STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Oct. 24. GENERAL. Tin streets were well filled with visitors to-day, the town presenting a verybusy appearance. The first market day after receipt of milk cheques was the principal factor, whilst Tuesday being the usual stock sale day was another reason for the influx of farmers, dealers, and others.

The Wavcrley races attracted some attention in these quarters, and, fcidentRlly, the pace set by "sports" en rorrie by car to and from'the racecourse ovew some hard talk about the danger ot excessive speed. "Scooting" through the atmosphere at over 20 miles an hour may bo exhilarating to occupants of the car, but it means the ambulance or a eoroncr to tlje unwary pedestrian who may be crossing the street at the time the "sport" is making records. Whilst at Wanganui, the president (Mr. E. .Tackson) and secretary (Mr. A. J). Stanley) of the Stratford A. and P. Association will attend the official opening of the new freezing works.

Mr. C. D. Sole, J.P., had an engagement on Monday. It was holiday time but iiis duties as justice were short. The charge was one of insobriety and lack of visible means of support, brought against an elderly woman. She was committed for 14 days, and meanwhile the police will endeavor to get in touch with lier friends.

RED CROSS The ladies and other interested in the efforts to build up funds for the Red Cross, show very satisfactory results.. The concert was a great financial sueces, £3(l being secured by that means. The. street collections, mart sales, tea rooms, etc., were also well supported, the total efforts resulting in a sum of £l3l 9s Gd, the chief items besides the concert being flowers and boxes £3O, mart £l7. The committee appreciate the generosity of Mr. F. Foley, who closed his pictures for the concert, assisted at same, and made a gift of a three months' ticket.

: GUN CLUB. The first annual mooting of the Stratford Gun Club was lield on Saturday evening. Tlifi attendants was disappointing, but like otlier societies, the membership roll has been depleted by members going to the front. . The report and balance-sheet showed a credii Df £4O, and assets worth £lO. Thanks wore accorded to the guarantors for the £IOO shoot, and to 'the officials assisting at the meeting. The president referred to the amalgamation of the Stratford, Eltham and Midhirst Clubs, and said that under the circumstances they were lucky to be able to start. A warm tribute was paid to the secretary, Mr. C. L. Grant. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr. A. Stewart (reelected) ; vice-presidents, Messrs. E. Jackson. A, A. Piper, W. T.ovett. 3. A. Harris. W. J. Morrison, R. J. Knuckey, and R. G. Linn; committee, Messrs. Hamblyn, Piper. Harrison, Scott. Campbell, Nelson, Baker, Green, Wheeler, Whittle; secretary, C. L. Grant (reelected); treasurer, F. Whittle; refetfiw ■f. M. Shotter; handienpper. W. J. Hamblvn. It was resolved to shoot for the Ballistite Cup on Thursday, Nov. fl. A fote of condolence was passed to Mr. G. A. Harris or. the death of his adopted son, W. Harris.

ELECTRIC LIGHT PURCHASE. A special meeting of the Stratford Borough Council was held on Monday evening. Present: The Mayoi. Crs. Hunter, Rutherford, Walsh and Young The Lighting Committee recommended as under: (1) That the plant be taken over as from November Ist, and the company paid ■ £7.")00 on account of the purchase money, the balance to be paid over on completion of tlic transfer; (2) that the engineer supervise generally the ivhole of the engineering and mechanical department of the undertaking and report monthly to the Council on the workina of his department; (3) That the Town Clerk take over the whole of the clerical work of the undertaking; (4) That the sale of electrical appliances be undertaken in the Town Clerk's offices; (s)That the question of salaries and wages he received at the first meeting of the Council over the undertaking. The Mayor moved and Cr. Young secondi-1: That the recommendations of the Lighting Committee be adopted.

Cr. Rutherford moved an amendment: "Tliat Clause 1 be altered to read 'a sum not exceeding £8500,' in place of £7300, and the words 'without interest to the company, 1 be added." The report as amended was then adopted.

The Council then went into conference with the directors of the Electric Light Company (Messrs. R. Masters. R. W. Budge, ii. E. Wilson, A. W. Reid, S. M. Porritf). Mr. Stanford, company's solicitor, was also present. Tin directors intimated their willingness to accept £IO.OOO, the balance to be paid on completion of transfer. Crs. Young and Hunter moved: That Clause 1 of the committee's recommendation should read as follows: "That Hie plant bo taken over as from November Ist. l'llfi, and that the company be paid CIO,OOO on account of the purchase money, the balance to be paid over on completion of the transfer without interest to the company."—Carried.

T'.t? conference then resumed. The Mayo: moved and Mr. Masters seconded a resolution similar to that carried by the Council, and this was also adopted.