Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 85, 27 August 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

From our Resident Reporter. THE W.C.T.U. PROTESTS.

At a well-attended special meeting of the Stratford branch 0 f the W.C.T.U. on Monday afternoon, the following resolutions were unanimously carried: —The members of this Union express their indignation and sorrow that a majority of members in the House of Representatives refused to grant to a very large majority of the electors of this country any reduction in the iniquitous handicap imposed upon them in licensing matters, and we hereby pledge ourselves not to vote for any candidate who supports the three-fifths majority, and to induce others to follow our example.—We, the members of the Stratford branch of the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union protest strongly against any legislation increasing the number of totalisator permits or the publication ot totalisator dividends. In view of the fact that the great evil of gambling amongst our men, women and youths is so fostered by the State-licensed betting machine, we earnestly urge the Government to submit the question of its retention or abolition to a referendum of the people.

A NECESSARY. OFFICER.

Business people are forced to take big risks sometimes, but there is feo reason why they should take unnecessary risks. There is always risk of. fire liy night in congested business areas. 1 This risk is minimised in towns whose population warrants all-night police. Stratford, although fast progressing, and although it threatens to be flooded out with "business people soon, unless the present influx of traders eases off, has not so far reached that stage when the powers that be consider the property of the people is -worth protecting at night. Most towns sport a nightwatchman. So far, or at least latterly, Stratford lias been without one. . A Mr. McGregor, hailing, I think, from Inglewood, has decided to commence business in that capacity in Stratford, demanding as remuneration a sum of one shilling per week from business people in the centre of the town. Not only should he be useful in giving an early alarm in cage ' of fire, but he will he of service in watching for the careless or absent-minded individual who leaves his shop or office' door unlocked.

STRAY PARAGRAPHS.

The rep. football match, or matches, are goitig to draw a 'big crowd of Stratfordites to New Plymouth on Thursday. is surprising to note the number of people, too, who have found that urgent private business necessitates their presence in Xew Plymouth on that day. Stratfordites are requested to note that the up train leaves at a quarter to one o'clock, or ten minutes earlier than usual.

Mr. Barney Fearon, the energetic secretary of the A. & P. Association, is actively engaged in canvassing for members. Latterly he has increased the membership list by seventeen, exclusive of several life memberships, which have been taken up with a view of assisting the Association to erect the people's stand before the next spring show. The scenery for "IT.M.S. Pinafore," originally painted for Timaru, and since then a feature in nnny productbi;?, of this favorite opera, was'sent from Stratford yesterday to Here end* the possibility of Hie Stratford am*.teurs producing the piece in Xew Plymouth •Mr. E. A. Osmond, a ravenous taker of lives, and a very successful one, has been appointed inspector of agencies for the Colonial Mutual Life Office. Congratulations.

"Parliament" will not proceed with the land debate this evening, owing to the 1 tight Hon. the Premier being absent from the seat of Government "upon important affairs of State." Private members' business will therefore be given precedence over Government business at the conclusion of "questions." Mr. C. D. Sole, member for Clutha, will introduce a short Bill to abolish the import duty on boots and sboes. A debate on Freetrade v. Protection should offer ample 6cope for the speaking abilities of our young legislators. Some Stratford youngsters are evidently qualifying for the circus life. On Sunday afternoon four or five little children were in charge of a pony and trap. Sometimes the pony seemed to have charge, but that was a mere detail. One of the party was standing out on the shafts, and another seemed anxious to emulate his example. The little chap with the reins drove on as if this circus performance were nothing out of the ordinary, and apparently they got home all right, as no accident has been reported. A little son of Mr. Fred. Gooc.h fell into n well on Sunday morning, and had a narrow escape from drowning. His brother had the sense to run for assistance, and the youngster was at last landed on terra firma. The well was sixteen or seventeen feet, and as the water is none too warm at this season of the year it will readily be perceived that only prompt assistance saved the little fellow's life.

BERNARD'S PICTURES.

Every item of the present series at His Majesty Theatre is well worthy of a star position on anv programme, and will again doubtless drawn another big crowd to-night and to-morrow. "Tracked Down." an Essany detective drama, proved most popular. Thrilling and etrong. in every scene, this story throbs With melodramatic intensity.* The thirst for gold, with its attendant evil passions, which sever friendships and lower men to the level of brutes, are the constituant points of this remarkable subject, which came in for very loud applause. "The Deputy and the Girl," a Western romance by the same company, was another good item. There are riding incidents in this which fairly takes one's breath away. There is magnificent scenery which is worth seeing for itself, but above all there is a wealth of rich human interest, the touch of pathos that roaches with certainty, and a poetic ending which leaves the onlooker satisfied. '"Tola's Promise" and "The Law and the Ladv" wore two other notable dramas, whilst for scenic splendor, it would be hard to find anything to equal "Glimpses of the Caspian Sea" and "Around the WnrH in Two Hours." Some charming and fairv-likn moonlight scenes were depicted in the former series. On Friday ev.-ning a hein'lit performance for the East. Esrmont, (Stratford) Mountain House fund will he given, and the programme will include a grand series of picturs swnml mi Mount Egmorit.