OTAGO FARMERS ON TOURD

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1928, Page 4

OTAGO FARMERS ON TOURD

RETURN RROAI WEST COAST,

KEEN APPRECIATION EXPRESSED.

(“Otago Dai|v Times.”)

Tlio Otago farmers’ excursion to the A) cst Coast, "organised by the Railwny.fj Department and the Otago Pro--vincial Executive of the Farmers’ • Union, was brought to a close yesterday, when the return journey to Dunedin was commenced from Hokitika at 7.-5 a.m., the travellers being landed on the home platform at 9.54 p.in. It speaks volumes for the department’s organising ' ability that the special train arrived in Dunedin to the minute, despite the fact that a distance of well over 50!) miles had to be covered. It was apparently realised that the all-day journey involved was sufficient burden for the tourists without the additional inconvenience of unnecessary delays on route. Even 15 hours on his Alajesty’s railways, however, was insufficient to damp the ardour of the- 250 farmers and their wives who made up the passenger list.. r >n the train last evening there were no dissentients from the universally expressed opinion that West Coast hospitality and kindliness was second to none in the, Dominion. And, moreover, the muchmaligned Railways Department which, as a rule, gets more kicks than hapence Fro-m tho farming community, came in for the most unqualified praise. It was generally agreed that without the work done by Afessrs W. Greig. and F. Pawson the trip must have been much less successful, in spite of the unstinted generosity of the hosts—the farming and commercial community ,of Westland.

This is not the first occasion on which the department - has run such a train, 'but- it is certain that no more representative body of Otago farmers has ever visited another - district. The excursionists came from every part of this province, and took the keenest interest in everything to bb seen <>n the Coast. The scenic attractions of Westland, combined with tho interesting development of the agricultural and pastoral industries in that province, provided an inexhaustible programme of attractions which was not fully exploited even after five very busy days. Ajbout 50 of the party decided to take advantage of the extended availability of the tickets. and make the trip to thq celebrated Franz Josef. Glacier. These will return to Dunodin early next week. Many of the visitors were surprised to find that the rural industries had made such progress in Westland as was apparent from the visits paid‘to farms in the district. One southern farmer whose opinion in respect to fat cattle raising is keenly sought, said he had seen no batter Hereford cattle anywhere in New Zealand than those that made up a herd at Ivokntahi, and another, hailing from the home of Otago’s best crossbred sheep—The TapanuiCrookston district—had to admit tlmi lie cast envious eyes at some of the animals seep while he was away. The gradual victory that is being won over Nature in tho rough by the settlers impressed many of the southerner. I ', who stated that in their opinion the West Coast bad a great future before it as one of the imaorta nt producing districts of New Zeala.ud. The conditions' under which the Coast settlers work and the comparatively small beginnings from >yljieh success has been won, aro responsible for feelings of keen admiration with which many Otago farmers will Henceforth regard their brethren beyond the Alps.

Tho itinerary in regard to the Scenic resorts of AVestland was a particularly well-arranged one, and would suggest that tho West Coaster at least knows his own country. Such famous tourist .resorts as Lake Kanicri, Moana, Mitchell’s, Lake Hoelistotter, Koitora ngi and Punakaikai, wore placed within the reneh’of the visitors at the most reasonable cost. The Ttowanui coalmines find the famous Ritnu dredge were among the interesting industrial features shown to the party, and what was, perhaps, of more importance, every class of farming engaged in on tho Coast' was demonstrated. These included dairying.. fat sheep, and cattle raising, bee-farming, and most of tlie numerous side-lines to be found in Otago. One of the excursionists, a wellknown county councillor in Otago, was particularly struck by the genoral excellence of the roads in AVestland. Considering the nature of the land that had to bear the cost of maintenance and construction lie was amazed to find that the tourist could go for miles and miles on the very finest of macadamised surfaces. He was not surprised, lie said, that the West Coast secured stick a largo volume of tourist traffic when such desirable facilities were provided. The general opinion was that 3 the province of Westland had a wonderful future before it, but it was universally agreed that 'before'full development came a great deal of time, money, and labour would have to lie expended. Nevertheless there seemed to be no doubt in anyone’s mind that tlie present settlers were capable of supplying tlie necessary outlay. Greymouth, Hokjtika, and all the surrounding townships welcomed the visitors with particular warmtli, everybody being determined to make the visit a memorable one for every southerner. In addition to the trips around the countryside dances and entertainments were arranged, the entire community co-operating in the catering and entertaining to such effect that the actual expenditure of money proved a very light burden. A remarkable feature of tlie hospitality extended was that it came from every section of the community! Whenever an all day trip necessitated lunch in the country the women folk of the district supplied the provender in quantities sufficient tq feed SQO instead of 250. Typical of the reception accorded them everywhere was the farewell tendered to tlie visitors on the day prior to their departure. It was. a civic function, and the Victoria Park trotting course was used for tlie purpose of entertaining several hundred people at afternoon tea. The Mayor of Greymoutli (Mr G. W. Greenslade) presided. During tlie afiernoH a presentation of a gold watch was made to Mr J. Miilcare by Mr J. D. Itevie. who represented the Otago Farmers’ Union op the trip. The gift, he explained, was a small token of appreciation by tlie visitors of all that had been clone for them. Messrs F. Pawson and J. M’Kenie, of the Christchurch Railway Publicity Office, were presented with a ease of pipes each, and Mr Greig, the Dunedin publicity officer, was also made the recipient of a handsome silver cigarette case. The tiniest centre provided the warmest of welcomes. At one place where there appeared to be only a hall and nn hotel, the large party was treated to a three-course hoc dinner in the hall, provided almost ’ .entirely by the women of the distrift. Private homes and all the facilities for pleasure in the district were placed at tho disposal of the southerners, mho tan now find no words too extravagant to describe the gcuerosUy ' ami hospitality of their hosts,

The weather for the duration of the trip was perfect, and many were the expressions ,of relief gratification at the entire absence *f frosts. It was amusing to sec how many of the travellers had equipped themselves with oilskins and soq-westers in anticipation of wet weather. Such precautions were entirely unnecessary since the only rain experienced was on tho morning of their departure. Fr<jm every point of view the excursion was an unqualified success, and groat credit is due to the local branch of the Railways Department, and in particular to Mr Greig, who worked so strenuously for the running of this train. Both the Railways Department and the Farmers Union deserve the grateful thanks of u largo body of Otago farmers who experienced an exceptionally fine holiday at an exceedingly low cost.