LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 7, 7 August 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At, a recent entei'taimnent for soldiers at Carterton, a feature of the evening was a waltzing competition for men, in which sixtv soldiers took part. The winners were 'Corporals? 7> r :,i and Poylp (Haw-era"), first: Private:; . Al. Chainey (Toko) and C. Vickers (Mklhirst), second.

The dates for the holding of tin

Stratford A. and P. Association's annua] show have been fixed for November 29 and 30.

A very successful market and tea room was conducted by the members of the Ladies' Patriotic Committee on Saeturday. Good business was done throughout the day and the proceeds should considerably augment the Committee's funds.

Mr P. H. Beero, of the Agricultural Department will give a demonstration of removing veils from calves at the Cheal Koad factory to-morrow. The question of getting a sufficient supply of rennet is a very important one at the present time and every farmers in the district should attend the demonstration.

Weather forecast.- -The indications are for variable and strong breezes, but easterly moderate to strong winds prevailing and veering by south to west, then freshening. Expect dull weather with much mist and fog in parts. Rain probable. Barometer unsteadv, but has a rising tendency temporarily.—Bates, Wellington.

On Friday evening, a soc\ii| was hold in the Bird Road School in aid of the Red Cross Society. A good musical programme had been arranged" several performers commg from Stratford and Midhirst to assist. The thanks of the promoters is due to Mr Edmondson, who kindly played all accompaniments, and also to those who so generously contributed to the fund". A framed picture presented by Mr E Tichbon realised £1 10s, and was won'by Mr W. Baker. Contributions in the room amounted to £3 12s. and a former collection of £1 10s brought the total amount to £7 12s, which will be handed to the Xgaere W.C.T.U. for distribution.—Correspondent.

There is just to band the seventh issue of the "Municipal Handbook of New Zealand," which has been published biennially since 1903. The bookis larger than its predecessors and Mfc Malcolm Fraser, F.S.S., Government Statistician, has produced a most serviceable record of various placcs-.and facts in Now Zealand. "It will be observed that although the period of settlement in New Zealand covers little more than a lifetime, the principal towns possess all of the conveniences and many of the luxuries that modem civilisation renders, possible to the citizens of older countries," states an introductory paragraph on boroughs in the new issue. Every effort has been made to make the volume of useful information, carefully arranged for easy reference by those "who are directly interested in local government, or by students of municipal development and management.

Ngaere correspondent writes:—Although the weather was anything but fine, a very pleasant "evening was spent at Ngaere on Friday last. A progressive euchre party and dance was held in the honour of Lance-Cor-poral Wilkie, who is in Ngaere on final leave. M,any N S aere residents were present, and alter an interesting euchre tournament, which was won by Miss D Callaghan and Mr J. Whisnewski, in a few very well chosen words. Mr W. J. Morrison spoke of the esteem in which Mr Wilkie was held, and on behalf of the Ngaere people, presented him with a wristlet watch. Mr Morrison's speech was much appreciated by all who heard, it, and the Ngaere friends were very proud of their spokesman. Before the evening was brought to a close, "Auld Lang Syne," "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and "God Save the King," were sung heartily, and ringing cheers went up for the brave soldier who was leaving to fight for Ins Country. The excellent dance music was kindly supplied by Miss Walker, Messrs Parker. Walsh (2), and Coleman (2), while Mr N. Coleman made a capable M.C.

According to the Municipal Handbook for 1915, which is just to hand, the Stratford Borough, constituted in 1898 has an estimated population of :W7C>! with an area of 1920 acres. the rateable value (unimproved) being £216,827. Information concerning the several municipal enterprises and general matters relating to the borough are to be found in the Handbook, and u.is is fairly accurate, but the exception proving the rule appears in the reference "to Stratfords's street-light-ing, of which it is said: "Lamps are lit every night all the year round when the machine in the power house starts and is turned off at daylight when the machine stops!" This is just twelve months behind the times.