Stratford News.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 170, 24 January 1912, Page 3

Stratford News.

BOROUGH COUNCIL "SCENE." THE AIR CLEARED—IN COMMITTEE. At the December meeting of th-e Borough Council, readers will remember, a scene occurred at the Stratford Borough Council meeting,! Dr. Paget, in the heat of d'ebate, referring to Cr. Morison in terms to which he objected. The Mayor requested a withdrawal of the offending language, but Dr. Paget preferred to teave the room. It was then stated that an apology must b-e made before the offending councillor would be allowed to resume his seat. The council elected to go into com-i mittee last night in order to allow Cr. Paget to make an explanation or withdrawal. At the conclusion, of the committee proceedings no report was made, but a councillor has stated that the remarks were unreservedly withdrawn in a most gentlemanly manner. Cr. Paget is always an out-and-out opponent 4f public affairs being transacted in committee.

"A NICHT Wl* BURNS."

The committ'ee in charge of the arrangements for "a nicht wi' Burns," or a "Burns supper," on Thursday night, have held their final business meeting. Ticket sales were reported at over a hundred, and it was stated that there would probably be a number of "brither Scots frae ither toons," who would be in addition to the present ticket holders. Accordingly, special provision .has been made for these guests. Tire programme committee reported having secured a capital selection of musical items, practically all Scotch, and including "There was a boy was born in Kyle," "Mary," "Duncan Gray," and other songs dear to the regular, patron of Scotch gatherings. The idea of holding a procession to the hall before the dinner was abandoned, and it was decided that only the pipers should march, this matter heirfe' left in the hands of Piper Jas. Wad'e. Mr. W. Elder, himself a recent arrival from "the land o' cakes," who has been given the catering, assured the committee that everything was wVll forward ™ d * he "haggis," oat cake, :"roastit and bikd meats, and so .on, and all fine usual dishes at a Burns dinner would be provided in abundance. Mr.W. L. Ken-J nedv has definitely promised to -take th'e { chair, with Messrs. G. gangster and A. Mackintosh as croupiers, or vice-i chairman. "The Immortal Memory of! Burns" will be pronosed bv Mr. D Max- ) well. The toast list is fairly lengthy, and a really good evening's amusement has been prepared for the guests. During the evening a short break will be ' made m the festivities to allow of the formation of a Scottish Soci'ety

IMPROVED ROAD MACHINERY. BOROUGH COUNCIL PURCHASING A STEAM ROLLER. A special meeting;, of the Borough Council was held on Monday night to discuss the question of acquiring a steam' road roller. In the absence of the Mavor, Cr. N. J. King presided. The Works and Finance Committees presented a report on the Btate of the Council's finances and the different types of machines submitted. "We have been into the question of finance," thev re-i ported. |'and find that on the 31st March. next, th'e end of our -financial year, our • overdraft will be approximately '£l4oo-. or £llOO less than at 31st March, Ml." Under the circumstances the committees recommended the purchase of road roller and scarifier at once. LettVrs were read.from Messrs. Nowton King and the local manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co.. with reference to plant for which they were agents, and from Messrs W. E. Porter and Co.;"..and the commit: fee had had. an interview with a Mr. Anderson re the Xveling and Porter machinery. Mr. Spalding, representative of Messrs. Huston, Proctor and Co., waited on the .council. , . The council discussed the matter, and eventually, on the motion of Cr. Pagfet. the report was referred back to the committees for a report on the cost, etc., of the various machines tinder offer; t<ft give.- local agents a change to submit tenders; and to allow of the various plants in Taranaki inspected by or reported upon to the council.' RIFLE SHOOTING. Messrs. Campbell Jackson, Chas. Speck and E. Brocklebahk, members of the Stratford Rifle Club, set out to-col' lect£2o towards the "prize fund of the Taranaki Rifle Association meeting to

* From Our Resident Reporter. * * Office: No. 3, York Chambers, Stratford. * * * *************'******************

be held at New Plymouth next week. They must have been very persuasive, for they hit the target easily, and went £1 os better. The following are the Stratford subscribers:—Mi. J. B. Hine, ■ M.P., £2 2s; Messrs. J. Masters i Mayor), Newton King, John Petirie, i Wm. G. Malone, Stratford Post, Dr. Car- ; bery, Spence and Stanford, W. A. Hewi itt, Campbell Jackson, Chas. Speck, £1 ■ Is each; W. H. Besley, R, Boon, Wake ; and Wright, T. C. Fookes, W. P. Kirk--1 wood, 'F. S. Pollock, A. Ferguson, Jimmy ; Lee, 10s Cd each; J. Fitzgerald, 10/-; C. Diamond, 5/,6; Hallenstein Bros., A. | O'Leary, Ed. Jackson, D. J. Malone, A. j W. Reid, T. Mercer, E. B. Stohr, Alex. i Mackay, U. E. James, R. H. Larter, 5s each; R. M. Robinson, 2s 6d. DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES. SOME HELP* FROM STRATFORD. On Monday afternoon a sale of work and garden party at Mrs. W.. Morant Bayly's residence had for its object the raising of funds for Dr. Barnardo's Homes. The function proved delightful to all concerned. A marquee had been' erected on the lawn, and here a dainty' afternoon tea was served, presided over }bj the Misses Dorothy and Ngaere Bayly. Miss Joyce Munro, assisted by Miss Wilson, had charge of the toy stall and bran tub. For months past Mrs. Bayly and the Misses Bayly have worked with, a view of raising a substantial cheque in aid of this great and deserving institution, which exists for the reception and improvement of the homeless poor of Great Britain, and the goods stall in the dining-room, presided over by Mrs. Bayly herself, testified to the | persistency of their efforts, whilst the disposal of\the goods seemed to be a' very satisfactory sequel to their labors.) Amongst those present were: Mes- ; dames Glasgow, Fookes, Young, Mackay, Copping, T: H. Penn, Dingle, Elliott (Waitara), Ford (Auckland), Wilson, Lonergan, Curtis, Paget, Steven, Chinchen, Wake, Porritt, Hudson, the Misses M. C. Mackay, Anderson, Stubbs, Penn, Wilson, Rennell, McLean, Penn, Beattie, and Blewit.

ODDFELLOWSHIP. f DISTRICT OFFICERS' VISITS. , The District Officers paid an official visit on Monday night to the Oddfellows' Lodge at Midhirst. The officers, who were accorded full lodge .honors, were Bro. S. G. Burgess, Prov.G.M.; Bro. SnOwden, Deputy Prov. G.M.; and Bro. C. E. Bellrjnger, Prov. C.S. Bro. Jones, N.G., vacated the chair in favor of the Prov. G.M., P.P.G.M. Bro. Hancock and P.G. Bro. Mountford, on behalf of the lodge, extended to the visitors a very hearty welcome. In responding, the visitors congratulated the members of the lodge on its continued progress, the membership toll and finances both showing a satisfactory improvement. There was a very fair attendance of members. The district officers will visit Kaponga next Monday, Te Kiri Tuesday, and Toko Wednesday. Stratford Lodge will' be visited bri Monday, February 4.

GENERAL. } Mrs T. Tiehbon. of Wellington, and for- ■• merly of Stratford, is re-visiting the town. There is a probability of his again taking up his residence here. The Rev. J. .Clover, /or years a wellbeloved pastor 'of the Primitive Methodist Church at Stratford, arrived here on Monday night from Christchurch (where he had been • attending the conference), en route to Hamilton, where he is at present stationed. He is staying with his daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. and;Mr.C. ! Birkett. Mr. Clover looks as fit as .ever, and declares that there's, lots of work in him yet, although he has been actively ministering for 39 years. ■• Mr. Joseph Mackay, a former chairman of tie Stratford County Council,, and now of New Plymouth, is re-visiting Stratford. Mr. J. B. Hirie, M.P., left this morning 1 for Auokhmdr *here he will attend' a 'rally" of. the Opposition Party.