STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[Messages; or instructions left care of H. F. Hopkins, Bookseller anil Stationer, Broadway, will receive prompt attention.] ( iUE BURGLARY CHARGES!,• > (From Our Own Correspondent.) 1 ! Stratford, Nov. 8. The Stratford case, heard at Wellington on Tuesday, did not last many 'lours. George Browning, defended by Sir. R. H. Johnston, was charged on six counts with breaking, entering, theft, and receiving. The prisoner, in his evidence, denied the evidence of Barlow, and declared he knew nothing about the various 'articles identified a* stolen. Regarding motor accessories, he claimed these as his own, having a motor-cycle. He suspected that Barlow had stolen property, and lie had heard of the robberies, but did not feci that he was called upon to bother himself in the matter.

Jessie Browning, accused's mot 1!:./, identified three unwashed towels as belonging to her, which she had purchased at Manoy's.

His Honor said the weakness of the Crown ease was that the first two robberies took place on June 15, and, according to the prisoner young Barlow did not go to live with fhim until June 19. After a short retirement, the jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty/ 1 and Browning was discharged. His Honor requested the police to inquire into ■ the question of dates and alleged purchase of a hat and towels. He also ordered that the latter should be retained until ordered to be given up by the Court.

GEXERAI* , Mr. nnd Mrs. W. A. McCutclian, after touring Auckland and the Bay of Plenty districts during tltie past five weeks, returned to Stratford yesterday, Mr. .McCutclian having greatly benefited by the trip. After inspecting the land round the Bay of Plenty, Mr. McCutclian is convinced thait there are great possibilities ahead there. Land that is being offered for £l4 tnero would assuredly bring £3O if lying within 30 miles of Stratford. They left during the day for their home, Whangamomona. Although yesterday was a bad day, the weather has become more dirty, the rain finding the weak spots everywhere, so that the plumber and bootmaker are busy men. The Patea River is running high in many places. Alongside Messrs. Malone and King's offices, just at the bridge, a large willow tree was undermined by the racing waters, and slid into the river. In its progress from the bank the tree carried several tons ot Stratford soil. This will probably mean the building up of a retaining wall, as from appearances the bank tliere does not look too safe. In conversation with a member of the Horticultural Society, '■' Your Own" was informed that there is very little likelihood of any show being held next autumn. This is unfortunate. iPerliaps some of the enthusiasts may be persuaded "to give the show another run when February and March arc here. During the last few days the Stratford police have been working shorthanded. Constable Robertson is expected back from Wellington to-night. Constab> Tizz.ird, o,f Tiniaru, will succeed (instable McCowan, who has ffone to Ractihi.

Tue ix... Juxl Star reports a. phenomenal catch of fi-h north :>f Tiri and the Thames. So plentiful were the fish that the trawlers were giving Is bundles away gratis, to clear them nut. Schnapper were being retailed in Auckland shops at eight for a. shilling. There are plenty of Stratfordians who would relish a "square feed" of the Thames fish at that price.