LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 66, 18 November 1913, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At' the last meeting of the Ohura branch of the Farmers' Union, it was decided to write to the Department re extending the telephone line from Tatu to Whangamomona, and also to Okahukura.

A Press Association telegram from Dannevirke states that work at one of the- bores of the Kotuku Oilfields Syndicate at Waipatiki has been suspended. Boring is, however, still to be prosecuted at the other well.

' The latest issue of the Ohura Advocate stated that three bullock teams were on their way trom Stratford, via Tangarakau Gorge, to take up carrying work on the road from Ongarue to Ohura.

Mr Alex Boyd, of Toko Road, left for the Wanganui Snow this morning, taking with him his prize-winner ol last year at the Hawera Show in tin class tor draught mare in foal, which is entered in a similar class at Wanganui this year. The following advertisement from the latest issue of the Ohura Advocate explains itself—if explanation is necessary:—lt having been stated in several quarters that I am selling Whisky i.n Ohura, I demand that proof should be- furnished, •and that any person who makes such a statement is ; a lineal descendant of Ananias 'and- Sapphira. (See Acts of Apostles):—Samuel A. Ford." The Feilding Star states that Captain Barltrop, of the Manchester Rifles, on Saturday made a record with the rifle which has not been equalled iii the Dominion. A small number of riflemen were on the range for a practice; shoot/- 'Captain Barltrop's sighter at 500 yards was a bull's-eye. and the seven successive shots were also placed on the disc Going to the 600yds range, he again placed every ball on the bull's-eye, and at the 700 yds range he once more placed seven bull's-eyes. A score of 105 at the 500, 600, and 700 yards ranges is unique in New Zealand, though it has been done i at 200, 500, and GOO yards.

The annual meeting of the Centra! Co-operative Store Co., of Stratford, was held on Monday evening, sixteen shareholders being present. The annual report and balance-sheet diselos- ( ed but a small net profit on the year's business. The gross profit showed a slight increase on the previous

year's but the working expenses were heavier, reducing the amount available for distribution. The directors, in their report, mentioned the need for more capital, which would enable

tlit 1 company to earn greater profits. During the year the financial position had been strengthened. A dividend of five per cent, will be paid to shareholders, and the balance of the profits carried to the reserve fund. Messrs X. 15. Kryday and A. Mackay were reelected directors, and Mr A. W. Reid was elected to iill the vacancy on the directorate caused by the resignation of Mr J. Paul. Mr T. H. Penn was re-elected auditor.

The Rev. John Craig, of Fairlie, has received word from tlio Publie Trustee (says the Timaru Herald) that by tlie will of the late Mr William Fraser, of Fairlie, the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand will benefit to the extent of about £SOOO. After providing for an annuity to his cousin in Scotland, the deceased directs his trustee to stand possessed o fthe property upon trust for the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand to he applied by the General Assembly in such, manner as it shall deem most expedient, with a desire, however, that the said trust property shall he applied in establishing a fund or in augmenting a

fund already established in connection with the ■said church for the maintenance and education of orphan children of Highland parentage who shall be in needv circumstances, or*for the

education and maintenance of other orphan children. The late Mr W. Eraser was an old resident of Fair': \ and took a keen interest in the Presbyterian Church.

The members of the Stratford Crouet Club and their friends were ac>rdod perfect weather at their openig on Saturday, about fifty being pre[>nt. The lawns looked gay with many retty frocks. A number of visitors rom neighbouring croquet clubs were iresent. Games of both croquet and Of mis were indulged in, and afternoon ea was dispensed by the committee. Lltogecher a most enjoyable afternoon ias spent. There was no place like home last night. The wind blew fiercely from [he north, bringing with it heavy showers of rain, and continuing practically throughout the night. The school recorder this morning showed that for the twenty-four hours ending at 9 a.m. to-day, the total fall of rain was 1 .Din.—a very respectable total. Though sharpish, the wind tvas not actually very cold, the lowest temperature recorded during the night being 31 degrees. At 9 o'clock'the school barometer showed the low reading of 28.5. A Canadian paper has run out breathlessly to call the compulsory' defence trainees in Maoriland "hired murderers." Following this line of reasoning, a policeman who is trained by the sergeant to defend life and property is a hired scoundrel, and the lire brigade that is drilled to protect the public's sleeping missus and the kid. furniture, and the time-payment piano is a hired incendiary. Also the hoy who is forced to go to school so that he can be trained to defend a salary later on is a hired waster in prospect. It seems a strange way of locking at things; but, then, there are lots of strange people about, states The Bulletin.

A Newport (Rhode Island) doctor has written to the New York newspapers protesting against the extension of facilities for mixed bathing in public places. He says that mixed bathing is giving the death blow to marriage, and goes on: "I don't believe one young man out of 50 wants to marry the girl he has bathed with. In times gone by men were entranced by the sight of girls elegantly, daintily, and modestly attired. Then affection sprang from a kind of worship, something that enchanted. There were no bare necks, bare arms and legs, and ugly skull caps then. What effect has the ungraceful, Hopping, porpoise like female on the male intellect ? I watched he other day two exceedingly pretty girls in walking costume. They impressed me with their elegance, hut afterwards 1 saw those two girls waddle into the surf and try,to ride a wooden horse noating : iA tire'sea. They 1 returned to the bathing shed, and again I saw them emerge, clad in their elegant' • walking' ■eositnries. But to me they were not the same girls. I j.had' seen them • bathe f'-' s ■ ■'■ ' ■ i

It.is, wells known thh't the Churches, like other institutions, need a certain amount of financial support; indeed, the prosperity of the Church-depends upon the voluntary gifts of her members and friends. There are various ways of securing the wherewithal) to' carry on this work. First of all, the method of direct giving is, perhaps, the ideal way qf securing money, but it is frequently,found.,that by this means sufficient, is not ..obtained to meet extraordinary, expenditure and maintain the regular work of the congregation. It becomes needful to have recourse at times to. special-efforts such ad concerts and sales t-f. work. This just explains the effort the Presbyterians are putting forth at present in connection with the sale of work on Thursday next. A large number of the ladies have attended sewing meetings to make preparations for the work stall, where a varied array of useful articles will be available. Preparations in like manner have been made for the fancy stall, the kitchen, produce, flower, sweet and refreshment stalls. A musical programme of a high order is to provided. Besides these, there will be other side attractions of interest. There should be a large attendance from town and country provided the weather is propitious.