STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 17, 8 June 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER,

Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs)

Telephone No. 113.

MOUNTAIN AFFAIRS. It is in the winter season that so much damage is done to the tracks and to the underscrub by the cattle which are systematically turned into the mountain reserve for winter quarters. One of the chief causes of the trouble is that the settlers adjoining the reserve are not compelled to properly fence off their property from the reserve. In some cases, it is stated, there is no fence at all. As a consequence, it is estimated that at the present time there are some thousands of cattle roaming about the reserve. It would seem to be advisable that the Commissioner of Crown Lands should cause all the fencing to be done where it has been shirked or let fall into disrepair. So long as the fences are wanting, there 'will be the same trouble only it seems to be growing year by year, and it is most discouraging to those who arc trying to make this grand national park worthy of the reputation it has attained, to see the damage and destruction caused by cattle. The offenders have practically been left alone, and have taken full advantage of the "free run" for.their stock. Possibly the Egmont National Park Board might devise a scheme for putting an end to the mischief, hut whatever plan is adopted Bhould be of a drastic and effectual nature, and on a comprehensive scale. Apart from eradicating the evil, there is money in the business. A meeting of the East Egmont (Stratford) Committee was held on Friday evening, Mr. E. McK. Morison presiding. Mr. T. Kirkwood, secretary of the Stratford Mountain Club, was present by invitation, as was the caretaker of the Mountain House (Mr. Williams). ""' j It was decided that Mr. T. Kirkwood \ be added to the committee . j Several matters in connection with , the track were disousscd, also as to i what work should be put in hand, and ■ the matter of an allocation from the i Board was also mentioned. ! A further meeting will shortly he i held. J THE OCEAN TRAGEDY. MEMORIAL SERVICE. In connection with the recent terrible catastrophe by the sinking of the s.s. Empress of Ireland, a memorial service was hold at Holy Trinity Church on Friday evening, the Revs. C. W. Howard and B. L. Harvie officiating. Special prayers were offered up on behalf of the relatives of the victims, and the hymns included "Days and Moments Quickly Flying" and "Eternal Father." An appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. C. W. Howard, his subject being the fear of God and the love of God, touching reference being made to the disaster. The offertory is to be devoted to the fund for the relief of the sufferers. At the close of the service the organist, Miss 11. Middleton, played the "Dead March," the congregation standing.

GENERAL I« electing Mr. T. Kirkwood to the East Egmont Committee the members acted in the best interests of the Stratford Mountain House. As secretary of the Mountain Club Mr. 'Kirkwood has shown exceptional zeal and activity i" popularising the mountain, and has done considerable work on the tracks. It is a wise policy for these two institutions to co-operate in the work of improvements, and the public will certainly be the gainers thereby. The Boiough Council meets this evening. Owing to the absence from town of two councillors, and 'the illness of Mr. Arden (who, we are glad to hear, is progressing favorably), there will be a short attendance of members, so that it is hardly likely that any important matters will be.dealt with.

The members of the District High School drum and fife ban'd have commenced their instruction under Mr. O'Learv. The instruments were obtained in New Zealand, so no time was lost in making a start. Th,- senior cadets' band will have to wait a while, as the Department is importing the instruments.

Tf a little pressure is put on the Railway Department there might "be a chance of the Whanga. section of the railway line being taken over without much further delay. A regular and. adequate service of trains is urgently m-eded.

The new winter clothing for men is attractive in ma:iy ways. Wise mc'.i will buy now while the variety is big, and they will find "The Kash" pricei made to suit them. For high quality and low price Mullen and Marshall easily Jead in Stratford.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—don't 'be satisfied with one taken years ago. Send them a fresh portrait, just as yoa are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having y«mr portrait taken is as pleasant a 9 an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment to-day with Mr McAllister. Stratfori • .