STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

14. & P. ASSOCIATION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Thursday, October 20. There can be no question about the value of agricultural and pastoral associations to the farming community. As a means of illustrating to those whose livelihood comes from the land shows of this description are easily the best. In the early stages of Dominion shows one can remember that they were commonly looked upon as a means of fraternising with a neighbor or an excuse to get a day off from the farm routine. This was not to -continue, however, as many realised the practical value of these displays of produce and implements, stock, etc. With increased interest followed greater competition? until now the shows offer practical demonstrations of their usefulness, apart from the spectacular effects.

Of the many now associations the ; Stratford body can claim to have se- . cured a success that proved sound ' judgment by the controlling heads right from the inception. It required a certain amount of determination and ' business ability to prove that a pro- ! vince ..already blessed with two associa- : tions could conveniently carry a third. Now, after tcnie years' trial, the ' youngster has come to stay. The exe- ' cutive committee are ably seconding ' the efforts of the president (Mr. E. Jackson), and the secretary (Mr. A. D. Stanley) to make the 'forthcoming gathering equal to, if not a little better than, those of the past. It is a fine thing to record healthy rivalry like this ■ between neighboring towns, and no one can deny that the competition engendered by the three has not led to good results. During the next few weeks the committee will be busy men, and fully expect their efforts will be seconded by the farmers by entering stock, etc., in all classes. With fine grounds, good paddocks, ample accommodation, etc., the Stratford Association is very favorably placed, and it is certain that the 1017 show will prove just as beneficial to exhibitor and epectator as has been the ease in the past. RACING CLUB. ' At a committee meeting of the Stratford Racing Club on Wednesday evening the following were present:— Messrs. W. H. H. Young (president), W. P. Kirkwood, W. Morrison. F, A. Mackay, and J. R. L. Stanford. Messrs. S. iFitt, B. E. Abraham and Stewart forwarded apologies for absence. The catering 'by Mrs. Cubbon (Brooking management) was approved, Mr. Kirkwood to make necessary arrangements. Mr. RH. Kivell's offer re selling race cards was accepted. The New Plymouth Citizens' Band, and also the Wanganui Garrison Band, are to be communicated with regarding playing at the meeting. Mr. R. Skipwortb. was appointed starter. Alterations to gates at the course were left to Messrs. Kirkwood and Morrison, whilst the advertising arrangements were left to Messrs Kirkwood and Stanford. The report on installation of water was deferred. GENERAL There is an old ditty, "First she said she wouldn't, then she said she couldn't," etc., and that seemed to be the predicament of business people here today. Some thought the shops should be closed as Monday was a holiday, whilst others were doing business as usual. 'J. hose who closed down played bowls, or filled the afternoon in basking in the sunshine. Those who remained open missed the sunshine, but secured what trade was going. The Mayor, Mr. .1. W. Boon, was engaged at- the Court, where he fined a woman £1 for insobriety. Donations to the Red Cross funds are still coming to hand. The latest amounts are:—Mr. W. Rogers, Waipuku, £1; Mrs. Grubb, Mrs. Meuli and A Friend, 5s each. The. Cardiff Dairy Company have donated £lO 10s to the Salvation Army for use in the Army operations amongst the New Zealand forces. Amongst the departing soldiers on Wednesday was Mr. R. McLeod. He makes the sixth son of Mr. W. S. McLeod, of F.ltham, to go to the front. One of these, '•Bill," has been invalided home for some time now, 'but the others are all doing their share at the front. Prior to enli-tmcnt, McLeod was engiged in the Post Office here. Mr. T. Lanwon's weekly report states ■ (hat on Saturday our usual weekly sale was held at the mart. Only a meagre entry of poultry came to hand, and the demand is still very keen. We quote as follows:—Hens 2s 3d to 3s fid, ducks 2s lid to 3s od, rhubarb, Od per bundle. Also a quantity of furniture was sold at usual auction rates. At the mart to-morrow Mr. T. Lamason will submit by auction a miscellaneous collection of household furniture, seed potatoes, bacon, etc. Particulars of the sale, which commences at 1-.30 p.m., will be found on page 8.