LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 58, 30 June 1914, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

“Australia and New Zealand are full of aspiring reciters and public speakers,” says W. A. Somerset in the July issue of “Life,” just to hand, and in order to satisfy some at least of the aspirations of these would-be orators Mr Alexander Watson, the famous English elocutionist, explains in an interview his methods of vocal training and elocution.

The Mayor of Dannevirke (Mr E. A. Ransom) and Dir T. M. M ilford, M.P., have something in common (says the Dannevirko New,s). In introducing the latter to the audience at the Tow n Hall ou Monday night, Dir Ransom mentioned that they had both been horn near the place known as the Black Bridge, Lower Hutt; they had played marbles together; had gone so far as to inspect neighbouring orchards together —there were not so many Government inspectors then; they had played football in the same team, with Dir DD ilford as captain; and Dir Milford had been elected to the proud position of Mayor of M’ellingcon in the same year as the speaker had been elected Mayor of D»im«virke,

Mr J. B. Richards reports having sold Mr I). S. Glasgow’s property at Toko, consisting of 2138 acres, to Mr Ewen Jackson, it is understood the price is between £25,090 and £30,000. ♦if. |) The President of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr J. B. Richards) has received a letter from the secretary of tin local committee inviting the members of the Chamber to be present at to-morrow’s function at Whangamomona. It was resolved at the last Waimate County Council meeting that the Council's men resident throughout the county be each given a dozen fruit trees to plant at their cottages, provided that they first provide efficient shelter. Five civil cases and one application to take evidence are set down for Friday’s sitting of the Court. Charges of being drunk while driving a horse, allowing horsed to trespass on the railway, driving a motor car without lights, and failing to attend camp will also be dealt with.

A Press Association Telegram from iaumarunui this morning states: The i'aumanmui-Ohakune mail bag, which was stolen from the train a, week ago, was found on Sunday unopened close to the Taumarunui post office. The police inquiries so far are without result.

The bagpipes will be much in evidence at the Stanley Road school social on Thursday, as no less than four pipers will be performing. The grand march which is to open the dance following the social will be led by the pipers. A visitor from Wellington in the person of Miss Rising, who comes with a reputation as a fine contralto, is set down for items during the evening,and will also appear in a duet with Miss Sangster.

The Foxton "Borough Council last night appointed Mr Hamilton, of Wanganui. out of twenty applicants, to the position of manager of the municipal gasworks. The Press Association adds that the Council to-day are conferring with Mr Blackman, of Masterton, re extension of the works and erecting pumps and retorts. Tenders are to he called immediately for the necessary extensions in England and New Zealand.

All arrangements have been completed for-the celebration of Whangamomona’s red-letter day, and everything points to a successful function. For the convenience of Stratford visitors a special train, for which excursion fares will be issued, will leave Stratford at 10 a.m. to-morrow, leaving Whangamomona on the return at 4.15 p.m. The official opening of the section will be performed at the station at 1 o’clock by the Minister for Railways, the Hon. W. H. Herries, and a luncheon will follow immediately. The day will be wound up with a social in the evening.

The New Zealand Times says: Two brothers named Peter and John McLaughlin, belonging to Waipuku, Taranaki, went to Wellington about a fortnight ago, presumably" each with a large cheque. On Friday", while walking down Upper Willis Street, it is alleged under the influence of liquor, Peter McLaughlin slipped, striking his head heavily on the pavement. He was removed to the hospital, where he died at about 11 o’clock. It is thought that death was due to an internal injury. The brother was arrested by the police on a charge of drunkenness, and was remanded for a week for medical treatment.

The half-yearly meeting and installation of officers of the 1.0.0. F., MU., was held in the Foresters’ Hall last night, there being a record attendance. N.G. Bro. E. W. Hancock, presided. Two new members were initiated into the Order. P.G. certificates were presented to Bros. E. Ireland, J. Harston, W. Dwyer, S. Thompson and W. Webb by P.P.G.M. Bro. 'Sole, each recipient suitably" responding. The following officers were elected for the ensuing six months:—G.M., Bro. E. W. Hancock; X.G., Bro. A. Gorton; V.G., Bro. O. H. Lawn; Guardian, Bro. G. King; Warden, Bro. Summerhayes; E.S., Bro! J. Harston; R.S. to N.G., Bro. T. Lawson; L.S. to N.G., Bro. Cramer; R.S. to V.G., Bro. W. Webb; L.S. to V.G.. Bro. B. Harston. Bro. Harston (delegate to the Friendly Societies’ Hospital Association) gave his report of the meeting, and was accorded a vote of thanks.

Dliss Doyle, employed as barmaid at the Masonic Hotel, M r aitara, had a painful experience on Friday afternoon (states the Dlail.) She detected what she thought was an unwholesome smell about the bar. and she sent the porter out to purchase a bottle of lysol. On it coming to hand, she poured some out into a glass, and diluted it a little with water, then sprinkled the liquid about the floor. Being called upon to serve a customer, she put the glass down. A couple of minutes later she was asked to pour out a drink for herself, and putting her hand on the glass with the lysol, unthinkingly, she drank it. The poor girl was immediately in great pain. Dr. Campbell was sent for, and later Dr. Blackley, from New Plymouth. The stomach. pump was applied, but for some time it seemed that the effect would be fatal. However, after about four hours, the girl seemed better. On Saturday she was taken to the hospital.

The sales of roses on Alexandra Day realised £20,000, states a London' cablegram. An extra heavy Berkshire sow was recently killed by Mr David M'Donald, of Balfour. The animal (says the Mataura Ensign) turned the scale at 407i1b, dressed weight. To those residents of Stratford and district who have not been “out to \Vhanga,” the opportunity afforded by the special train to-morrow, should bo largely availed of. Apart from the interest aroused by the material nature of the trip, as embodied in the ceremonies to be witnessed, the outing is bound to be a pleasant one, which can be made with a minimum cost in time and money. The excursion train will land its passengers home again in Stratford about six o’clock in the evening.