STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

FACTORY EMPLOYEES AND THE WAR.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, April 25. Yesterday afternoon, on the Show grounds, a representative deputation of the dairying industry waited on the Minister of Defence, regarding the exemption. of employees who could not be spared, and enquired if any provision had been made for these exemptions.

The Minister said that the Government were quite prepared to exempt all experts required to keep the dairy industry going. If any of the men enlisted, and it could be shown that their services were required, they would receive the badge to wear. If they had to introduce compulsion the, Minister of Munitions (Hon. A. M. Myers), would be pleased to receive the deputation's views on what basis on which to make exemptions to suit the dairy industry. The Government wanted the help of the deputations, and the Government would do all they could to assist the deputation's views. There were however many men employed in factories who were not experts, and who could go to the front.

Mr. Murdoch (Joll Co.)), said Wis Company owned twelve brunches, and had 40 experts in their employ, and they could not spare twelve from that number, because they were not all working in one factory, but spread over the branches.

Mr. Dingle said that the matter did not affect butter as much as cheese factories, because most of their creamery managers were married. The Minister, in reply, said the fact of a manager being married was another reason yiat he should be exempted.

" GENERAL. Anzac Day was commemorated by the ringing of the Fire Brigade and Church bells. At 12.30 p.m., shopkeepers closed their premises for the rest of the afternoon and Ibis eveniii'g a united memorial service is being held in the Town Hall. The display given by the New Plymouth High School boys at the show grounds yesterday deserves special mention. The boys went through their Swedish and physical drill in fine stylo, and were heartily applauded by th 6 big concourse.

The Stratford Golf Club will hold their opening day on Thursday afternoon, when mixed foursomes will be played. The display of decorated motor cars in the procession yesterday was really good. A car decorated with white flowers and Red Cross, with Red Cross nurses, and driven by Mr. .T. King, was placed first, while the second prize was to Mr. Don Cameron's ear, which was decorated in mauve and white and autumn leaves. Altogether 1 there were nine decorated cars, and the owners are to be congratulated on the way they were exhibited. It \frill be some days before an announcement can be made as to the I actual amount cleared from Soldiers' Day. Various estimates from ,€<loo to £IOOO are talked of, hut something approaching £GOO should just about hit the mark. To-day there were a number of willing workers, clearing up the grounds after yesterday's fete. It was a pity more did not think of lending a hand, because it is not a fair thing that the work should fall on the shoulders of the few willing horses. Yesterday's function ended happily without any serious accidents. A motor car overturned at the corner ot the Pembroke Road and the occupants escaped with a shaking. The Council will need to consider the advisability of metalling the road from Pembroke Road to Flint Road to its full width in order to cope with the motor traffic. The removing of the trees growing on this road would be a decided improvement, and would give more room.