WALTON.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 81, 9 May 1918, Page 4

WALTON.

On Wednesday, April 24th, a welcome home was given Private J. Cameron by Mr and Mrs W. McLean. The wool shed had been most tastefully decorated and provided ample space for the dancers. Provision was made for the non-dancei’s and in the house billiards, cards and music were indulged in. After supper Private Cameron was welcomed home and appropriate speeches were made by Messrs L. Mapp, O. Richmond and T. Mears. The speakers expressed the pleasure it was to every body in the district to see Private Cameron home again after having done his share in the great war. Private Cameron was severely wounded in the chest and recently was invalided home.

On Tuesday night a Farmers’ Union social was held in the hall, when despite the very unpleasant weather there was a large attendance. Dancing was the principal amusement, but during the evening songs were rendered by Miss Ross, and Mr L. H. McAlpine who also sang a duet with Miss Austen. Mr L. H. McAlpine, organiser of the Thames Valley sub-provincial union, took advantage of the gathering to urge upon all present who were not members to join the union. He referred to the scarcity of food which would prevail throughout the world after the war and pointed out that if the farmers did not combine and organise their interests would suffer. He spoke on the necessity of cooperation between the producer and the consumer and said this was only possible if the producers became a powerful organisation. He strongly favored ladies being made members of the union, and pointed that it was just as important that a farmer should see that his neighbor was a member of the union as to be a member himself. The value of socials to the union was touched on and he complimented the Walton branch on the highly succesful function held. Mr McAlpine subsequently interviewed some “ non-union-ists ” with the result that the membership roll will be increased. A hearty vote of thanks, carried by acclamation, was accorded Mr McAlpine. Supper was provided by the ladies. Mr F. Smith was M.C. and with the good music a most enjoyable evening was spent.