STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

SIDE-TRACKING TARANiAKI, December 15. For some time representations have been made („ the Minislet for Agriculture to have Waitara made a, valuing port. The .Stratford Chamber of Commerce made particular efforts in this direction. Apparently their efforts have not succeeded. To-day Mr. J. B. Richards (president of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce) received a reply to the Chamber's protest against the cutling out of Waitara as a valuing port, stating that the Advisory Committee had gone into the question. As the space and light available at Waitara were unfavorable, there was no alternative but lo recommend the Minister not to declare Waitara a valuing port, this decision being arrived at in the interests both of woolgrowers and of the Imperial Government. The failure to have Waitara recognised strikes a blow at its value as a shipping port, and the removal of the port as a valuing centre means that the wool-farmers in the province will have to pay further railage charges in having their wool forwarded to Wanganui or Wellington. Probably had the New Plymouth, harbor been ready for shipping, Tar'anaki would have had a valuing port. The decision will fall rather hard on the woolgrowers of the province, many of whom have already forwarded their wool to the Waitara sheds. It affords a good illustration that Taranaki must ever be on the alert to safeguard her interests. Perhaps if united action on the part of the several Chambers of Commerce was seeeured, the decision would be reviewed.

MAGISTRATE'S COURT. A sitting of the Court was held this afternoon, Mr. W. R. Haselden, S.M., presiding'. The charge brought by W. Holmes against J. O. Buchanan for the sale of sheep was adjourned to January l!l. J. B. Parsons, licensee of the Midbirst Hotel, was charged with permitting drunkenness on the premises. The principal witnesses for the police were Swadling and Barraclough, who, with Trcbes (found drowned) broke down a big cheque in a short time at Midbirst, Stratford, and Toko. The charge was dismissed. The charge of forgery brought against the Tariki youth, Drosdowski, was adjourned till Wednesday, at 10 a.m. Bail on similar terms to those previously existing was allowed. ' An assault charge brought by a man named Robson against a neighbor (Harris) resulted in the latter being j fined £l, witnesses' expenses 3u's, and J solicitor's fee .€1 Is.

Judgment for .plaintiff was given ir, the following civil cases:—Tom Davis v. Daniel Wildermoth, £.13 15s Hd; David Stevens v. John Kindberg, £2 Ss: Ceorge Smith v. Joseph Christiansen 12s 6d.

GENERAL. The Town Halt should hold a large audience on Monday evening, when Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby.M.P., will deliver a lecture, 'The War—And After." The lecturer is a very forcible and interesting speaker. The meeting -will be held under the auspices of the Stratford Patriotic Committee. The Egmont Orchestra will be present, ami a Collection will be made in aid of patriotic funds, whilst an important resolution will be placed before the public for approval or otherwise. Particulars are on the first page. A meeting of the executive of the A. and IP. Association was held on Thursday evening, Mr. E. Jackson presiding. The protest, entered against G. T. Warrender for entering an entire in one of the bores events was held over for further consideration. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mr. A. C. Bell on his recent severe illness. A recommendation will be made to the general committee that the people's stand be converted into a produce shed, tea and luncheon rooms. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. W. Gibson, judge in the draught horse section, for donating his expenses as a special -prize for next year. Accounts totalling £3OO were passed for payment. The Ladies' Patriotic Committee are hopeful of having a real good day at their mart and tea rooms to-morrow (Saturday). All are welcome. The Salvation Army are still receiving contributions to their Belgian Fund. The total now stands at over £135. A large party of Stratford scholars left at G~a.ni. to-day to visit Mount Egmont, in charge of Misses Jackson and Lovell-Smith (teachers), and accompanied by a guide.