The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-10-11
GOVERNOR FIRM On
ECONOMY
Meets With Changers at
Norridgwock
Splendid Meeting OF the Pomona With
Somerset Grange with Address
by Chief Executive

by Chief Executive
Tuesday of this week members of
the Pomona enjoyed one of the largest
and most interesting meetings ever
held with the exception of the annual
which always occurs in January with
Skowhegan Grange. Every officer
was present and autos rolled in from
every direction, both far and near,
loaded with delegations from subordi-
nate Oranges. And the loyal mem
bers of Somerset Grange gave the Po-
mona a splendid reception which was
manifested by decorating the hall and
displaying on the stage the products
of the farm and the garden in per-
feet harmony with the purposes of
the Order and the occasion that call
ed the Pomona for the second time
this year to the classic town of Nor
'ridgewock.
AT the morning session a class re-
ceived the benefits of the Pomona de-
gree after the opening. ceremonies
and the transaction of the essential
business connected with every meet
ing of the Pomona
The Pomona dinner and social hour
was enjoyed at intermission then the
afternoon session which opened by
the accustomed salute to our country's
Flag so highly respected and honored
by the great organization here repre-
scented. The choir rendered a selec-
ton and Fred knights, master of the
home Grange, gave a welcome to the
Pomona and Kate c. Hill of Skowhe-
gan Grange, gave happy response
to the welcome. II. d. Taylor of
Kennebec Pomona, came to the front
with appropriate songs. A brief
history of Somerset Grange was pre-
sented by Lizzie NJ Holway a past
secretary. There were piano duets
by Virginia Hussey and Florence
Davis Carr; vocal solo by Annie Bur-
CESS and a piano solo by kathlene
Buckingham.
The honored guest of the Pomona
was Gov. Percival p Baxter, who was
most heartily greeted as he was intro
duced by the lecturer and opened up
one of the most consistent, clearly
defined and practical addresses that
the members of the Pomona ever lis
tened to in the forty-four years of its
existence. The Governor called at
tention to the repeated effort the
Grange as a whole is making for the
best welfare of the common people
of the State. He cited the fact that
out from the farms have gone forth
to exalted positions in the great &C
tiyities of the nation. Governors
cabinet officers, United States Sena-
tors and even Presidents of our great
republic were born and passed their
early years on the farm. He eX-
planned clearly the water power stu
alton and believes that At should not
be given away but held by the State
for the interests of the people. The
State should have the right to lease
the water powers to private parties
who should develop them and pay
appropriate taxes into the State treas
ury thus reducing the burdens of tax
alton. If other property is devcl-
oped and hereby the taxes increased
why not the water powers of the
State? Governor Baxter takes a
firm stand in cutting expenses SO far
as is consistent and has manifested in
his recent veto messages. He men
toned one city or town that was
burdened with tax of TN. He
has become accustomed to say mo"
when unnecessary appropriations and
increase of salaries are called for
Gov. Baxter purposes TO watch the
state expenses and curtail whenever
nOSSible He smoke of tho nrobibi-
ton laws and favors enforcement to
the fullest extent, called attention to
the extreme danger of forest fires dur
ing this dry time and condemned the
practice of cigarette smoking and
throwing cigarettes and lighted
matches into the dry leaves, the di-
rect cause of so many forest fires.
Also spoke most Interestingly of the
public schools and his visiting a lit
tie school recently and mingling with
the girls and boys. Urged all those
who have the opportunity to visit
different sections of the State and be-
come acquainted with the State and
its varied resources.
The large audience present was
most highly favored by the presence
and splendid address of our Chief EX-
ecutive an the hope goes out that he
will visit the Pomona again.
CLOSING thoughts" were next in
order by S. F. Emerson and singin &
america" closed this great meeting
OF the Pomona.
Next meeting with Canaan Grange
October t.