TRIBUTE BY FARMERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 931, 26 March 1930, Page 7

TRIBUTE BY FARMERS

FAREWELL MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND OPINIONS TO BE PUBLISHED “For the rest of our lives we ' shall always have in our hearts a j warm corner for the people of New ! Zealand and look forward to many i happy reunions.” This tribute comes from the farmers of Great Britain and South Africa, j who completed their tour of New Zealand yesterday and sailed by the Niagara for Sydney. The following farewell message ■was handed to the Press by the two leaders of the party, Mr. S. R. Whitley (Great Britain) and Mr. A. V. Allan (South Africa): "We of the Empire Farmers’ party, who have been touring through New Zealand, wish to leave behind us a message of grateful thanks to all in the Dominion who have worked so hard to make our visit a happy and memorable one. The time has been all too short and hurried, but it is marvellous how much has been accomplished, due mainly to excellent staff-work on the part of the Farmers’ Union, Agricultural Department officials, chambers of commerce, civic authorities and the various other organisations before our arrival. Much of this work had been accomplished behind the scenes. “We are indeed grateful, and would have those responsible to know it. The arrangements for our comfort have been highly appreciated by all our party. To those who came to receive us, who generously motored us everywhere in great comfort and who entertained us officially and privately with lavish hospitality, we can never sufficiently express our gratitude. That our company was appreciated beyond doubt has greatly added to our enjoyment. We only hope that a reunion with many friends, either in one of the sister Dominions or in the Homeland, may not be too long delayed; these new friendships must be kept fresh and bright by renewals as frequent as may be possible. THANKS TO WOMENFOLK “To the womenfolk: of the Dominion we would specially record our thanks. Their life is a very full one, and yet they always found time to add to our comfort and enjoyment as only women can. To the officials of the Railway Department who were responsible for our transport and tour arrangements and from whom we received never-failing kindness and courtesy, we would express our sincere thanks for hard work most efficiently carried out.” Mr. Whitley said that it would be foolish to express opinions on farmingin New Zealand after such a crowded tour of a new country. When the impressions of the party matured they would be written in detail and probably published in pamphlet form by the British National Union. Various subjects on which to comment had been allotted to different members of the party. Mr. Allan remarked that New Zealand could teach the visitors a great deal. He was greatly impressed by the co-operative methods of dairying in the Dominion and he had made arrangements whereby those in South Africa could obtain advice and help from New Zealand.