LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 25, 21 May 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual meeting of the Stratford No-License League is to be held in the Wesley Hall this evening. The Auckland Farmers' Union urges the Government to watch for the meat trust. One speaker says, "Let the farmers be loyal to their own companies, and all will he well." In connection with Monday's fatality on Opunake Road it should be mentioned that the Electrical Supply Co. is bearing the whole of the expenses placed on Mr Webberley as a result of the distressing accident. A London cablegram states that the Welsh Disestablishment Bill passed its third reading by 328 votes to 251. The Opposition cry of "Take your money, Judas!" aroused Liberal cheers. Several Labour members wore absent at the Derbyshire election. The following letter from R. Robinson, foreman, Cardiff, was read at yesterday's meeting of the County Council: "Have I a right to graze my horse on the roads? The ranger wanted to pound it to-day. It is impossible to get grazing here. The County paddock is insufficient even for the County horse. I have to graze it on the roads."—lt was decided that foremen lie allowed to graze their horses on the roads, except between sunset and sunrise. A well-attended and enthusiastic meeting of local Civil Servants was held at the Government Buildings last evening, when the formation of a section of the Public Service Association for Taranaki was discussed. Delegates were appointed to attend a general meeting to be held in New Plymouth shortly for the furtherance of the same object. The Association has branches in all the other provinces in the Dominion.

A Christchurch Press Association telegram states: Charles Richard Craythorn, who was convicted of the theft of two sheep, appeared for sentence at the Supreme Court. The Crown suggested that the neighbours had lost 400 sheep, and while prisoner was farming at Motunau sheep were missed. Judge De.nni.ston said lie was not entitled to treat the case more than one of the theft of two sheep. He could not directly or indirectly punish him Cor an offence of which he was not convicted. A fine of £SO was imposed.

The Supreme Court case of R. H. Cameron v. .1. Masters, in which the plaintiff claims about £620. has been adjourned pending discussion of terms for settlement bv arbitration.

A Stratford party spent a pleasant few day.s shooting at Tahora last week, securing good bags of pheasants and quail. They speak most highly of kind hospitality and hearty welcome received at the hands of settlers.

Work has stopped at the Bealey end of the Otira tunnel, owing to a dispute between the Public Works Department and the men in reference to contract work. The men are locked out, and they claim that the Department has violated last session's Industrial Disputes Act, by failing to give fourteen days' notice of intention to lock-out.

A Press Association cable from Sydney states : The financial statement submitted by the City Council showed that during the past three years the value of city property increased by £501,203 upon a rental basis, and £13,049,567 upon a capital value basis, representing an increased rate collection without altering the amount in the pound of £61,013. The estimated expenditure for 1914 exceeds that of 1913 by £83.567. The total estimated rate return is £44,939.

On the motion of the cTiairman the County Council yesterday decided to make the following recommendation to the Government: That owing to the present regulations regarding noxious weeds failing to keep them in check, the Council would suggest a classification of districts so that where no great hardship would be imposed blackberry should be exterminated and that ragwort when cut or pulled when in flower should either be burnt or buried. At the present time in most cases it is left on the ground, which is very little better than if left uncut, as there is sufficient vitality left in the plant to germinate.

A large 40-horse power motor car belonging to Young's Arcade Garage, Petone, was completely destroyed by fire on the Hutt Road about 11.30 on Tuesday night. The car was engaged conveying a man and woman from the Hutt, and when opposite the Petone drillshed the car stopped through lack of petrol. In order to re-fill the tank, the driver placed the tail-light on the seat as far away from the tank as possible, and proceeded to pour the petrol in from the tin. Apparently the vapour became ignited, for in a moment ,the car was enveloped in flame's, and before the fire brigade could arrive it had been destroyed.— P.A.

At the inquest on the boy Webberley yesterday the coroner summed up the evidence shortly after the "Post" went to press. He said Miss Robinson deserved every commendation for her action in notifying the company as soon as she could that the wire was down. He thought some more safeguard should be made in respect of light wires. The Stratford lines were the same as all others in the country and they complied with Government regulations. But the legislation covering the matter should be amended. Everybody concerned did everything that was possible, and the company took prompt steps to get the repair staff to the scene. The company could not l>e held to have been negligent. At the same time citizens who saw wires down should be careful to notify the company at once.— Without retiring the jury returned a verdict of death by electrocution, no blame being attachable to anyone. The jury also added a rider that recommended that representations be made to the Government pointing out the danger of overhead high tension electric wires, and asking that the law he amended in respect of them; and if not found advisable to demand that they be placed underground, that the Government go into the question of some means of making such wires safe, bv insulation or otherwise.