LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 55, 10 July 1913, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Territorial shooting match between teams representing Stratfo d and Eltham is to be held ;n about three weeks’ , time. The exact ante* iv; !l ,be notified'later. , .

Members and intending members are reminded of the formal opening this evening of Lodge Triumph, 1.0.0 F., A.C.

A Tress Association wire from Napier states: “Referring to unemployment, the Mayor at last night’s Council meeting emphasised the fact that theve.i was no room here for outsiders. Five or six strangers were arriving every day, but - the authorities could not ti-nd work for all the local residents: About ;sixty men will be shortly put off the tram works, and the position will then be ranch worse.

Our main road is the,scene of almost daily treks, says the Tokaora correspondent of the Ha’wera, Star. The cattle are generally sent on ahead, or left for some days after the furniture flit. Waggons, spring drays, traps, and other light vehicles are used for transport, nearly all more or less exhaling the aroma of the cowshed. In some cases the family are in close proximity in a lighter turnout, with dogs running about the wheels, as yet not tired from rough roads. The family cat may also be seen looking furtively out of its temporary cage.

The statement made at the Stratford Hospital Board meeting on Tuesday, that the consumptive annexe at New Plymouth was full of people who were recent arrivals from Home, was brought up at yesterday’s meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board by Mr J. Brown, who (say® the News) wished to know if such was the case. The chairman, Mr F. C. J. Bellringer, replied that the annexe was greatly made use of the recent arrivals from Home, and the secretary also stated that one patient had been buried last week who was only a comparatively recent arrival from England. The chairman continued that the Board had no control over such case®, having no power of restraint at all. The spread of phthisis (consumption) was a. big question which would have to be faced in cNw Zealand. All the leading medical men were now considering the question of its treatment, and it was to be hoped some real solution to the problem would be discovered.

An example of highly successful investment was given by Archdeacon Eanconrt at Thursday’s session of the Wellington Anglican Synod. In the early days of the city a property was bought for £3OO, the money being part of the original endowment of the

Church iu Wellington. Some time ago, when that property was sold, it returned. £14,000.

From present appearances, says the Mangamingi correspondent of the Tlawcra “Star,” it looks as if we are

going to have an early spring as f notice willows, rosebushes, peach trees, etc., are already out in bloom. An early spring would he very welcome, as the many frosts we have had lately have cut down the feed very considerably.

“In my opinion,” said Mr Hutchison, S.M., at the Oamaru Magistrate’s Court on Monday when giving a reserved judgment on cases wherein 15 drivers of motor cars were charged with driving at a dangerous speed in Thames street on the occasion of the

recent race meeting, “a speed of 20 miles tin hour in any town under the usual condition of traffic is a dangerous speed.” As these were the first bases brought here under the Motor Regulations Act he thought a fine of 10s would be sufficient. A conviction was entered in each of the 15 cases, with a fine of 10s and 7s costs.

A social and concert will be held this evening in the Public Hall, Ngaere, in connection with the Presbyterian Church. The local friends are making all necessary preparation for a large gathering. Upwards of a score of’friends are going from Stratford to help. Mr G. Smart has kindly placed his waggonette at the disposal of friends so far as it can provide seating accommodation. Others will find their own mode of conveyance. Those who have the matter in hand anticipate a successful concert. Amongst those taking part in the entertainment are Messrs Douglas, Hale, McAlpine, Mrs Sim, Mrs Strong, Miss Irvine, Miss Mackay, Miss Knox, Miss Morison, Miss B. Morison, the Masters Orr. .Refreshments will be provided during the course of the evening. A small charge for admission is being made to defray local expenses.

The progress of the Stratford-Main Trunk railway is discussed in the following terms by the Tatu correspondent of the “Taranaki Herald” ;—lf the Taranaki commercial community does not take into serious consideration the valuable custom they may lose by neglecting a rich corner that has been cut off from them and now linked up, tliey are losing one of the assets of their .province. The bridges 'in. the Gorge are almost completed, and the settlers in, Tatu are beginning to move with the times. They are proud of their rich valley,,, .and,look,, upon their farms with much adoration. Now, if this railway is not vigorously pushed on to Tatu it means still locking up the brave pioneers and losing the commercial community a valuable accession. It is ridiculous to argue in favor of the railway being pushed on from the Auckland end, which will not •benefit Tatu till the end of the chapter, or perhaps fifteen. ..years, hence... The new route is quite easy, and now is the time for the Tatu, people .to help and battle out for themselves.

An Otakeho resident, writing to the Hawera “Star” under the nom do plume “Sport,” says:—“No doubt the Taranaki Rugby Union officials endeavoured to do what they thought host in the interests of the public and tlie game, when they appointed Eltham as 1 the convincing ground on July 31st. Now, sir, there are several reasons "'by this match should go elsewhere. Firstly, Eltham at present is practically the centre of professionalism, the amateur tt>am formed there this year goijig to pieces after the second or third match and some of the players going over to the other side. So, if the town won’t support amateur, why there? Secondly, Stratford, the runners up, are entitled to consideration as regards the game, and the favorable position of Stratford as regards train arrangements and ground. The train service is the best in Taranaki, and the ground itself is second only tci the New Plymouth Recreation Grounds. Stratford is just as neutral to Tukapa as Eltham. Thirdly, I think the proper course would* be for Wairaate and Tukapa to draw for places, Manaia or New Plymouth, and the game to be played at the winner’s town.”