LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 17, 20 May 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Sydney cablegram states t'at the City Railway Bill, which will be introduced in the coining session, provides for a service of forty r i-exncaily-dliven trains hourly.

Weather Forecast.—The indications are for easterly moderate to strong winds prevailing. There is a prospect of fair weather at times. Expect dull weather with much mist and fog in parts. Barometer unsteady.— Hates, Wellington.

The Public Works Department have placed all order for twenty ballast trucks in Taranaki for the Opunake railway formation works. Ten are to he built in .New Plymouth, five in Stratford, and five in Kltham. Evidently the work is to be pushed ahead.

A large number of members of the A. and P.-Association left by the mail train for Moumahaki this morning to visit the State Farm. Favoured with such glorious weather, the day's outing should prove very enjoyable and instinctive. The party will return this evening. It is very probable that further visits will lie made in the near future.

Hawera has been granted a trotting license, and the initial meeting of members was held last night. About 75 were present, including representatives from all round the Mountain. .Mr Naldor was in the chair, and the proceedings were most enthusiastic. A meeting will he held next Thursday for the purpose of electing office-bearers. It is the intention to get "right off the mark" and hold the first race meeting in July.

A meeting was held a* the A. and P. Association's room last evening to arrange a suitable valedictory to Mr James Thompson, of Xgaere, who is leaving the district. Many of Mr Thomson's friends attended, and apologies for absence were received from about a dozen others, ft was decided that a sub-committee wait on the Xgaere committee with a view to arranging a joint function. The sub-committee will report at a further meeting. Not many years ago, it was usual for people to scoff at the idea of raising tat stock in the billy country outback. To-day, striking testimony of the extent of these miscalculations is afforded by a man Who sold a mob of four-tooth Lincoln Romney wethers for the great price of 30s per bead. The representative of the Gear Company, who made the deal, remarked that during the whole season, in his business round Palmerston and elsewhere, lie had secured only one other line as good either in the fiat or bush districts.

A meeting convened by Mr W. A. Hewitt to discuss the question of forming an Automobile Association in Stratford was held last evening in the Fire Brigade Hall, and a fair number of enthusiasts were present. Mr W. P. Kirkwood, who was elected to the chair, pointed out that such an Association could do a great deal in furthering and protecting the interests of local motorists. They could assist local bodies in keeping up and probably tarring the roads, and for that purpose should be prepared to pay some extra fees other than mere registration fees. Motorists generally objected to toll gates, a s visitors are inclined to leave out of their itinerary a district which has toil gates, and Stratford would suffer accordingly. They could assist the local bodies by having sign posts erected. Taranaki was badly off in this respect, and visitors to the district have great difficulty in finding their way about. He moved that an Automobile Association be formed in Stratford. Mr F. E. Dobson seconded pro forma, but said he favored forming merely a branch of a Club which would cover all Taranaki. Mr Hewitt favored .Mi- Dobsoii's idea. Other speakers were Messrs Newton, Ashton, Young, ami R. Masters. The resolution to form an Asociatison was put and carried. Mi' Kirkwood suggested that a sub-committee be set up to gather information as to rules and regulations and report at next meeting. Mr \\ . H. H. Young moved that Messrs Kirkwood, Hewitt, Dobson and Masters he appointed. Mr Newton seconded, and the motion was carried. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

The Borough Council meet at 7-30 o'clock this evening, when the tenders for the erection of the new Municipal Buildings will be finally discussed. As a light motor car was proceeding along Broadway this morning, one el the front wheel*, broke off. Fortunately neither of the passengers vva*>* hurt. The efforts of foreign traders in Egypt to capture British trade often result in amusing circulars and advertisements. The following is a typical example. ''Jock Watchmaker, Casino Zeitoun, opposit to the Station— We respectly beg to inform British Soldiers that we have opened a special place in Casino Zeitoun for Seling and Mending Watches with guarantee. We hope, that you be so kind to have only a duty to visit our shop. This does nob cost you any trouble. You will do a duty you will please yourself First class Watchmaker with very lower and special prices for British Soldiers."