LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 52, 4 March 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Why the high price of bread? writes a correspondent. Is it on account of tlie scarcity of flour? One would not think so to see a consignment of fifteen tons of flour direct from Wellington, being carted yesterday from the railway station to a local baker's. I

At the annual meeting of the Auckland Poultry Keepers' Association last night it was resolved that a further request be made to the Government for a supply of wheat for the use of poul-try-keepers, and that the Government bo asked to ascertain the price of fowl wheat in others markets with a view to importation.

The degree of Doctor of Science, which was conferred upon Mr C. E. Adams, F.R.A.S., New Zealand Government Astronomer, who is in residence at the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, California, for a year, was awarded by the University of New Zealand for his thesis on "The Harmonic Analysis of the Tides."

An interesting event at New Plymouth's pott, Motorua, on the 15th hist., it is said, will be the berthing of the 7000-tonner, Port Phillip, which is bringing 800 tons of material for the proposed tramways in New Plymouth. "One who knows" offers to bet that the harbor authorities will berth the steamer within thirty minutes of the commencement of operations.

A very attractive programme has been arranged for the Grand Swimming and Water Polo Carnival to be held ill the Baths on the evening of March ' 18th, Besides the principal swimming events for the "cracks," there will be swimming races for school girls, boys, ladies, also a 75-yards' District High School championship. The water-polo and relay race will also provide very keen competition, as teams are expect, ed from New Plymouth, Inglewood and Hawcra to try conclusions with our local swimmers.

It is understood that the Government has commandeered all the meat on the hooks in the freezing works in the .'Dominion, including of course, Borthwick's at Waitara, for the use of the Imperial authorities. In this connection the "Waitara Mail," says: One effect of the Imperial Government commandeering the meat supplies from the Dominion will probably be that the export of boned meat will lie largely curtailed, if not ceased altogether during the currency of the war, as the army authorities do not want such meat. We have not heard authoritatively ,but Ave do not expect to see "boners" coming to the Wai-| tara Works for a time. [

A pleasing installation ceremony took place last evening, when Bro. T. E. Coleman, J.W., was installed as W.M. of the Stratford Lodge (No. 75). A large number of brethren were present to take part in the ceremony, including visitors from Hawera, Eltharn, Inglewood, etc. Those officiating included Rt. Wor. Bro. Sargent, Pro. G.M.; Wor. Bro. T. C. Fookes, P. Pro. G.M.. ; Wor. Bro. J. H. Bleakley, W.M. (St. John's, Eltham) j Wor. Bro. F. S. Joints, W.M. (Ngamotu Lodge); Wor. Bro. Evans (Hawera); Wor. Bro. G .Smart, P.M.; Wor. Bros. J. McAllister, 1.P.M.; W. H. H. Young, P.M.; T. G. Grubb, P.M.; Wor. Bro. F. E. Dobson, P.M.; Wor. Bio. T. Asher. The officers appointed were: Bro. T. E. Coleman, W.M.; Wor. Bro. J. McAllister, I.P.M. ; Bro. C. H. Speck, S.W.; Bro. W. H. Besley. J.W. ; Wor. Bro. F. E. Dobson, P.M., Treasurer; Wor. Bro. G. Smart, P.M., Secretary; Wor. Bro. F. Copestake. Chaplain; Wor. Bro. T. G. Grubb, P.M., D.C.; Bro. .1. H. Ashton. ,1.1). ; Bro. E. A. Drake, I.G. ; Bro. .1. H. Thompson, organist; Bro. E. Corlett, S.S.; Bro. H. E. Lawrence, J.S.; Bro. W. H. Webb, Tyler. After the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Foresters' Hall, when supper was served, Mrs Brooking catering for the company in her usual good style. A pleasant social evening was brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Svne.

The X.Z.L. and M.A. Co., Ltd., are in receipt of the following from their London office:—"Merino strong demand, Americans, and Russians operating. Compared with sixth February, grease is ten, scoured flfteen, crossbred slipe scoured par to 5 per cent higher. -Market firm. Crossbred greasy at advances quoted February 23rd."

At the Eltham Magistrate's Court yesterday Frank Farrell, tobacconist, of Bridge Street, Etham, was charged with keeping his shop open for the sale of goods after the hour of 5.30 p.m. Mr R. Spence, Stratford, appeared for defendant.—Mr Arnold, Inspector of Factories for Taranaki, gave the only evidence for the prosecution, that the shop was open at 6.10 p.m. on the 20th January.—Mr Spence submitted that defendant's business was that of a tobacconist and he was therefore allowed under the Act to keep open until 8 p.m.—F. Farrell gave evidence on his own behalf. In answer to Mr Spence Mr Farrell said his stocks were SO per cent tobacco and 20 per cent sports goods. His sales showed the. same proportions.—ln answer to the inspector, Farrell said his sports business at present was only a small one. He was endeavouring to work it up.— Mr Avery, wholesale tobacconist, of New Plymouth, gave evidence that from his knowledge of the defendant's business it was essentially a tobacconist's.—His AVorship intimated that his decision would be reserved.—Argus.

The Garden Fete held yesterday afternoon and evening at the Manse in aid of the Belgian Fund proved a great success from all points of view. The grounds were crowded from 2.30 p.m., when the fete commenced, till well on into the evening. Mrs Pattison proved an entertaining hostess. Mr J. B. Hine, M.P., who was to have opened the fete, tendered an apology for his unavoidable absence, but sent a substantial contribution. Croquet (under the direction of Miss Prentice), and putting (supervised by Mrs Budd), proved very popular, and owing to the generosity of the Stratford Electrical Supply Company, who supplied the lighting, and Mr George Smart, who installed the plant free of cost, these games were able to be played during the evening as well as in the afternoon. The harmonograph kindly lent and manipulated by Mr Clayton afforded a unique and interesting exhibition. Mr T. I. Lamason, who showed great interest in the fete, supplied the .tent, and .erected same free of cost, while also making a donation of fruit. The refreshment stall in the capable hands of Mesdames Lawrence, Blocklebank, Smart, Mackey, Tucker, and Miss Ida Stanton was very v/c 1 ) rmfrnnised, as was also the fruit and sweet stall under the direction of Mesdames Stewart and Steven. In the evening a musical programme, which was greatly appreciated, was gone through, the Eg mo "t Orchestra giving numerous selections. The soloists were Misses Mackey, Sangster. Fieldes and Williamson. Local Presbyterians greatly, appreciated the large patronage accorded the fete, which will insure a good sum being handed oved to this worthy cause.