Farmers’ Union Social at Waihou.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4420, 5 June 1909, Page 2

Farmers’ Union Social at Waihou.

MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION The Waihou Public Hall was taxed to its utmost capacity on Thursday evening last, when the Waihou Branch of the New Zealand Farmeis’ Union held its annual social- Many wero reluctantly compelled to await for the second sitting, but there were many willing workers, and a superabundance lof refreshments. The Hon. Secretary (Mr G. P. Goodfellow) and the Committee have every reason to be satisfied with the success that has surrounded their untiring efforts. Three long tables extended from end to end of the building, and the neat way in which the cakes, fruits, sweets, etc., were laid out gave unmistakeable evidence that the ladies had spared no efforts to make the social tea eclipse its predecessor in excellence and they had undoubtedly succeeded.! The President of the Waihou Branch of the Union, Mr J- B. Thomas, occupied the chair, {while seated on the right was Mr Allen Bell, Provincial President of the Union. Seated at the tables were the farmers, their wives, and little ones. The Chairman invited those present to make themselves at home, as it was a free and easy, and he desired everyone to enjoy themselves. The musical part of the programme was opened by a pianoforte duet by Misses Taylor and Abbey, and was well received ; Miss Teague’s song was loudly applauded, she was accompanied on the piano by her sister; Miss .Thomas (sister of the President) gave two recitations, “ An Inventor’s Wife,” and “ People Will Talk,” both of which she made the most of, and her efforts were rewarded by prolonged applause. Mr E. Voicey contributed a solo entitled “ When we Were Boys Together.” President J. B. Thomas, in his opening remarks expressed his pleasure at seeing such a large attendance. Ho said they should meet oftener in social intercourse, there was no reason why they should not, and- he felt confident it would do them good. He regretted that more of the farmers did not put in an appearance at the {Union meetings. The Union had done good work in the past, and there yet remained plenty to do. The farmers should combine together to look after their own interests, and he invited non-members to throw in their lot with the Union. By decided action the Union had been instrumental in getting the Government {to alter considerably—to the betterment of the farmer—both the Land Bill and the Dairy Begulations. The Union also brought into exisexistence the Farmers’ Freezing Company and the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company. The latter resulted in | a considerable reduction in commissions, and thus indirectly put more money into the farmers’ pockets. Mr Thomas, in concluding said he did not desire to give those present a lenghty speech, but he trusted all would throw in their lot with the Union. He called upon Mr Allen Bell, Provincial President, to say a few words . —Mr Bell expressed the pleasure it gavo him to meet the members of the Union to see so many ladies present, taking such a keen interest in the affairs of the Union. The Union was not numerically strong, but those attached to it had proved workers. Be felt sure the Union had done a 4 tremendous amount of useful work. lie briefly outlined the work done. He said that 76 per cent, of the wealth was produced by the farmer. They should band together, and decide the best course to take, and then work hard towards the goal. He believed in the Union taking an interest in politics. Unless they did they would be doing a lot of barking but be unable to bite—like a dog with its teeth taken out. In conclusion he said he trusted it would not bo the last occasion ho would have the pleasure of meeting them at similar functions. The Chairman next road a letter received from the Prime Minister’s office, dated May 31st., in response to a letter sept by Mr If. 0. Cooper, the Uu’lon Secretary, reminding the Bremjer of liiq promise. The letter from Wellington read as follows : —“ I am in receipt of your letter of Jfay 7th., in reference to the subject of a goods shed at Waihou. I note your representations in the matter, aus as soon as an opportunity occurs I will see the Hon. Minister qf Eailways in regard to the matter.” Those present did not appear at all satisfied with the tone of this epistle. Several other matters were touched upon by Mr H. 0. Cooper, Mr Thomas, and Mr Allen Bell, but our limited space prevents us giving them in detail in this issue. We W'ill, however refer to them in our sext. After the tea and addresses had been done full justice to, the tables, etc-, were cleared for dancing, which was kept up with spirit for some hours.