FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1030, 13 April 1912, Page 3

FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION

FAREWELLING THE PRESIDENT.

A meeting of the executive of the Flaxmillers’ Association was held at Palmerston on Thursday, partly to bid larewel! to Mr J. Liggins (president), who is leaving shortly on an extended trip to the Old Country and Europe. Mr R. McNab referred in terms of high praise to Mr Liggins’ abilities and to the manner in which he had carried out his duties as president of the Association, and the hope was expressed tnat be would retain office at least until bis return. Messrs Cohen and Broad also spoke, referring to Mr Liggins’ services to the Flaxmillers’ Association, and expressing the hope that he would have a thoroughly enjoyable trip and a sate return.

Mr Liggins, in responding, stated that in the whole course of his experience he had never met with such pleasant associations as he had in connection with the flaxmillers. Although at times they had not always seen eye to eye, as it were, they had nevertheless always remained the best of good friends, and harmonious relations had obtained throughout. He assured them that during his absence he would do all in his power to further the interests of the Association and flaxmillers generally and trusted that he might be able to obtain a great deal of valuable information in the various countries that he intended to visit.

Mr Riggins was given a letter accrediting him the president of the Association. He also carries with him letters from the Minister for Agriculture, the Holstein Breeders’ Association, Mr Reakes, Chief Government Veterinarian, and the Secretary for Industries and Commerce. On Tuesday next, at the Royal Hotel, Palmerston North, he is to be tendered a farewell luncheon by the members of the Association, and others in any way interested are cordially invited to attand. He leaves for Sydney by the Moana on Friday next, and will then join the Orama, taking passage as far as Naples, whence he will go overland, calling at various places of interest en route. Among other places he will visit Berlin, where he hopes to get into touch with various scientific investigators and to get them to compete for the Government bonus for the improvement of hemp-producing methods generally. Mr Riggins expects to return in the course of some seven months.