DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 March 1918, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

RUGBY ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent)

Thursday, the 4th inst., was a glprious day for the picnie which was hold at Rugby road to celebrate the opening of the Tariki Dairy Co.s new branch cheese factory there. Tlio picnic was held in Mr. Mather's paddock right opposite the factory, and a general good time was the order of the day. Foot races and other competitions for the young folk were almost without cessation, though the suppliers' race won by v Byrne, ladies' race, in which Mrs. W. Bint ran first, and big girls' race, whose prize fell to Miss C. Laigman, varied the afternoon's programme.

The picnic was followed at night by a banquet in the making room of the new factory, Mr. \V. V. Harkness, chairman of the Tariki Dairy Company, and after justice had been clone to the viands provided, he proposed "The King" Song followed toast and toast followed song to the finale. Mr. J. Sutherland gave the start by sinking "Who's Your Lady Friend."

The chairman then called upon Mr. A. Morton to formally declare the Rugby Road branch of the Tariki -Dairy Company to be duly open. Mr. Morton con■rratulated the shareholders on the very firll-ekss building they had put up. ft waft all in concrete, and they need not feci any -antielv about having to renew their work in the lifetime of any of the present suppliers. They had all the appurtenances of a first-class, up-to-date cheese factory. They had secured a firstclass staff and should produce, as he had no doubt ihey would, a first-class article. He thought that tho linking up of Rugby road with Tariki was a very wi*e ,step and hoped that their faith in the prospects of cheese would be justified. Ha criticised the methods of dealing with dairy produce by our National Government, though he admitted they had done their heat. All that was needed to ensure the success of this enterprise of the settlers was cut and out loy?lty to their own concern which he nrsed them all to give. Mr. Hutton then sang "The Admiral's Broom," which was loudly applauded. Mr. W. J. Kendrich briefly proposed "Our Boys at the Front," calling on Messrs W. N. Stevenson and Thompson, re!urned soldiers, to respond. - Mr. Partridge told us how "Mulga Bill" raiffht shape in the bright here* after, which recitation was well received

Mr. Stevenson in a humorous speech gave some idea of life at the front as he had found it. Although not a New Ze?!ander by birth he was proud to be classed with such fellows as she had renresenting her at the front. He spoke eulogistically of the good work done by tho Y.M.C.A. Mr. Thompson also replied.

Messrs and Darlow simply brought down the house with their rendering of "Oft in the Stilly Night," and resnonded to the demand for an encore with "Sweet and Low."

Mr. R. Stevens proposed "Financial and Commercial Institutions," Mr. Hutton and Mr. Sutherland replying. Mr. Darlow gave a song which was hei-rtily applauded, and Mr. Hamerion proposed "The Dairy Industry," calling upon Messrs J. Brown, of Maketawa, and G Sangster, of Midhirst Companies, to respond, which, after Mr. Penwarden had sung "Queen of the Earth" and responded to an encore with "The Boys of the Old Brigade," they did. Mr. Brown told of the hard times that had been experienced by tho pioneers of the dairy factory companies and how rrlad thev were in those days to net 7d per lb for their butter. Ho also sounded the note "loyalty to your own company." He spoke of the difficulties to be met at the present time, and of the new cool storage provided by their own company at Moturoa. It had cost £°o,ooo, and he believed was the best in the Dominion. Such storage was a necessity. Mr. Sangster also replied. He said that although the Rugby road suppliers had seceded from their parent' company the Midhirst, people still had a frhrdly feeling toward them and wished them every success in their new venture. Mr. Sangster was followed by Messrs Williams and Sutherland with vocal items.

Mr. A. West proposed "The Tariki Dairy Company" and Mr. A. Morton recited "A Wee Scotch Nicht" with great effect, and was followed by Mr.' Harkness, who, as chairman of the Tariki Da'ry Company, responded to Mr. West's toast. He welcomed the Rugby road sunpliers to the Tariki Company, and pointed out how it was to the advantage of both concerns that the amalgv mation had b<Y>n effected. He gave a brief sketch of the past history of his company, and said he was sure that by loyally pulling together thev could not only continue to do-as well as in the' past, but could even improve. Mr. Armstrong was rewarded with well-earned applause for his piano solo. "Tho Press'' was the last toast honored.