RECEPTION TO MR HENRY REYNOLDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2984, 29 August 1891, Page 2

RECEPTION TO MR HENRY REYNOLDS.

The public of Waikato, and more especially those connected with the dairying interests in the district, fully recognising the great work that has been done for them ana the colony in general by Mr Henry Reynolds, of Urn firm of Messrs Reynolds and Co., during his visit to England, resolved that on his return to Waikato some fitting reception should bo accorded to him. A meeting was convened by Mr A. Primrose, Chairman of the Hamilton Branch of the Waikato Farmers' Club, when it was decided that the reception should take the form of a banquet. A strong and influential committee was formed, and under the able management of Mr C. J. W. Barton, who kindly acted as secretary, and who in this capacity came in for the really hard work of the affair, the matter was brought to a successful issue, as the large and representative assembly at the Public Hall, Hamilton, on Thursday night proved. THE BAffQUET. After consultation with Mr Reynolds, Thursday evening was fixed for the banquet, and the catering was left in the hands of Mrs Gwynne, of the Hamilton Hotel. To provide for some eighty people in a country town is by no means an easy task, but this lady proved herself fully equal to it. Having no private room large enough to accommodate the number, it was necessary to hold the banquet in the Public Hall, which had been kindly placed a*, the disposal of the committee by Mr John Knnx. The walls of the room were tastefully dec-irated with evergreens and flags, with pot plants grouped ou the stage, while in the lamp-light the tables sparkled again with the plate and crystals and floral decorations. The tables, in addition to these decorations, were abundantly filled with viands of every description, as the following menu will show :—Oysters, roast turkeys, roast chickens, sucking pie, saddle of mutton, roast lamb, roast beef, spiced beef, hams, tongue, salad, mashed potatoes, new potatoes, green peas, plum pudding, rice pudding, bread pudding, custard pudding, apple and blackberry pie, paar pie, plum pie, peach pie, quince pie, jam tart, marmalade tart, blanc mange, wine jelly, trifles, tipsy cake, custard in glasses Preserved fruits: Pears, grapes, apricots, peaches, plums, apples, quinces. Cheese and celery, dessert in season. As a graceful compliment to the guest of tho evening, twelve young ladies of Hamilton—Misses Jolly (2), Biggs (2), McPherson, Sandes, Louie, Graham, Hume, Edgecumbe, and Newell (2)— kindly volunteered to attend to tho visitors, and we need hardly say that the attention was all that could be desired—indeed, some of tho visitors com--plained of over attention. Mr Reynolds fully appreciated the high compliment which was tendered to him by these hdies. Seventy-ono sat down at the tables, as follows :—Mr A. Primrose (chairman), supported on the right by the guest of the evening (Mr H. Reynold"), and on the left by Captain Steele (father of Mrs Reynolds), Messrs John Fisher, chairman of the Cambridge branch of the Waikato Fanners' Club, and I. Coates, Mayor of Hamilton (vice-chairmen), and Messrs C. Barton, R. P. Sandes, D. Henry, G. W. Sare, H. Hume, A. J. Storey, G. Edgecmnhe, J. Parr, G. C. Manning, R. W. Dyer, A. Swarbrick, T. Gualtrnugh, H. M. Salmon, James Reid, T. Kirk, H. Howden, W. Chitty, J. Primrose, H. Windsor, W. M. Hay, F. J. von Sturmßr, R. J. Gwynne, T. Jolly, J. Cochrane, E. T. D.ivey. J. J. Barhgh, T. G. Sandes, Rev. R. O'C. Bicrgs, Dr. Kenny, Captains McPherson and Runciman (Hamilton); MessrsT. Wells, G. E. Clark, J. Forrest, T. Hartlv, and E. Sonter (Cambridge); Messrs H. Day, C. Day, and Rhodes (Tamahere); Messrs Hart Hicks, Comer, J. T. Hicks, T. A. Hicks, R. Reynolds, B. Garland, and T. W. Hicks (Pukekura); Messrs J. McNicol, G. McCullagh,, J. Cassidy. J. T. Edwards, S. Steele, R. N. Buttle, James Ryburn, and F. R. Millmnn (Ohaupo); Messrs Speight, Martin, and Farley (Auckland); Mr E. B. Walker (Pukerimuj; Messrs J. Walton and G. Ahier (Te Aw-unutu); Mr Broi.mHeld (Ngaruawahia); Mr Brooks (Churchill); Messrs E. C. Shepherd and G. Swanson (Whatawhata); Messrs T. H. White and E. B. Cox (Taupiri). The wet weather in the earlier part of the day, no doubt, prevented many others from being present, After ample justice had been done to all tha good things piovided, the chairman read apologies for non-attendance from Messrs Germann (Paterangi), James Hume, W. A. Graham, John Knox (Hamilton), and James Gordon (Waitoa). The toast list was then proceeded with, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts —including " Her Majesty the Queen," "H.R.H. the Prince of Walos and the other Members of the Roynl Family," "The Army, Navy, and the Volunteers," and " His Excellency tho Governor and the Legislature of New Zenland " —being received with musical honours. In rising to propose the first of the special toasts, the chairman asked the gentlemen present to fill their glasses and drink the toast in bumpers. It was: "The Health of Mr Henry Reynolds, the Guest of the Evening." (Applause). The toast required no recommendation from him. Mr Reynolds' whole life had been spent in Waikato, where he had been most actively engaged in forwarding the best interests of the district; and the great object for which they had met that night was to accord him a hearty welcome on his return from the Old Country. During his visit Home, Mr Reynolds had been endeavouring to introduce the produce of Waikato to tho public in England. The difficulties he had to meet, and had overcome, were far greater than many present could estimate, requiring a large amount of expenditure., of enterprise, and of pluck. In his endeavours, Mr Reynolds had kept two points before him— Ist, to ascertain the best way to put up produce to recommend it to tho people of the Old Country ; and, 2nd, to try and discover the best and most expeditious means of having it conveyed from here and put on that market. This had been the difficulty here, and ho h.>ped Mr Reynolds' efforts would bo crowned with success, for it was

not ovury man who was possessed with tho same amount of energy. (Anplaii.'.e). With reference to the local factories, Mr Reynolds, no doubt, would assure mippliers that ho wmild lie able to give some advance mi the prica of milk. He hoped he would he ablo to do so and satisfy milk mippliers, and at the same, time create a trarle which would give success to the firm of Messrs Reynolds and C.)., Limited. (Applause). The toast was then drunk in bumpers with musical honours. On rising to reply, Mr Reynolds was received with loud and continued applause. He first thanked those ladies who had so kindly volunteered their services fur that evening, and said they were the best band of volunteers that had ever mustered in Waikato. (Applause). Ho could not describe fully the gratification he felt at the reception he had received. It was said that a "prophet was not without honour save in his own country," but the reception he hid received showed that the little he had done for this district in particular, and the colony in general, had been appreciated. He had been a farmer, but had recognised that it was no use growing grass unless they could get soma outlet for their produce. The first butter factory was started at Piikp.knra some four or five years ago, and had it nod been for the settlers generally helping him along, in taking reduced prices for their milk, he wouid have hail to have given up. He recognised that if a good article were produced there would be very little difficulty in getting rid of it. To carry on in a small way was out of the question. and the whole concern was enlarged and the firm of Reynolds and Co. established. The island and a local trade was of no use, and it was decided that he should go Home and endeavour to find out where tho lpakage was, and to get the producer as near to the consumer in the Old Country as possible. If the firm made a profit for themselves, they would be able to give a better orice for the milk; and if the settlers would cooperate with them in turning nut a good article, they would be able to land New Zealand butter in England as good as any from Denmark. He had been told it was no good his going Home from New Zealand to work up this trade, as it would have to go through the usual channels and he would be boycotted, nevertheless he determined to have a try. (Applause). He had watched matters carefully in London, and at the end of February had decided to establish a depot in that city. He had thought of β-stahlishing it at Glasgow, but there was no doubt that London was the best place, it being the centre of the commerce of the world, and from which it could be distributed to all parts. The success lay in nlacing a good deal of the stuff with the retailers, and if he could not do this, he would have arranged to have put it in the hands of the consumers themselves. He had had great trouble to get retailers to look at New Zealand produce, and in numbers of instances he had given samples of the butter nway to be tested at their own tables. Through the kindnesss of friends and the Press nearly everyone of whom were anxious to help on anything from New Zealand, he had been very successful. There is no use sending anything Home but a pood article, and if a good article is sent it will tret a good market. The interests of Reynolds and Co. are the settlers'interests, and by helping them the farmers would help themselves. The present price was not a very paying one, but they int»nd t> increase the price somewhat, but farmers must not expect too much ; let them help the firm a little longer in order to thoroughly establish the butter trade in England, and they would never have cause to regret it. Denmark, with a population of only about two millions, did an enormous trade in dairy produce, but i*s inhabitants were most industrious. They had carried on the trade for the last 40 or 50 years, and had been most successful. The rules adopted at the Danish factories were very strict and rigidly enforced ; for the slightest defect the milk was refused, and upon a repetition of the offence the supplier would be debarred from sending milk to tho factory for ever. It would be to the advantage of New Zealand if a few of the Danish dairymen could be induced to come and cast in their lot with us, for thev are undoubtedly experts in the craft. Butter as it is required in the Old Country, of one uniform quality, can only be made on the factory principle ; it was useless trying any other method, as none could give such good results. He found the Londoners very suspicions, especially the newspaper men. He sent a small box of butter to the editor of the Daily Telegraph, with a few explanatory remarks, and the first result was a detective reporter visited him and put him through a course of crossexamination to find out whether it was a bogus affair, for unfortunately bogus companies were far too common; however, he satisfied the individual that ho meant straight business, and the result was he got a leader and several locals about New Zealand butter; but he was never able to penetrate to the editor's den. Editors' dens and milk-condensing factories were the only places to which he was refused admittance, and those he found impenetrable. In Denmark, inspectors were appointed to see that the farmeis fed their cows properly, and kept their milk utensils clean. That would not pay in this country, but he wished that the farmers would aet as detectives over one another, and if they saw cows bsing fed on rape, turnips, or other matter that would damage the butter, they should at once let it be known. It would be to the interest of all to do this, as anything that would damage the quality of the butter would inflict a serious injury on the whole of the suppliers. Waikato was the only district that had sent a representative to endeavour to set New Zealand farming produce introduced directly to the consumer in England, and being in the van he trusted they would reap the benefit. Speaking of mutton, Mr Reynolds said that Now Zealand stood very high in England, as was demonstrated by the facilities which the Shipping Companies were now providing for placing the mutton upon the Home market ; steamers were now being built to carry 80,000 carcasses, and Nelson Brothers were erecting a store in London capable of storing more than all the meat stores of that city at present in use. Butchers could eet the mutton in any quantity from one to five thousand carcases, and much of it was sold by the retailer as English, but where the trouble came in was that if it was retailed as New Zealand mutton the customers complained. That prejudice would gradually wear away ; in fact it was disappearing daily, and when it was altogether gone they would find tho price improve. He strongly advised sheep-breeders to get their animals as near the size of the Southdown as possible, that being the most acceptable on the Home market. New Zealand suffered in consequence of mutton from Australia and the Argentine Republic being sold aa New Zealand mutton ; some method was required to remedy this. He understood n ring was being formed to regulate the supply of mutton, instead of forcing the market, as was sometimes now the case. He trusted this would prove of benefit to the growers. Apples packed in good order will arrive all right, should no mishap occur to the steamer. They must be attractive in appearance, and of the finest quality, either cooking or dessert. The present package holding about 40lbs cannot be improved on. The fruit should be sent early in the season, which only lasts for about eight or ten weeks, when the New Zealand fruit could be disposed to the best advantage.—Flax: There will be a pretty good outlet for flax by-and-bye. Just before he left London he was told by a friend that he had just received information from Manchester that a company was being formed to work New Zealand flax into a material for clothes, and some of the articles turned out were really excellent. The machinery would also make cloth out of other fnbncs similar to flax. In conclusion, Mr Reynolds said that next year his firm would be prepared to deal in any kind of produce, from woul to bullocks horns. He could place the latter in tho hands of the men who make the buttons, and he had also arranged with one of the most practical men in London in connection with wool, and the firm are prepared to work with him. By looking after things at the other end he hoped to secure as big a return as possible.and MrR. Reymolds, nowadireetor in Reynolds and Co, in conjunction with Mr Farley manager in Auckland would attend to things at thi3 end, and he hoped that all would go along smoothly. Hβ again thanked the ladies and gentlemen for the manner they had received him, it made him feel proud to think that his efforts were appreciated. There was a grand future in store for New Zealand hut at present it was too much managed. If only good men would come to the front it must go a-head. Tho debt was nothing compared with its resources. On resuming his seat, Mr Reynolds whs again loudly applauded, Captain Runciman asked how are they pleased at Home with New Zealand beef ? In reply Mr Reynolds said that he could not give such a good account of it as of mutton. The natural juices seem to come out of it, and the flesh is white, and it will not go down as mutton does. It would

seem that the freezing injun-s il, for the American beef which is only chilled arrivs in gm.d condition. It may b" -miii in tho thawing, but it is not known yet »o wh.it to attribute the d.-d'cts referred to. MrT. Wells proposal "The Agricultural Interests of Waikato." He said this came next to the roa«t of tho. ,;v.-tiintr, and hn regretted it had not been put in better ha.ids but he hoped he would have the sympathy of the R-ithisriiiß. Li».:iviiii» tli« present special occasion out of the question, there was no toast of such importance r o New / ■;,- hind as the agricultural interests. lVin-c one of those who came to Waikato in lSlil he referred to the dilferencu that c >nM be seen now and when we think that it is lIn: agriculturists who have nriile it what it is,-ill must acknowledge thatinndi is due to them, and he for one, was proud to live annmg those who have done so much .and don-: it .so well. It is the duty of every one in New Zt'liliuid to help this-i producers. The Legislature seemed to think that they arc the goose that lays the golden e ( ,% and treat them so as to get the mo-it nut of them by continual plucking, but. just kept them alive and going. In New Zealand there are Ministers over everything except the staple industry, which is the most neglected hy the Government. There is not in tho colony a liner or a better set of men to live with than those in the Waikato. This was not his opinion only, but that of an outsider and ho would now ask them to drink to " The Agricultural Interests of Waikato" coupled with the mime of Mr G. E. Clark. Mr G. E. Clark responded to this toast and thanked those present for the hearty manner in which ttiey hid received it. The agricultural interests of Wuikato were of paramount importance to all of them, and he sincerely trusted they would soon find the intorests referred to in a more flourishing condition, for during the last five years nearly everything connecter! therewith had been reduced 50 per cent. However, he hoped better times were a'hout to dawn upon them, and with the help of a few hearty workers—such »s their guest that evening—matters would take a turn and agriculture would agaiL become remunerative, and they would bo prosperous and happy. He thought the farmers lacked cohesion ; if bound together they would be the greatest power in the country ; but us it was they were being continually plucked and until they were combined they would continuo to be plucked. Me trusted the paltty petty jealousies that had existed in Waikato would be sunk, and that a united front would be presented by the farmers, who could then make their wants felt. Mr John Fisher in rising to propose the "Commercial Interests of Waikat)," said that an old proverb had it that "Agriculture and commerce go hand in hand." This was especially so iu Waikato. He asked them to drink the toast, coupled with the names of Messrs John McNicol and Thomas Wells, gentlemen who had always beeu fnreimst in promoting the interests of the district. Mr McNicol iu replying said that the Agricultural and Commercial Interests should have been one toast, but the pastoral interests should not altogether have been left out. It is true that they are all part of one another, and one cannot prosper without the other. For a long time commercial men did not realise this, but they now seemed to be waking up to the fact. Farmers need not expect that they can all make a success of dairying, some farms are no doubt suited for dairying but others are better suited for grazing, and others for cropping. Waikato is virtually a pastoral district, und adapted to tho production of mutton, and dairy produce suitable for export. If they had more men like Mr Reynolds, so much would not have been heard of the depression. Mr Reynolds had gone ahead and put his shoulder to tho wheel, and he hoped had laid a foundation for future success, for if he had it would be a benefit to the whole colony as well as to himself. Mr Wells in replying, impressed on the settlers the necessity of the combination of the agricultural and pastoral interests. Mr A. Swarhrick said tho next toast " The Dairying Interests," which had fallen to him to propose, was one which awakened painful recollections, but he would dismiss these from his mind for the present. Dairying is an industry particularly suited to small fanners, in many cases providing them with almost all their ready cash. They must have good butter and must have a good market for it. The first is brought ■about by dairy factories, and the guest of the evening had done much to find a suitable market. Ho had much pleasure in proposing the "Dairying Interests" coupled with the names of Captain Runciman and Messrs Tobias Hicks and John Brooks. Captain Runciman thanked those present for the manner in which they had drunk the toast, and said that he was fully convinced that the dairying would play a most prominent part with the small settlors. At present cheese stinks in the nostrils of many Waikato settlers, but if the Waikato Factory had catered exclusively for the English markets, it would have been a going concern to-day. Mr Tobias Hicks paid high tribute to MiReynolds, whom he had known for many years. He had supported the Pukekura Factory since its establishment by Mr Reynolds four or five years ago, and there wis no one more interested in dairying than himself. Mr Brooks said that he had kept a dairy at Koine, and ho thought one of the drawbacks here was that they had not got cows suited to dairying. There should be no difficulty in getting a cow to produce GOO gallons of milk a year. He thought that for a general cow the Shorthorn was best; for cheese making, the Ayrshire; but for butter, he would go for a Jersey, or a cross with a Jersey. They had heard a good deal of mutual admiration during the evening, and he would like to say that he considered Mr Reynolds a good neighbour, a good farmer, and a good man of business, and he would be glad to follow his lead. He had evidence that Mr Reynolds' efforts were appreciated at Home as well as in New Zealand. There was a wonderful future beforo New Zealand, if they only did what they should in the dairying indusrty, which would become the largest and most important in New Zealand. Mr E. C. Shepherd spoke strongly in favour of the factory system, which had put farming in Waikato on a materially different bottom to what it was formerly and enabled the farmers to look forward to something certain. It was a good thing for Waikato that they were doing business with a firm in which they h.ij so much confidence. Captaiu McPherson proposed " The Health of Mrs Reynolds," paying a high tribute to that lady as a worthy helpmeet of a worthy husband. The toast whs drunk in bumpers with musical honours. The health of " The Chairman and < Vice-Chairman" was proposed by Mr Reynolds and was drunk to musical honours. Messrs Primrose, Fisher, and Coates replied. " The Ladies," proposed by Mr Sandes, and responded to by Mr H. Hume. Mr Dyer proposed " Tho Press.' , He said it was not necessary for him to say anything as to the power of the Press which was rapidly increasing. As an agricultural and farming community they must look to tho Press to further the interests of the district and it was the opinion of every one in tho district that the members of the Press in this district were performing a great wtrk. The toast was then drunk coupled with the names of Messrs George Edgecumbe, of Thk Waikato Times, F. J. Von Sturmer, New Zealand Herald, and T. G. Sandes, Now Zealand Farmer. Mr Edgecumbe thanked the gentlemen for the manner in which they had received the toast. In a gathering .'if this sort the Press, had a great duty to perform and ho hoped ho would be able to represent all sides fairly. The columns of Thk Waikato Turns are, and he hoped always would be, open for the expression of all shades of opinion. (Applause.) Being connected with the Press enables one to feel the pulse of the people, and he was convinced that a more hopeful feeling pervaded the district. Mr T. G. Sandes said he had always taken a great iuteresl in all agricultural and pattoral matters connected with the district, and he had always tried to be as correct as possible in reports, and in these he had beeu greatly assisted by the settlers. There was no doubt that the welfare of a district is very much influenced by the reports of the Press, which is an immense power in the land. Hβ would always do his best to push the district in a legitimate manner. Mr Brooks proposed the health of Mr T Hartly, who had kindly officiated at the piano. The health was drunk with musical honours. Mr Hartly suitably replied. The health of "The Hostess, ,, Mrs Gwynne, was proposed by the chairman, and responded to by Mr R. J. Gwynne on behalf of his mother. Mr Reynolds proposed the health of "The Young Ladies," who had so kindly assisted at the banquet. Mr A. J. Storey responded.

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