STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

COMAMXDEERING OF HIDES AND SHEEPSKINS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Stratford Chamber of Commerce lias made representations to the Minister or Agriculture concemimr local interests connected with the above. The position, briefly, is that local salesmen handle approximately 50,000 hides and calf skins and 5,5,000 sheepskins annually, besides large quantities of wool and tallow. The two last items are not concerned in the present proposals. The hides and skins are received continually at the stores in Stratford, and the sales are held every four weeks. About fifteen hands are emp\yod in the conduct of the sales. The interests of brokers and growers arc important, and the Chamber is of opinion that these should be duly conserved. Moreover, the Chamber i is of opinion that present arrangements jean be usefully employed consistently I with the Government's commandeering proposals. The recommendations made tc the Minister are that brokers should continue to receive, lot, catalogue, and account sales as hitherto, and that the Government's .purchasing officer or valuer should periodically visit the stores here to fix the price to be paid. The requirement of the local tannery were als< brought before the Minister's notice, and the hope expressed that the interests placed before him would be considered as fully as effective commandeering proopsals would permit.

GENERAL. Another old identity in the person of 'Air. H. Id assail, well'known throughout the district, passed away last evening. Deceased had been 35 years in Stratford, and. with a few others, know the difficulties mid hardships of the pioneering days. Mr. Hassall was born in Macileslicld, England, G'! years ago, and came to New Zealand 3G years back. He enjoyed good health up till recently, when lie had a stroke. His end was not unexpected. At the age of G3 .Mr. Hassall becomes a memory to his relatives and friends. He leaves a widow, also a • family of four, all married—Mrs. Spargo (Sydney), Mrs. R. J. Patterson (Stratford), Mr. Reuben Hassall (Stratford), and Mr. Albert Hassall (Wellington). The many friends of Mr. J. Fitzgerald (Page Street) will regret to learn that his health is causing anxiety to his relatives. Mr. C. Hyndman, who has been assistant clerk to the Borough Council during the past three years, ha" resigned his position. He joins the commercial staff of Mr.*Xewton King. Mr. T. Lainason's usual i sale is advertised for Saturday, when fruit, vegetables, poultry, etc, will, be offered. ACCORDING TO CIRCUMSTANCES.

It takes a lot of people to make a world, and it is also interesting to notice how many views tan be taken or one subject. For instance,' on Tuesday it ruined. We all knew that, but mark the dill'eiencc! Sheltering under a verandah a farmer hove in sight. "Well, Mr. Newsman this is a nice drop of rain.'' Just then it was more than a drop—it was coining down in a continuous stream. "You see, I've been waiting for this. Gain, yes, rain; let her kick'it in for forty-eight hours; it tan do no harm. I like rain—at least, just now." That farmei was satisfied. Why, because his hay was stacked, and grounds ready for turnips and winter feed. The next Waipuku farmer I struck was not pleased. " the rain!" was his opening broadside. "The grass paddock that has been shut -up and a fine crop of oats are lying out in this rain. Who would have thought of it going to rain! 1 watch the Xews' weather reports, but believed it would keep fine for another twenty-four hours. Guess old Kaiser Bill must have heard me talking about cutting. Here, gi'e's a match. Good-day!" The next that ventured a growl was a tired little woman. Evidently the school holidays, were 611, and the youngsters were too hard on hop-scotch. She goes up to a window (I cannot mention names), and looks at a pair of hoots. "Sixteen shillings! My word, boots do b? dear these times. Why, I remember when I could buy Willie the same size as these for Bs. Drat the rain, I'm wetfooted, too, so suppose it's three pairs wanted." "How's business!" queried a passer-by to a motorist. "Xot bad. Had two runs in the country this morning Both wanted to get out. rain or no rain, so I ran them out, and expert a good day. although wet." "And how were prices to-day?" was a remark made to an auctioneer. "Prices were good, but it was a cold job catching bids. Rain is.tip-top, but it might have waited another day." "Saw this coming," remarked the tearoom man. 'Knew it would keep the women away, so have not baked as much as usual." The Bootmaker; "Xo; wet weather is not the. best foi trade. It keeps the "buyers home. In the sunshine they walk about, and wear out leather. At home probably they sit about, and save leather." So that's the difference! If the haystack is up and the ground ready for turnips it's a fine rain. If the straw and oats are cut, but not stacked, it's a nuisance. If the rain forces you to a motor-car, it's good for the driver; but if it finds a leak in your boots it's al! wrong for mother.

T. LAMASON'S WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday ourusual sale was held at the Mart, when we had a very fair entry of poultry, produce, and general sundries. 'Poultry was in very good demand. Xew season's fruit is now coming to hand, hut regret to state it is not opening up very satisfactory. We quote as follows:—Hens, good'3s to 3s (Id, others Is 0(1 to 2b; ducks, 2s to 3s Id; roosters. 2s fid to,3s (id; potatoes, 12s per owt.; cabbages, 2s to 3/; peaches, good, 5s to ">s (id; plums, 3s to ss; cucumbers, 4s fid per case. Furniture and sundries at usual auction rates. The public are continually being reminded that they should be cautious, now the war is on. Good advice, too; and all Stratford will exercise, the right hand of cautiousness if they make their purchases at C. E. James' jewellery Store. Good value goes with, every line purchased.*