LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 66, 14 October 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Census will be taken throughout the Dominion to-morrow (Sunday) evening. On Monday morning, a number of "our boys" will leave Stratford for camp, and addresses will be given by the Rev. J. C. Madill and Mr J. Masters on the railway station at 8.30. Speaking at the Council.' Chamber last night; Mr Dalton (His Majesty's Trade Commissioner) said: "You hear of excess profits. Excess profits, so far as war contracts are concerned mean a large turnover —that does not mean a large percentage of profit. The War Office paid fabulous prices, but we have had two years of war, and the War Office has learnt what is the actual cost of the produce tion of all the articles it needs, and it is now buying on a percentage of cost."

At a meeting of the Domain Board held yesterday afternoon there were present, Messrs G. N. Curtis (chairi man), T. H. Penn, P. Thomson, and | the secretary (Mr A. D. Stanley). A deputation comprising the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon) and Cr. -T. H. Thompson with tlie Borough Engineer (Mr T. D. Sullivan) wailed on the Board relative to a crusher site. The , Mayor explained that Derby's site originally suggested would, owing to the distance, mean a somewhat heavy expenditure on the Borough for carting. As an alternative, they suggest,*ed that the Board offer a site on the I opposite side of the Patea river, the Borough planting a live hedge round the section, which position faces Page Street. Mr P. Thomson said | he considered it would have provided I a recreation ground, and as such . would also add to the beauty and attractiveness of that part of the river. After discussion, members considered that the. Board might grant a lease on certain terms provided only shingle was removed, and that no building be erected on the laud, but ;is the Board was not fully represented, the matter was adjourned until next week. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Curtis, seconded by Mi Penn, that the Pinus insignis hedge at Kenton Street on the side of Victoria Park be cut down with the object of planting a Lawsoniana hedge at a future date.

Among the passengers on the mail train this morning was a young lady\ clad in khaki costume, gartered, and bearing a Red Cross badge on one arm. A marked military swing in her stride was noted as she paced the platform. Later on, perhaps, it will be no uncommon sight to bee the fair sex in uniform on the station platform ready to" do duty for our boys at the front.

Outbreaks of fire have been numerous in New Plymouth lately, (states a Press Association telegram to-day) incendiarism is suspected. Last night one of the tenants of Mr Newton King's block discovered a n rG

in a sanitary convenience in an alley-way. A few buckets of water extinguished it, but had it gone undiscovered for a little while, the block would probably ave been destroyed, apparently, kerosene was used 'n starting the lire.

"The way the Germans had dug themselves in opens one's eyes," writes an Australian from France. "There are dug-outs built like a house underground, 'the entrance is about 6ft. wiue, and opens into a beautifully tiuu..«iea sitting room, with piush-covoivU settees, chairs, and furniture oj best quality. There are as many as lour or live rooms, all lit up by eicU'.cuy and having electric bells. Hi. sleeping apartments are fully »iu wardrobes, etc., and o.e.i spiiug mattresses, whilst at the i-e«r of the dug-out ia a kitchen, witu stoves and every cooking convenience. Evidently tho Huns thought they had the whole world under their coVuol, and it was only a matter ot time. They even had the walls of the dug-outs papered with floral designs."

Two Dannevirke soldiers at the front have gone through so many experiences together that they have attained almost the close relationship of the Siamese twins, says the Dannevirke "Evening News." Private Palmer, Dannevirke, and Private Sullivan, Rua Roa, enlisted in Dannevirke in the one draft of reinforcements, and left the town together. They went through their camp' training together in the same company, and left New Zealand together in the same boat. The training in England did not separate them, and they found themselves together in theboat that took them to France. They received their baptism of fire together, and, as luck would have it, libth wel'S wounded together. After tliisi what' more natural than that they should find themselves in an English hospital in beds beside each other, while to end this strange and eventful history, two former Dannevirke nurses looked after them.

Letters were recently sent by the New Zealand Catholic Federation to the members of the Government in regard to the Kitchener memorial scholarships, which are to be provided out of a fund started by a donation of £IOOO by the Hon. R. H. Rhodes. The scholarships are to be for the children of fallen soldiers, and the federation urged that if the child of a Catholic soldier won such a scholarship he should be allowed to take it out at a Catholic educational institution; approved by the authorities. In hi's reply the Hon. R. H. Rhodes wrote: "Referring to the question raised by you as to the eligibility of a boy attending a Catholic school to win such a scholarship, such 3. position never occurred to me, for the reason that I gave the money without any conditions whatever, and never gave them a thought. I left the form of the scholarship and the conditions entirely to the Council of Education, the scheme, of course, to be submitted^to the Government for approval. I admit at once that Catholics have responded most liberally, and have shared the same perils as those of other denominations, and have laid down their lives with equal loyalty, and it is my earnest desire that no child, of whatever denomination, should be debarred from participating in the benefit of the scheme." The Hon. G. W. Russell wrote: "I agree with your contention that a Kitchener scholarship won by a Catholic child should be allowed to be undertaken at a Catholic seminary approved by the authorities; otherwise Catholic children would be debarred from participating in the benefits of the scheme, which is intended to be a recognition of the patriotism and self-sacrifice of all New Zealand soldiers. I am not aware of the terms upon which Colonel Rhodes has made his gift. Upon them his decision must, of course, be final."

At His Majesty's Theatre to-night, through the courtesy of Mr McAllister, photographer, who has Kindly supplied tlie negative plates, tne management will scre,cn several new pictures of Stratford boys.

A successful "cob-web" social and entertainment was held in the Metbodist Schoolroom last night, being presided over by Mr E. G. Foster. Com sidering the short time the children naa been trained, they carried out their parts creditably, the singing heing'inuch appreciated. There was a good attendance, and the financial result will, help to reduce the piano fund, for which object the social evening had been arranged.

At the Pembroke Road Schoolroom last evening there was a good number of people present to farewell Troopers E. and F. Miers, who are leaving for the firing line and have the good wishes of all. Wristlet watches were presented by Mr R. Rogers in a fitting speech, after Which dancing took place. The orchestra, in which Messrs Lester" Bros, an* 1 Mr and Miss Harrison gave their services, was much appreciated. Mr A. Belcher acted as M.C. in his usual capable manner.

At the social at Midhirst on Thursday night, presentations were made to five boys who are off to the war. The Chatfman of the Committee (Mr W. Mountford) made some very suitable remarks when the principal part of the function took place. Smoking outfits were handed to Privates Treves (2), Hughes, and Hartigan, and. military brushes to Privates Hlamblyn and Bryant. The factory employees, through Mr Mountford, also presented Private Bryant with a wristlet watch. One of the best items during the evening was a patriotic recitation by Mr A. F. Wilson whose name was inadvertently omitted from the report of the social appearing in yesterday's issue.