Mulholland. Much appreciation was expressed of the bountiful luncheon provided, the ladies of the district living up to tlie reputation they have won at tile recent Winter Shows.

Opportunity was taken during tho speeches to make a. presentation to Air Barnes, railway business agent, for his good offices during the trip, a similar presentation having already been, made to the other railway officers. At about 1.30 p.m. a start was made for Koiternngi, but rain commencing to fall then there was not much opportunity to see the district at its best. The party was taken nearly to the- Gorge, and though unable to note the quality, were- impressed and surprised at the extent of the district. On the return to. town a halt was made at "Air AVm. Diedricli’s homestead at Kokatahi where several hundred fine ewes were paddocked and inspected. Fortunately at this time the rain ceased and tho weather cleared. Later. Air and Airs TEedrich entertained n number of the visitors to afternoon the rest of the party again boarding their cars and setting off to visit the Riuui Dredge, where they were met on arrival at 3.30 by Air Carr, Manager, and Air Lewis, Dredgemaster, and all who wished were shown over the ■dredge, which was a new experience to most, and the party returned to town about 5 o’clock. l In tlie evening the- lantern lecture at tho Town Hall 'delivered hv Dr. Tcichelmantt on Westland scenery was crowded to tho doors, and at tlie conclusion hearty appreciation was accorded to the Doctor for his efforts to entertain tho visitors, many of whom expressed their intention of returning later to visit many beauty spots shown on tlie screen. At 9.45 p.m. supper was served at the Soldiers’ Hall, and later, after further speeches of appreciation and an outline of the Railway policy by Afr Dawson. the Hall was cleared and dancing indulged in till about 1 p.m., when the gathering broke up with the singing of Auld Lang Syne, and many expressions of regret that the return home must he made so soon. A party of albont 50 left this mornin<l for tho Glacier, tlie rest leaving at 7 a.m. by train for Dunedin.