TASMANIAN FARMERS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 313, 7 November 1929, Page 4

TASMANIAN FARMERS.

VISIT TO PUTARURU. Impressed by Farming Results.

A continuation of warm-hearted welcomes that have greeted the visitors, and a; perfect day, awaited the party of Tasmanian farmers that visited Putaruru on Wednesday. The party to the number of 28, in charge of Mr. V. W. Shoobridge, arrived by the Rotorua express and were met on arrival by representatives of the Putaruru Town Board, Farmers’ Union, Chamber of Commerce and the Matamata County Council, and were taken by cars supplied by the residents of the town and district to Arapuni. In the absence of Mr. Rabone, who was in Wellington, Mr. Thompson welcomed the visitors who under his guidance were shown the works. In addition to the usual places visited, the party were privileged to go into the power house and great interest was shown. The control room, with its multiplicity of switchboards and levers proved a fascinating source of attraction. On the return to Putaruru, the visitors had lunch and they entertained their hosts of the morning to lunch also.

After lunch, Mr. Shoobridge, in returning thanks to those who had pfficed cars at their disposal, stated that as the tour was drawing to a close he wished to extend tne sincere thanks of his party, not only for the welcome and hospitality shown to them that day, but for the Do-minion-wide hospitality extended to the party. They had learnt a lot whilst in New Zealand, and from what they had seen that day they were satisfied that the local farmers were not. one whit behind the management of their class of country. Mr. Russell, of North-Western Tasmania (a potato growing district), in supporting Mr. Shoobridge, said that the outstanding impression that they (the visitors) would take back was the magnificent hospitality extended to them everywhere. New Zealand was a great country, with wonderful potentialities, which were being made the most of seeing that 98 per cent of the total exports came off the land—a wonderful record. The visitors then accorded three “ Tasmanian ” cheers to those who entertained them. I, Mr. R. A. Bent, on behalf of the Town Board, apologised for the unj avoidable absence of the chairman, I and expressed his great pleasure in being present to extend a welcome to | the visitors. The town heartily appreciated the honour conferred on it jby the fact that the visitors had ' deemed it worthy of a visit. He j thought these visits were capital, making for a fraternity that must be I beneficial to all. Mr. J. R. O. Lochhead (Chamber ,of Commerce), in endorsing Mr. j Bent’s remarks, asked the visitors to remember that whilst it was not first j class country that they had that day seen, it had been made into firstclass pasture. It showed the potentialities of the district, which unfortunately had been under a cloud, but ' this was being gradually lifted. Mr. L. M. Nicklin, after apologising for the absence of the Farmers’ Union president, Mr. A. R. Vosper, recalled the fact that it was just over 15 years ago that the New Zealand Main Expeditionary Force called at Hobart, and the welcome extended would never be forgotten by those of the privileged to be so welcomed, a welcome never excelled. The men from New Zealand were showj ered with fruit, and he asked those

present to think what it meant to give apples to 8000 men. The spirit thus shown would never be forgotten. (Applause). Mr. Shoobridge referred to the visit of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to Hobart as an epochmaking event in Tasmanian history, for it did more for recruiting than could be imagined. It was a great inspiration to see New Zealand’s splendid manhood marching through the streets of Hobart. Whatever had been done by Tasmanians on that occasion had been done willingly.

" ( The Tasmanians were then taken ! over by Mr. Jones, of the N.Z. Perj petual Forests, and after listening to i an instructive address by that gentleman, were motored out to the No. | 1 nursery and through a block planted with sturdy trees, j At the close of the visit, Mr. K. . Taylor briefly thanked Mr. Jones for the opportunity of inspecting the afforestation area. [ | The visitors left by the evening i I train for Auckland. • I Mr. F. C. Craig, business agent of | the Railways Head Office, Wellingj ton, accompanied the party.