LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 61, 9 October 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tlie Borough Council uk-cc wawj'ix at 7.30. The Stratford Scottish Society hold their social and dance to-niglit in the Foresters' Hall at 8 o'clock. A compulsory half-day parade of the Territorials ("D" Company) and Senior Cadets (94 and 95 Companies) is called for Thursday afternoon, when members are expected to fall in at the local Defence office. Some of the gullies off the Opunake Road are' a pretty sight at prosent with' clematis and "lawyer" in full bloom. One place just past the Poto Road possesses a magnificent cluster of clematis presenting a remarkable sight as it hangs from the top of a Konini tree, being about six feet in length and three feet wide. On many trees all around there are many smaller clusters.

The overheating of an electric iron is an unusual cause of tire, hut it is one that the public should be warned against. By this means an outbreak occurred recently in the washhouse attached to an eight-roomed house in Dunedin. The iron had been in use'on the previous evening when the power went off, and had been left with the switch on, with the result that it burned through the table, and set the wash-house on fire. Fortunately the fire was noticed before much damage was done.

A very line silken tricolor flag, purchased by subscriptions from New Zealand Boy Scouts, is to be forwarded for presentation to the Boy Scouts of France. The flag measures six feet by four feet, and the flagpole is eleven feet long. This is surmounted by an orb of variegated greenstone, and tipped with a goldplated spike. The motto is "Fluctuatnec Mergitur" above a castellated crown, fluer de lys, gallion, and scroll of leaves with ribbon and cross. The substantial moulded casket lined with blue velvet, is a fine piece of workmanship. It was donated by Messrs Strange and Co., of Christclmrch. The inscription on the inner side of the lid reads: "Presented by the Boy Scouts of Xew Zealand to the ,Bov Scouts of Franco, as a token of 'comradeship, 1916." The flag will be the centre of an interesting ecreimmy at the Basin Reserve after the match of the Boy Scouts from the 'General Post Office this afternoon. During the hearing of th < charge of bigamy against Evelyn May McCoy, at the Auckland Police Court' on Wednesday last, a curious position arose (reports the Star). The police; had a man present as an "exhibit, "'< whom the accused's parents identified, as their daughter's No. 1 husband. As the husband he could not give evidence against his wife. Then £he man with whom accused later went through the form of marriage (after having heard that her first husband had been killed in an accident) was put in the box to give evidence. Mr R. A. Singer,,foj- accused, objected to such evidence. "It has not yet been proved," ingeniously argued counsel, "that this man is not the woman's lawful husband,! and on the .'Usual assumption that an accused person is innocent until proved guilty the witness remains presumptively her husband, and cannot give evidence." Mr E. C. Cutten, S.M., acknowledged the nicety o ft he point, but said that

meantime the man might give evidence subject to a note of objection on the deposition, leaving decision on the point for the Supreme Court judge. As a- matter of fact, however, ' the man did not give evidence, for, as being a person charged with making a false declaration arising out of the circumstances, he was advised by Mr Singer, his counsel, to decline to answer incriminating questions, and he declined to answer the only question put to him by the Chief Detective, his Worship holding that the witness was within his rights in so doing.

The New Zealand Farmers', Co-op. Bacon and Meat Packing Co., Ltd., commences operations on the 16tn" inst. This concern was recently formed to take over the businesses of Messrs W. Dimock and Co., Ltd., The Waikato Farmers' Co-op. Bacon Co.,- The South Taranaki Bacon Co. Ltd., and Auckland Bacon Co., and will be rim in the interests of the farming community. The Company will extend to its shareholder-suppliers the principles of co-operation. The new concern should do a great deal to establish the bacon industry on a sound footing, and there is every indication that the presence of the Farmers' Co-op. Bacon Co. will be instrumental in doing good. • x

OVERLAND MODEL 838 IS FAMOUS FOR ITS GOODNESS. Why buy some little-known car when the famous Overland 83F Model costs only £350 at main ports? The Overland has reputation plus demonstration to back it up—no car can offer more, and all ears don't offer as much. Got a world-famous Overland. Model S3]? is superb value—every possible modern improvement is included. We can point: to big things such las electric starting and lighting, demountable rims, headlight dimmers one-man top, and five-bearing crankshaft. We can point to '['.failed refinements, such as robe ami foot rails, and disappearing binges on the doors. These illustrate the completeness and quality of this handsome? and famous 5-passenger car. Get acquainted with it—for free catalogue and further particulars apply:—A. Ha trick and Co., Ltd.. Wanganui, distributors for North island. J. Donald, agent, Stratford.

The Hospital Board meet to-morrow t 10.30 a.m.

To the strains of the orchestra playing well-known patriotic airs, the audience at His Majesty's" Theatre on Saturday evening heartily cheered as the photos of many local boys were thrown on the screen.

Weathfr forecast: —The indications are for northerly moderate to strong winds prvailing and freshening. Expect dull weather with much mist and fog in parts. Rain probable. Barometer falling.—Bates, Wellington.

Owing to a supply of paper not arriving through war conditions, tbo Mangaweka Settler on Thursday last was issued in half its ordinary swe. In apologising for the appearance of the paper the editor says he trusts readers will not think' the manager Minis got 'em again!"

Householders are reminded that next Sunday night is the time appointed for taking the census throughout the Stratford district. Those householders who do not receive a j

schedule by Saturday next must immediately communic&te with the local Postmaster.

The Press Association states that as the result of the publication by certain newspapers of statements regarding the Dominion Boy Scouts Council, to which exception is taken, it was unanimously resolved at last monthly meeting cf the executive committee to place the matter in the hands of the council;' solicitors.

Coloured flags and a great collection of flowers in gorgeous tints gave Broadway .a particularly bright appearance on Saturday. Much credit is due to all the ladies associated with the Patriotic Committee for their efforts on behalf of the Belgian Belief Fund, and the financial success is very gratifying. When the final figures are to hand, it is anticipate! that there will be quite £IOO to hand, over to this deserving fund. Both patriotic tea rooms and mart were well patronised, and the ladies in charge of their respective departments appreciate the assistance of those, who contributed towards the success of the undertaking.

There was a big crowd outside the Post Office when the Union Jack Flag kindly presented to the Stratford Belgian Relief Fund by-. Mrs Skinner Road, was auctioned. Prior to the sale, Mr G. Curtis, Clnvrman of the Fund, addressed the company on the claims of the fund. Mr G. Pugh wielded the hammer, and the result was excellent. Time after time the flag was sold, and finally, when about £SO was the flag was bought in for £1 by Mr P. L. O'Reilly, who re-donated it for the same purpose, and it now remains the property oi the Belgian Relief Fund Committee.

The Secretary of the Stratford Branch of the W.C.TIU,, supplies the following report: "At the W.C.T.U. meeting on Wednesday the reeent Midhirst tragedy was discussed and the callous treatment of the victim from the drinksellers was indignantly commented upon,: a&'i iwia& also ; the disregard of the Anti-Shouting Act. The injustice of the Act prohibiting women only obtaining i intoxicating drink after six o'chx-k was an insult offered to the women of New 'Zealand, before the whole world, for such an< Act of Parliament had not been made in v.ny other land, and the men who were responsible for the passing of that Bill had proved their inability to make just and equal laws fqr women as for men, for-the drinking among women after that hour is not to be compared with that which obtains among men. Neither are our women more immoral than our men. The unusual procedure of allowing a Liquor Prince to sit in committee and prohibit a large portion of his income was surely laughable; no wonder the petition of the people was thrown out, Mrs Reeve invited the ladies of the Union to meet at her home fortnightly, for the purpose of making garments for the mine sweepers. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 18th."

Breaking and entering.—A man named A. H. Hillock entered the premises occupied by Messrs -Mullen and Marshall on the morning of Monday, 9th October, and took over all the stock at a big reduction. He is now offering the same to the public of Stratford at very advantageous prices. There is a bargain for you. Come along to-day. x