Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 June 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

irom our Resident Reporter. THE MODEL DAIRY FARM.

Stratford, Saturday. The Prime Minister has notified Mr. W. P. Kirkwood, president of the Stratford A. and P. Association, that lie will endeavor to arrange to meet the deputation from the association and from the interested dairy factories during the Hawera Winter Show week. The Prime Minister is to be urged to establish a model dairy farm in the Stratford district on an area not exceeding 100 acres. COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING. The Egmont Club debating circle certainly justified its existence on Friday night, when a most interesting and instructive debate took place upon the affirmation that compulsory military training under the present system is good for New Zealand. But for several members electing to speak against their convictions, the debate would probably have been very one-sided, but some good extempore speeches were made by the opponents of the system. The weight of argument, however, was all with the compulsory people, and on a vote the motion was carried. As a visitor to Stratford remarked, the debating powers displayed were of a very high order.

Mr. S. Ward was successful with his motion to change the constitution to that of a Parliamentary Union, and, as Mr. C. D. Sole had already been selected as the leader in next Friday's debate it was decided to ask him to form a Ministry, and outline its policy at the inext meeting, before proceeding with his Government measure entitled, "The Arbitration Act Repeal Bill." The discussion of the arbitration system opens very wide the scope for discussion of labor and social questions, and the debate should be interesting.

It should be noted that there are several members making their first speeches, at which the management is pleased. BERNARD S PICTURES Mme. Bernard has arranged for special orchestral music at His Majesty's Theatre to-night, in honor of His Majesty's Birthday. Probably Herr C. Overbye, the conductor of the orchestra, will contribute a violin solo. Miss Robson has joined the orchestra as pianiste. The big attraction in the new programme is the film entitled "Wild Staghunting in Exmoor," which recently delighted New Plymouth audiences. This is described as undoubtedly the greatest sporting picture ever imported to this country. It depicts a form of sport which is now by no means common, and the hunting of the stag in the picture gives some fine views of forest and dell that the huntsmen traverse before they figure in the final scene—the death. "The Child of the West" is remarkable for the fine work of the new child actress. The quaintness of the Dutch costumes, waterways, and scenes are in themselves most interesting, and "Zuyder Zee" will be installed as a prime favorite. The remainder of the programme is composed of some very fine pictures, scenics and comics bejng, as usual, in good supply. Performance commences at 8 o'clock. GENERAL NEWS. The weather to-day was of'the kind that makes the retail trader look glum. It rained theavily during the greater part of the day, thunder rolled and cannonaded in the near distance, and there was at times vivid lightning. A fanner informed the writer yesterday that in some localities there is still a good growth of grass, which is somewhat remarkable for this time of the year. Mr. E. W. Lewis lias relinquished the management of the Cash Boot Arcade, a position which he has held since the establishment of the business with credit to himself and satisfaction to the pro- | prietary. Mr. Geo. Liddington, who lias been actively associated with the business at the practical end, takes over the managerial reins as from June 1. The Stratford Territorials will parade : to-day at 11.15 a.m. at the District High School for the King's Birthday parade ; and royal salute. (