LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 28, 3 February 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The £reat annunl special Stratford Holiday—the Beach Picnic—is to be as closely observed this year as heretofore. All the shops and business premises will be closed, and in order that tlie stall of the “Stratford Post” may take part in tin' excursion, there will be no publication to-morrow, Thursday, February Ith. Private word has been received in Westport (states the Otago Daily Times correspondent) that Mr .1. Liggins, son of the late Mr Liggins, formerly manager of the Union Steam Shi]> Company’s Westport branch, who was studying for medicine and went to the front, was taken prisoner by the Germans, who cut the tendons of both wrists, completely disabling his hands, A case which turned on the question of the legality of rubber stamp signatures engaged the attention of the Young (X.S.W.) Court on 22nd ult. The inspector under the Industrial Disputes Act, proceeded against the council of the municipality of Young for not having paid the award wage, and also for having failed to exhibit a copy of the award. Counsel for the defence took the point that neither the information nor the summons was valid, neither having been signed by a justice of the peace. The signature was affixed by means of a rubber stamp. The magistrate said that the case could not go on. If they allowed papers to be signed with .rubber stain]) signatures, they might some day be hearingcases by telephone. He upheld the objection and the case was struck out.

Six carriages were attached at Strat--1 ford to the 10.11 a.rn. train to-day to cope with the extra traffic to the HaI wera races. About 16U passengers secured tickets at Stratford.

A meeting of ratepayers of the Whanga County will be held at the County offices, Whangamomona, on 23rd February, to hear any objections to the closing of portion of Vera Road.

Weather forecast.—The indications are for northerly moderate to strong winds prevailing and freshening; increasing haze and cloudiness, with change of weather following; barometer falling.—Bates, Wellington.

The XI. Regimental Camp will be held this year at Rewa Rewa (New Plymouth), from 26th February to 10th March. Applications for leave from employers must he in the O.C.’s hands prior to Bth, in order that leave may be arranged.

From time to time men in the territorial forces are asked to volunteer to serve as Non-Com’s. Those who answer the call are put through an examination, upon passing which they are enabled to gain wider experience. It is a highly commendable trait in these young men that in the present stirring times they take such an interest in the service. At a recent examination in Stratford the following promotions were made:—Corporals Schumacher and Davis to Sergeants; Riflemen McDavitt, Till, and Fincham to Sergeant; Lance-Corporal Laurence to Corporal; Rifleman Ellis to LanceCorporal; Rifleman Syme to Corporal; Riflemen Tomlinson and Neal to LanceCorporal.

Probably about tbe last place one would expect to find a piece of English furniture alleged to be 4UU years old would be in an auction room in Christchurch (says the Press). A reporter was shown a table in an auction room which is described as being over 400 years old, and to have been originally a part of the furniture of the refectory of a Berkshire abbey. Upon the dissolution of the monasteries, according to the description and pedigree supplied by the owner, it became a communion table at a parish church, and was subsequently transferred to the rectory. It is of unique design, consisting of two pieces of solid oak, and the top is removable. The legs consist of a centre row of carved balusters with transverse rows at each end. Just at present, whilst awaiting a purchaser, it is being used to display some tempting and very modern plated ware, cutlery, household furnishings, and blankets !

Regarding the rise in prices of liquor in New South Wales, as the result of the findings of the Necessary Commodities Control Commission, the Sydney Daily Telegraph says: In certain numerously-patronised houses in the busiest parts of the city takings have decreased by 30, 40, and even 50 per cent., while at others, the proprietors of which refused to be parties to a general understanding, the attendants have the greatest difficulty' in serving customers. Not a few men who like their drink in moderation, and for years have made a practice of joining a few friends daily over a glass or two, have agreed to do no more “shouting” until prices return to their old level. This type formerly spent 2s or more on his little party in a single “treat” ; now his maximum is 7d—on himself. Other men who preferred beer to spirits, and always purchased it at Gd in a private bar, now patronise the public bars, where they get exactly the same article for 3d.

A pleasant time was experienced at the S'alvation Army Hall last evening, when a welcome social was tendered to Adjutant Cook and Lieutenant Mattingley, the new officers. After the singing of “Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” by the audience, followed by prayer, the following items were pleasingly rendered: Pianoforte selection by Mr Russ; recitation, “The Three Bidders,” Miss Clemow; solo, “The Dear Homeland,” Mrs Walsh; solo, “The Toilers,” Mr La mason; recitation, “Bendigo’s Sermon,” Mr Xicholls; violin solo, Miss Rogers; solo, Mrs Richards-; duet, Misses Everiss; quartette, Mrs Richards, Miss Everiss, Messrs Foster and Russ. Miss Rogers and Miss Everiss acted as accompanists. Short addresses of welcome were made by Mr Geo. Smith, Mrs Elford and Mr Young, with responses by Adjutant Cook and Lieutenant Mattingley. The Adjutant introduced himself by singing a solo which was well received and an encore demanded. Refreshments were then passed round. The evening was brought to a conclusion with hearty thanks to all who had contributed.