STRATFORD PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 55, 3 November 1915, Page 8

STRATFORD PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE.

A meeting of tlie general committee oi the Stratrom Patriotic Committee was held yesteruay afternoon, tno chairman (Mr J. H. i>oon; presiding. I

The Chairman said tho mum business oi : the meeting was to consider tho advisability 01 holding a gut stock sale, and for tnat purpose Mr Abraham had beon invited lo give ins opinion on tlie matter.

Mr Abraiiam said Jm had been approached by some farmers 011 the matter of holding a giit stock sale ior tlie second hospital ship, and alter arrangements had been partially completed the fund was closed, so the sale was postponed. The auctioneers in Stratford were quite willing to work in conjunction with tne .Patriotic Committee in holding a good stock sale. Ho suggested that, il arranged, tho sale should be held in January, when feed was plentiful. JSot a great deal of stock came in for the postponed sale, but if one was held now, much more could be expected. In answer to the Chairman's question as to the best month in which to hold the sale, Mr Abroham said January was tho best, as it would give all concerned time to prepare for a large sale. The last sale, held at the commencement of the war, was not worked on a large scale, yet &22U profit was made. Mr J, Masters asked if it had been •suggested that the whole matter should be left in the hands of the auctioneers P »

Mr Abraham replied that it had, and ho suggested that two or three members of the committee should be elected to work in conjunction with the auctioneers. He said the auctioneers were able to do it best, as they were used to the work, and they could arrange with farmers to donate stock when they visited the sales. Mr It. Dingle moved that a gilt stock sale bo held late in January.

Seconded by Mr J. Masters and carried unanimously, Mr Abraham said the most successful way would be to have a representative of the committee—each district to receive entries, and two members to work in conjunction with the auctioneers in arranging the sale. The Chairman said the Patriotic Committee was a very representative committee, and if so arranged that each would receive entries a good sale should result.

Mr Thomas asked in what direction tho funds derived from the sale would bo utilised.

Tho Chairman replied that it was proposed to donate the proceeds to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund.

Mr Dingle said they may be able to give an amount to the Belgian Relief Fund.

Mr Kirkwood said the Wounded Soldiers' Fund was the most important. The Chairman said the Belgian Relief Committee had a strong committee working and it had funds in hand.

Mr Masters moved: "That the auctioneers in Stratford organise i> gift stock sale."—Seconded by Mr Kirkwood. ,Mr Masters said the committee should carry out the suggestion made by Mr Abraham to the effect that two members should be elected to work, with the auctioneers in Stratford. Mr Thomas said it looked as if too much was being put on the auctioneers.

Mr Abraham said he understood the members of the committee would collect entries for the aale. He saad one thing the auctioneers could do would be to announce the coming sale at each sale held in the district. Mr McMillan said the collecting of entries should be left to the committee.

Rev. J. Pattisou said the committee should take the responsibility of the sale. The Patriotic Committee should organise the sale and aceept the oiler of the auctioneers to sell the stock collected. The Chairman said the members should not forget that Stratford had a strong body in the auctioneers. Mr Masters said the auctioneers had volunteered to conduct a sale and the committee were wrangling over giving them permission to hold it. Mr Kirkwood said if the motion was carried he would move that the members of the general committee be authorised to collect stock for the coming sale. Mr Dingle moved as an amendment "That the auctioneers be asked to organise a gift stock sale in conjunction with the Stratford Patriotic Committee."—Seconded by Mr Thomas. Mr Kirkwood moved that the members of the general committee be authorised to collect entries in their various districts and to report to the secretary from time to time."—Seconded by Mr Geo. Sangster and carried.

In answer to a question, Mr Kirkwood said the members of the committee could get as many friends as they liked to help in procuring entries. Mr Thomas said unless the sale was held in January the farmers would not know how much stock they would he able to give. Mr Kirkwood moved, and Mr Coleman seconded, "That Messrs J. Masters and D. J. Malone be elected to represent the committee to work m conjunction with the auctioneers. —Carried. The Chairman said lie did not know how the country districts were progressing in regard to the collecting of money for the Red Cross Fund, and it was time to send the money away. Mr Gernhoefer, Toko, said he had £2OO in hand and he expected to hand it in about the end of the week.— (Applause),