LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 86, 15 August 1913, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The directors of the Wellington Farmers' Meat Company are obtaining information concerning the manufacture of margarine, with a view to ascertaining whether it would pay to put in a plant at the Waipawa works. The Mangatainoka Dairy Company, which manufactures cheese, lias received an offer equal to Is 2|d per lb of butter-fat for its output during the coming season.

A London cablegram'states that'the Athenic sails to-day with-114 farmers, farm labourers, their wives A and fami-' lids; 'and 'sixty-eight, domestics», : 101 of \Vhom were nominated for: New Zealand.

Ere this Waverley should hav adopted by-laws making it an oll'eiic to ride a bicycle on a footpath, or t> drive a vehicle in the town during th hours of, darkness without prope lights,'isays the local, "Tribune,.'

These are'two matters of such imports ance that the; Town Board ought to accord them early attention,, and, at the same time, give thought to all questions making for better civic government here.

Mirrors at road crossings, for the purpose of warning motorists are commencing to be used in England, and with satisfactory results. They are being erected in places where the crossings are specially dangerous, and the use of large mirrors allows the driver to see the reflection of cars which are coming in other directions. The method Avill probably bo extended in the future, as it is likely to prevent mamaccidents, and is well worth the small cost of erecting mirrors.

Someone fond of statistics has figured out that in Great Britain alone about 1,600,000,000 miles are covered annually by all sorts of vehicles, including motor cars. During the past year 750 persons were killed by vehicular traffic—that is to say, ono person for every 2,133,.'533 miles. Motor vehicles to the number of 50,000 covered approximately 300,000,000 miles, and killed 200 people, or one person for every 1,500,000 miles.

Judgment by default was given in the following cases at the Magistrate's Court this'morning:—ll. D. Lowers v. A. A. Wilson £3 19s, court costs 6s, solicitor's fee ss; Arthur Needham v. Amos Williamson £2 9s 3d, court costs 12s, solicitor's fee ss; Arthur Needham v. Frank Farrell £2 4s Id, court costs ss, solicitor's fee ss; Whangamomona County Council v. A. A. Nelson £2 Ss 9d, court costs 6s, solicitor's fee ss; same v. H. E. Hight £4 16s 7d, court costs 10s, solicitor's fee ss; same v. D. E. High £4 Is lis, without costs; Arthur Needham v. Frank Dorran £2 5s 6d, court costs 10s, solicitor's fee ss.

Some wholesale canine-poisoning is reported to have taken place during the past few days in Waitotara town or its environs, says the "Waverley Tribune." The statement is that over thirty dugs have been destroyed by means of poisoned meat." One

settler (Mr G. Mee) lost three valuable animals, the pick of the trio being worth £25. It is very "hard eheeso" to lose good dogs through the alleged indiscriminate easting about of "poisoned baits" close to a public highway.

A Press Association message from Waipawa states that heavy warm rain fell throughout the night, and the weather is showery. The drought has broken to the relief of farmers.

The Feilding Borough Council last night decided to take a poll of the ratepayers on a proposal to raise a loan of £IO,OOO to insta] an electric lighting system.—P.A. At the Church of Immaculate Conception, Stratford, to-day, being the Feast of Assumption, services were held in the morning at 8 and 10.30 o'clock, Father Maples officiating. There will be a.service this evening at 7.

At the Manaia Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, J. D. Basliiord, licensee of the Commercial Hotel, who admitted exposing liquor for sale on the night of August 2, was fined £3O and costs. The license was not endorsed.

Home rewspapers report that Sir Walter Strickland, for whom his friends have been long searching, is* living quietly in Geneva. A cablegram states that he took a prominent part in the recent formation of a committee to promote freer trade for In%dia.

The Catholic social and euchre party held in the Foresters' Hall last evening was a most enjoyable affair, thirtysix couples being present. Cards occupied the early part of the evening, Mr Doherty taking gent's first prize with a win of six games out of seven played. Master Wolfe won second place, having had to play off with the winner. The ladies' prize was taken by Mrs Crofts, who won the whole seven games played. Three tied for second place, and in the draw off Mrs Bianchi won. Music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Bianchi and N. Kelly, extras being played by Mrs Trash. Mr F. Jans had charge of the floor arrangements. Supper was provided by the ladies and the gathering broke up about 1 o'clock. {

The Masonic Ball held last night in the Town Hall under the auspices of Lodge Stratford proved one of the most enjoyable functions of its kind Stratford has yet seen. Many visiting brethren from other parts were present. The Hall was never more elaborately and tastefully decorated* and furnished, and Bro. T. Reader, who directed this part of the arrangements, was highly ■complimented on

all sides. Messrs. Brbcklebank Bros, supplied the choice furnishings used. Bros. Jack Robson, B. Fearon, and Harry Ashton were indefatigable and courteous M.C.'s, while Secretary ! Bro. E. Jackson, assisted by a special ' committee of the Lodge officers, work- , ed well for the success of the ga.therMrs Brooking provided an excellent supper, and 'Bees'ley's Elt'hani Orchestra played a fine programme of dance music.