STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 252, 23 March 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER. Offii ■ and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs). Telephone No. 113.

ENTERTAINMENTS BERNARD'S PICTURES. The new programme which is to bft screened to-night win provide lovers of moving pictures with all tlie excitement they require. The inevitable love-story is this time woven round the doings of a Kanteh girl and a naval officer, in itself rather an unusual combination, apart from the fact that the picture introduces a wild rush of tigers, which goes as ne-ir to actual tragedy as the limits of ttie film can touch, "in addition/The viirl and the Tiger," as the picture is called, gives a valuable insight into Indian life. The A.B. Company hnf a.ways been noted for dramas which gri;i. and their latest production, "His Secrci," is no exception. It is a drama wi',': a plot far too good to be appreciated unless it is actually seen. "A Slight. Misunderstanding" is an amusing comedy of errors which produce irresistible situations and many hilarious moments. In addition, there is a well-assorted supporting programme of the latest sccnics, comedies and and a selection of music, that greatly enhances the pleasure of patrons.

TOWN UALL PICTURES. The reputation of the management is being Wei sustained in the admirable series of films to be screened to-night. It is difficult, indeed, to give praise to one picture more than another, the whole series being- well calculated to please the most fastidious taste. _ A special feature is made of the musical portion of the programme, and this gives an added pleasure to the audience. THE MAYORALTY

Signs of .1 contest for the Mayoral chair arc already in evidence, and move than one candidate is mentioned as likely to stand against the present Mayor, who. it Is understood, is certain to seek re-election. There is some talk of the occasion being utilised as a test of tlio v views of the ratepayers on the electric light question in connection with the extended.license which is being applied for hv the company, and the granting of which is opposed by the majority of the Borough Council. There are three questions involved— (aj That of the borough exercising its right of purchase: (b) the payment for goodwill, and (c) the position of affairs as between the borough and the company at tlie expiry of the present concession.

STRATFORD MOUNTAIN CLUB. | (By Alpenstock). | When the Stratford Mountain Club ; was first formed it was hoped that the membership would eventually mount to the 200 mark, but few expected that within a few weeks of its formation 1!() members would avail themselves of the many privileges the small membership fee of 2s lid entitles them to. The object of the club is to foster and promote in every possible and conceivable way and manner the interests of tue mountain and the Stratford Mountain HoUse in particular. Even at this early stage of its being, the work of the energetic officers is visible, fmmediavely one reaches the outer fringe of the bush on Esrmont's slopes, a large sign inscribed "To the Mountain House" is placed conspicuously at the top end of Pembroke road. At the radius lino , another sign enlightens the tourist of the fact that the house is 2% miles further on, and the intervening space is placarded with signs in telegraphic ' form indicating the distances in halfmiles. At the house, which is only nine miles from the railway station, and picturesquely situated in the midst of mountain birch trees after one of the most glorious drives imaginable through the bush, the club has been particularly busy. Signs galore are observed "on all sides—"To the Crow's Nest," "To the Summit," "To Curtis' Falls," "The Fairies' Walk." etc.. are but a few that have gladdened the heart of Mr. Williams, the caretaker, . who proudlv points to them as "My library." Then, again, as the ascent is made from the house to the famous Manganui Gorge, the distance has been surveyed and marked in half miles hv the president, Mr. J. B. Richards, who is honorary surveyor to the club, and the signs, which are now ready, are to be erected immediately. Two, one on either side of the gorge, indicate the best wav to the summit. Through the generosity of Mr. Ted. Jackson, who is a member of the club, a large bath h;is been installed in the main hostel, and a 100-gallon tank has been placed near one of the higher houses, and connectvt with the bath bv means of pipes tins giving ample water supply for bathers, who. no doubt, will appreciate Mr. Jackson's gift to the full. The genial secretary, Mr. Tom. Kirkwood, has spared himself in no way. His übiquity is little short of marvellous, as many visitors to Stratford can testify. They eame to Stratford, were met by the secretary, and left as members of the Mountain Club—and minus 2s 6d.

THE A. & P. GYMKHANA

Glancing through the schedule of tin; Stratford Gymkhana, to he held on Easter Monday next. April 15, one cannot help being struck by the novelty of the events. In the first place, amateur athletes are catered for by three flat races. 100, 220 and 440 yards. The athletically minded can here find something to interest them. To say that athletic events have lost their savor for the public is incorrect, as the average person il just as keen as ever to witness a good race. This was evidenced hy the interest that was taken in the Tradesmen's Handicap at the recent carnival. The winner of that event is still in training, and several more are doing light I j work with a view to participating in a like event at the gymkhana. Children I will find plenty to amuse them in the pony trotting and jumping events, child- | ren's races and lolly scrambles. Trot- ( ters have two, races allotted to them, a mile and a mile and a-half handicaps. These events always draw a good entry, and, judging by entries already re- | ceived, this year will be a record. Trotting as a sport is rapidly coming to the | front, as, in addition to the sporting side, the trotting horse has a utilitarian value as well. Horsemen have three events for their benefit, maiden and open hunters and a leaping competition. 1 These events are always brimful of interest to tlie public. The ladies have the ladies' driving and the harnessing

and unharnessing competitions. The sheep dog trial, run on similar lines to that at the recent show, is certain to bring out some remarkable performances by man's best friend, and should in itself be worthy of the small admission charged. The novelty events include tug-of-war, sheaf-tossing, buekjumping7 Victoria Cross race, motor car and fowl competition, and apple-bobbing. Vho committee is endeavoring to arrange fr,r a sensational novelty, never before shown in the Taranaki district, and, if successful, will be advertised later. Schedules will be posted to any address on application to Mr. B. Fearon, secretary.

MAGISTRATE'S COURT. A sitting of the Court was hold on Friday before Mr. W. ("!. K. Kenriek. S.M. BREACHES OF BY-LAWS. (r Butler, for driving without limits, was fined 10s, and costs 7s E. Kindberg, for cycling without, a light, was fined 20s, and costs Is. L. Webster, for driving without lights, was fined 20s, and costs 7s. In the case of Olive Painter, for rid.ing a bicycle without a light, a conviction was recorded, but no ponaltv imposed. W. S. Cato, for driving without lights, was fined ss, no costs bcincr imnosed. NOXIOUS WEEDS. For failing to destroy noxious weeds, the following fines, with 7s costs in eacli ease were imposed :~-J. Forbes £3, Robert Coote £5, H. Langman £5, A Barlow £5. DEFENCE DEFAULTERS. For failing to attend drill. Maurice Bowler was fined £2, and costs 7s (in default 14 days' military detention); V\. v\. dickers, 20s, and costs 7s (in default 7 days'); C. I). R. O'Xeill, 20s. and costs 7s. TENNIS. STRATFORD v. NEW PLYJIOUT::.

The above dubs mot here on Thursday and some keen contests resulted. The local ladies, were mostly unsuccessful in the singles, but the plav on the whole was fairly even, as the result shows. Stratford winning bv one match, though New Plymouth had the advantage in the games, their score being 151 as against Stratford's 128. The lollowin." are the results, New Plymouth being mentioned first in each case:— MEN'S SINfiLE.I Webster 12. v. Anderson (i; Wilson (i. v. Cameron 12; Dr Eookes 3 v. Crawshaw 12; Davis 12. v. Curtis 4; Matthews 4 v. Fussell 12; Dr. Home (i, v. Rutherfuru 12. LADIES' SINGLES. Miss D. Simpson 7, v. Mrs. Robinson 0; Mrs. Turton 7, v. Miss Maekey 1; Miss Oreatbach 7, v. Mrs. Paget 2-M'ss ("i. Shaw 3, v. Mrs. Budge 7. MEN'S DOUBLES Webster and Weston 12, v. Cameron and Anderson 5; Eookes and Davis 11, v. Crawshaw and Curtis VI; Matthews and Home 10, v. Fussell and Ruthcrfurd 12. LADIES' DOUHLE*. Miss Simpson and Mrs. Fonton 7, v. Mrs. Robinson and Aliss Mackcy 3; Miss and Miss Shaw 2, v. Mrs. Paget and Mrs. Budge 7. COMBINED DOUBLES. Webster and Miss Simpson 7, v.. Anderson and Mrs. Robinson 3; Weston and Mrs. Fenton 5, v. Cameron and Miss Mackey 7; Fookes and .Miss Greatbuch G, v. Crawsha.w and Mrs. Paget 7; Davis and Miss Shaw 7, v. Curtis and Mrs. Budge 4.

PERSONAL. Dr. Valintine, Inspector-General of Hospitals, paid an oflieial visit to Stratford on Saturday in connection with the. enlargement of the accommodation for the nui'oes. The plans and specifications prepared by Mr. J. D. Ilcaley were submitted to Dr. Valintine and received his approval, 'so that tenders should shortly be called for the work. Mr.'W. fj. Kennedy, formerly of Toko and now of Tahora, will be leaving for the Old Country about the 11th of next month on a visit to his relatives. GENERAL.

There was a large number of country residents in town on Saturday, and business was very brisk. The fine weather, together with the possession of part of the proceeds of last month'* factory cheques, were factors that gladdened the hearts of the business people. The stone-crushing plant which the Borough Council has so wisely installed is doing excellent work. Considerable pains wore taken by the borough jengincer to ensure the smooth working of the plant, and so successful is tin result that there is an absence of noise and undue strain on any part of the machinery. The motive power is de rived from the steam roller engine, which works as quietly as a match. The rotary screen provides throe sizes oi metal, the finest being invaluable bypaths'or the concrete wort: in connection with kerbing and channelling. Judgment for plaintiff was given in the following cases at the Magistrate's Court on Friday:—L. D. 11. Lewers v. ■\ C Stevens, £1 3s fid, and costs ss; Alex. Ferguson v. S. 11. Alvis. .£2 3s and costs 10s; E Mason v. Denis King, £lO 10s, and costs £2 2s 6d; ,T. P. Cameron v. John .1. Flower, £7 17s fid, and costs 23s fid; P. W. Mcnzics v. Chas. 11, Moss, £4 18s, and costs 8s; If. H. Bright v Cyril Esau. £2 4s, and costs 10s; F. \ Cramer v. -lohn .1. Flower, £1 (is 2d. and costs ss; A. C. Marr v. James CorriI <>an £ll 15s 6d, and costs £1 10s fid; | liob'ert Morrison v. Win. Ily. Thomson, £2 12s fid, and costs 10s. Mr. W. 11. 11. Young was on Friday 1 granted a land agent's license. On the application of Mr. Lawrev. for defendant, the case of Cameron v. J. Musters was on Friday, by leave of tne Magistrate, removed to the Supreme Court, ~ A prohibition order was on Jtrid.iy "ranted by the Magistrate against a local resident.