STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[All communications, letters, eti., left with Mr. J, Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] } OPEX-AIR SCHOOLS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) What is claimed to be one of the most up-to-date schools in llie Dominion —certainly in Taranaki—is that of the Stanley Road, "which is now roi>dy for the scholars. In conversation with Mr. R. Masters, olia innmi of the- Education Board, lie assured the writer that tils building was complete in every detail. The committee had launched out on r.ew lines, and the result was that the building was entirely different from any other building used for scholastic purposes. It had been erected to replace the school destroyed by fire a year back, and the cost was about £o7s' He was quite enthusiastic over the work, fo which he gave the chief credit io llr. Moore, the Board's overseer. Last night a concert was ftfld to celebrate the erec-

tion of the building, and (lie favorable comments heard fully justified the highest. pjrvse. The attendance was very large, a lis in the course of his remarks Mr. Masters expressed hif pleasure at being present, and also with the cosy and labor-saving appearance of the building. The Board -'has decided to hold the plans of this building, which will serve as a model for other schools of the open-air aharacter. The Stanley Eoad committee wore to be congratulated on the result of their efforts. The work had been hung up at times, but difficulties had been overcome, and now it behoved the parents to back up the teaching staff and committee by seeing their children were regular attenders. The work of the staff naturally suffered when pupils were irregular in attending school. He quite appreciated the strenuous work on the farms these busy days, but trusted that parents would see to' it that their offspring spent every possible day in school study. The school has a roll number of 07, and the building is in two rooms. By folding doors the school can he converted into one room, whilst the windows can be made to drop into slots in the lining, thus allowing a full current of air tad light. Rolling shutters also allow the ends of the building to give a fine view of the surrounding/country. Black-boards are suspended like sashes, and can be raised or lowered at will. The walls are asbestos lined, and altogether the building should go a long way to popularise the openair method of teaching. Ample grounds allow a kitchen garden to flourish, and, judging by results, a master hand has been at work here. Shelter-sheds should prove a blessing in the wet weather. Mr. 6. Sangster, chairman of the committee, presided at the concert. Stratford talent was largely to the forefront, and the items rendered were all well received, encores being generously responded to in many instances. Those assisting in this direction were Mrs. Edmondson, Misses Sangster and Scott, Messrs Ward, Rowe, .Tiidd, Hamilton! Walters, and Peters. A popular item was that in which Private Bill Linehau was the principal figure. He was in khaki, and after hearing several fine speeches, found himself the possessor of a wristlet watch and many good wishes for his future. A dftnee' followed, the gathering breaking up at 2 a.m.

FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION, j The annual competition for the shield nt present held by the Eltham Brigade was decided at Eltham on Thursday. The slilpld was decided in a series of three competitions, and as the home team >von two, they hold the shield again this year. Details:—Three men, hose and hydrant: Stratford (Burgess, Wallace, and Henry).. 28sec., ]; Eltham (Fake, Drake, and Hinch), 32see., 2. Five men, hose and hydrant: Eltham (Fake, Drake, Hinch, Philpott, and O'Keefe), 86 2-osec., 1; Stratford (Burgess, Wallace, Henry, Payton, and Pearce), 40sec., 2. Two men, coupling event: Eltham (Fake and Drake), 35 sec., 1; Stratford (Wallace and Burg,ess), 37sec., 2. Superintendent Nuttall (Sltliam) and Captain urubb (Strat« ,ford) were the judges.

GENERAL. The county officials have commenced tar-sealing the Mountain Road from the Waipuku" end.

Mr W. R. Haselden presided at the .Court sitting here yesterday. A charge was laid against T. Huzziff and J. Lehrke, of Ngaere, ivith driving horses suffering from open wounds. After hearing evidence, Huzziff was convicted and ( fined £2 on two charges, with costs 14s. Lehrke's case was dismissed. A claim for £27 for board and lodging was brought by Lily Holnes (Mr. Fookes) against J". G. Buchanan (Mr Coleman). After evidence had been heard, plaintiff \vas non-suited witfc costs £2 12s. The Midhirst and Radnor Road Sunday school scholars spent an enjoyable day at the Ngaere Gardens to-day.