Visitors From Ohura.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 36, 13 February 1915, Page 8

Visitors From Ohura.

ROUND THE COUNTRYSIDE

AN INSIGHT INTO THE DISTRICT’S CAPABILITIES.

Before nine o’clock yesterday morning, live motor cars, with full loads, were on the road bearing South, with the idea of allowing the visitors to see something of the- methods of dairying, and of what is possible of accomplishment in the way of stockraising in these parts of Taranaki. The party was comprised as follows: — The Mayor’s car (Studebakor): His Worship (Mr W. P. Kirkwood) at the steering wheel, Messrs S. E. Meredith (Uhura), W. Sandison (Ohura), and J. B. Richards (President of the Chamber of Commerce;.

Mr E. Jacksop s car (Rover),: Messrs J. B. Mine, 31. P., M. K. Williams (Ohura), C. Hope (Ohura), and E. Walter (Douglas). Mr R. .Master’s car (Studebakor); 3lessrs R. Masters, J. .McClenaghan (Ohura), Campbell Jackson, and “Post” representative.

Mr Newton King’s car (Calthorpe): Messrs Haworth (chaffeur), W. H. IT. Young, 3V. L. Kennedy, and H. Chapman (Whatena Road). Mr W. A. Hewitt’s car (Hup): Messrs F. Scoble (chauffeur), G. C. Stevenson (Ohura), F. Romaync (Ohura), and-W. A. Hewitt. The first halt was called at the Xgaere Factory, where the company were kindly shown over the recent well-appointed Workings by the manager. At that hour, of course, everything was in .full swing, arid the process of cheese-making was to be observed in its initial stages. Butter was also in the making/ but this is looked upon as something of a byproduct in the concern. After a very interesting inspection, the road was travelled again until Eltham was Reached. Now, the Chamber of Commerce in Eltham is a live body-one of the few such bodies that are really alive—and it was only natural that au adjournment should’ be made to the Chamber, where the party was welcomed and some time passed in speechifying. Mr G. H. Buckeridge (President of the Eltham Chamber) welcomed the visitors in an appropriate and well-sustained address, which was thoroughly appreciated. He referred to the principle of cooperation, which had proved so beneficial to Taranaki, and to the question of Taranaki facilities for exporting produce and importing goods, remarking in this connection that Xew Plymouth was undoubtedly the future port for practically the whole of Taranaki.

Mr T. B* Crump (Mayor of Eltliam) followed with a capital fund of iiir .terest and advice, dealing principally with the vexed question of roads and their maintenance. He heartily welcomed the visitors. He said he was not familiar with the Ohura distinct, but believed it was one which had a very great future before it. If they had time to inspect the various local industries, including the Dairy, Box and Bacon Factories, they would find their visit a very interesting and instructive one. As to the town itself, Eltham was one of the most progressive little towns in the Dominion. The speaker referred to the asphalt roads of the town and county, remarking that to asphalt the roads even at a somewhat heavy initial expense was the right course and the only one. It was unfortunate that their visitors’ time was so short, and he only hoped that they might have the pleasure of entertaining them upon a future occasion. Mr .C. A. Wilkinson, the member for Egmont, expressed his pleasure at the visitors’ presence, and said he hoped their trip would prove benelicial to them.- He took it that mutual interests was the keynote of the trip. As to the reading question, it was a very important one. As one who travelled widely, ho always felt the greatest satisfaction in coming back to Taranaki if only,for the benelit of the good roads in these parts. He referred to the excellent streets in the town, which, he said, were worthy of being copied even in Stratford. In conclusion, Mr Wilkinson expressed the hope that the visitors would be able to again visit Eltham before returning home.

Mr 'Richards replied on behalf of the visitors, thanking the Chamber for their hearty welcome. As to the invitation to inspect the various industries, he was afraid they would have to take the will for the deed as Time pressed, arrangements having been m oeme wißd sW xS.I ing been made to meet other gentlemen “down the road.” However, regarding co-operation which was so r ably dealt with by Mr Ruckeridge, this trip was an application of the spirit of co-operation—(applause). Obura had moved in that direction twelve months ago on the occasion of a visit of Sfcratfordites out there, and the spontaneity of their hospitality then was remarkable; therefore, he had the greatest pleasure in now entertaining them. The spirit of cooperation, he affirmed, should pervade all the towns of Taranaki, and th/'ir friendship would stand the test when diverging interests were met. Indeed, co-operation should be fostered to the fullest extent. Mr Rich-

ards, in conclusion, again thanked the Eltham Chamber for their hearty reception. (Applause.)

Among those present to welcome the party were the Hon. W. Camcross, M.L.C., 31 r G. Gow (vice-pre-jsident of the Chamber), All - J. 31ciVcagh (ex-president), and others. Am.ng Turner’s Shorthorns. A mile or so down the road is the homestead of 3lr G. C. Turner, the well-known and successful breeder of Shorthorn Cattle. A stay was made here for about an hour, the firm being thoroughly traversed in the course of the inspection of the units of the herd. Very handsome -specimens of cattle were rounded up by Mr Turner himself, who was until - -j ing in his efforts to exhibit to all, the hefty lords and ladies of his harem. But even the sigiit of champions tires when it is j remembered that Time waits for no 1

one. and once more the cars were speeding South.

The “Best” Romneys

A matter of half an hour was spent inspecting Mr H. P. Best’s very fine specimens of Romney sheep, and jthen Hawera was reached in time for lunch at one o’clock. In the Afternoon Mr J. Forbes’ herd of Herefords, on the A'ormanhy Road, wore inspected, followed by that great line of Jerseys, 3lr R. J. Linn’s on the adjoining. property. Both these champion herds \were worth a journey to inspect, and every member of the party spent a pleasant time in strolling over the farms. Homeward Bound,

With heads turned for home, the itinerary was from Xorrnanby Road to Okaiawa, Skeet Road, Hastings Road, Fimierty Road, to Xgaere, and the straight run home. On reaching the Okaiawa Domain, ‘Te Ngutu o te Mann,’ the party viewed the Von Tompsky memorial, each member, no doubt, paying in his own way silent and solemn tribute to the dead heroes whose brave deeds the memorial stands to record. A pleasant incident was mot with in the Domain, through the holding of the annual picnic of the Okaiawa School, the genial chairman (31r A. Xjoes) inviting the visitors to join the picnic party in afternoon tea. Needless to say, the offer was gleefully accepted, and, incidentally, opportunity was made to augment the committee’s prize fund for the benefit ’ of the children’s sports events. After ai non-stop run Stratford was reached before 0.30, after an interesting and particularly friendly outing of just on fifty miles.