Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 117, 3 October 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

From (iii i- TC'.'sirfnit lit porter.

SCIENTIFIC FARMING

The Egmont Club debaters handled with some skill the proposal to establish a Dominion Academy of Biology. The speeches of some of the members evidenced solid reading, and there was a modicum of common-sense in most of the arguments adduced. Nearly all were convinced that the farming business was not nearly as profitable as it would be if farmers were led to know the exact composition of their soils, and their weaknesses, so that the right fertiliser could be used, and the present great waste prevented—one member sieging that frequently a farmer bought largely of fertiliser that was not needed by his soil, and therefore inoperative. There was the usual taunt from the Opposition that painters, newspaper men, land agents and merchants were endeavoring to teach the farmer a business which the farmer fully understood. What did the farmer want with bacteria? And so on. In reply, the Premier showed that all life was dependent upon the bacteria of the soil, and that only plant life was able to assimilate the fertility of the soil. Without bacteria, without plant life, there could bo no other form of life. In the course of the discussion, answering the charge of "spoon-feeding the farmer," it was shown that of our total exports of about ..£19,000,000 fully £15,000,000 were the product of the soil. { The Bill was carried by a large major-''

Next Tuesday the Rev. Mr. Header aid Messrs. C. D. Sole, J. McAllister .and J. MacMahon, who are to represent the club against the Brotherhood, will affirm the principle that prohibition is a better solution, of the licensing problem than State control. Messrs. Staples, E. Jackson, A. H. O'Leary, R. Mc.K. Morhon and R. Masters were deputed to prepare the Opposition campaign, in order to fully '"extend" the team.

It has been decided to hold the Club v. the -Brotherhood debate in the Parish Hall.

PERSONAL

Mr. "Will" Webster, who has been manager of Mr.-Xewton King's Stratford branch for many years, has resigned his position as from the end of the year. During- his term as manager, Mr. Webster has seen the business make enormous strides, and no doubt much of its success must be attributed to him.

Mr. J. B. Mine, M.P., who has not been too well of late, returned to Wellington by yesterday's exnress.

STRAY PARAGRAPHS

_ The Midhirst Dairy Company has decided to consign its'September-January butter output through Messrs. Xathan & Co., and has sold the January-May output straight out to that firm, but at what figure is not disclosed. Frank Roberts, an old offender, was "lagged" on Tuesday for drunkenness, and was yesterday morning fined 10s aiul costs, in default 24 hours' imprisonment.

To-night a meeting is to be held in the Municipal Chambers to discuss Mr;. Godley's scheme to provide ladies' shooting prizes for the senior cadets. With five companies of cadets in our midst, and a sound patriotic spirit, there is no fear that Stratford will be found backward in coming forward. "Tiny Town" residents were the centre of attraction to-day. Their afternoon and evening entertainments were well attended and hugely enjoyed. The United Band of Hope meeting in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom on Tuesday drew a good attendance. Mr. C. D. Sole presided, and delivered an instructive address on temperance. The musical programme consisted of the following: Solo, Miss Keitha Martin; duets, the Misses Everiss and Messrs D. Everiss and C. Russ; quartette, Misses Everiss and Messrs. D. Everiss and Russ; recitations, Misses Moss, D, Barwick, M. Kelly and Master A. Bound; .humorous reading, Rev. B. Metson; dialogue, Mrs. Boon and Miss 11. Henry. The programme was excellently given. A reminder is given of the farewell social to-night to Mr. E. W. Lewis in the Parish Hall.

A nigger minstrel entertainment and concert, under the auspices of St. Andrew's Ladies' Guild, is being given tonight in St. Andrew's Hall.

BERNARD'S PICTURES

oroilt change of programme to-night at His Majesty's Theatre. The star attractions are no less than "Dick Turpin" and "An Indian Massacre," both of which have delighted great crowds in the large centres of population. "Dick Turpin" is the inspirative genius of many a small boy's adventurous escapades. The , picture is excellently staged, and added interest is lent to it by the fact that many of the scenes were kinematographed on the spots identical with those attributed to his wild and daring exploits. The holding up- of the "London Mai!," and the subsequent encounter with the Bow street runners are brimful of exciting incident. In ''Counsel for the Defence,*' a powerful dramatic subject, cast on popular lines, is portrayed. It depicts a young lawyer defending his qoundam love.—who had married a wealthier man —on a charge of murdering her husband. The acquittal scene .was a "dramatic ma's--1 vpiece. Still another star film is a <■ rring 2000 ft. production, "The Indian Massacre." 'N!r>.des of Winter" is a fine scenic, wh::- "Life in an .Anthill"' is a fine film that gives us a fair idea of the energies and industry of the ant tribe. There are many other films, including some rattling comedies. A special musical programme will be screened at Saturday's matinee. i