STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [AH communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. J, Hopkir-.fi, bookseller, will rewive prompt attention.] OUR NEXT SHOW.

Stratford, April 2. ' It was pleasing to note the keen interest taken in the meeting of the A. and P. Association last week. Those who made a point of attending were evidently alive to the importance of the occasion, and in the decision to continue the show there was practically unanimity. Members took a lively interest in the discussion., and whilst all expressed a determination to place the interests of the Dominion as the first consideration, they could not believe that the holding of the show next November was going to prove a serious obstacle to the association. Mr Masters' resolution hit the popular fancy, and his remarks concerning how the Efficiency Board might minimise labor in many directions and divert same to other more necessary channels is worthy of consideration, and probably will be placed before the Board's, sitting at Hew Plymouth to-morrow fTuesday). A suggestion by Mr. I/nr.ell that exhibitors might show their loyalty to the association and guf.iar.tors by accepting certificates and ribbons, would go a long way towards easing the strain on the finances. Mr. Malonc's suggestion that the show should be a purely local one will, if acted upon, mean little trouble to the railway authorities. Mr. (Richards struck a new line of reasoning and for a few moments his remarks leading up to the cutting into the capital of the Association were not apparent to all pre* sent. Still his arguments were sound and worthy of repetition, in that the continual drain on the farm labor through enlistments would mean a serious reduction in the capital of Taranaki. Everyone recognises and concedes that the cow and other stock stand first in the prosperity of the province, and the cutting down of herds will make a general curtailment of money, available for distribution r.cSt season. Abandoning the show meant the curtailment of funds available to meet certain payments necessary to tarry on the Association. Messrs Morlson, Eelcher- and Shotter were hike-warm on the matter of holding the show, but now a decioion has been made to do so, will probably prove

as enthusiastic as other members. Unless the unexpected happens. Stratford will hold a show in November.'

The shopkeepers here are divided as to whether to observe Saturday as a whole, holiday or not. The majority favor closing from Thursday till Tuesday, but final decision has been held over, waiting New Plymouth's intentions. Although the municipal elections are to be held this month, those intending contesting the honors are not in a hurry to declare their intentions. At present the only aspirant for the Mayoral chair is the present occupant, Mr. J. W. Boon, who informs me that he will take the platform later on. Those councillors who have stated their intention of not standing again are Messrs Str.nley, Rutherford and Davey, whilst the vacancy caused by Cr. Mills' resignation also needs filling. Efforts arc beini; made to get ex-Mayor J. Masters to take "a seat at the Council table, whilst new names, in Messrs Burg-ess and Shjrp, are mentioned. Mr. J. MeCluggage has been mentioned as a likely starter for Mayoral honors, but "Joe" i'.imself is not keen on borough matters. As in the past, if any issue divides the burgesses it will be on the electric li°lit question. As "a shot in the dark' the writer believes that if Mayor Boon has an opponent, the gentleman opposing him will be ex-Councillor E. McK. Morison.

A holiday is valueles unless one is prepared to enjoy same. The Easter holidays are knocking at the door, and the many delighted customers of C. E. James are almost knocking at the door in their eagcrneess to secure some of the many suitable Easter gifts now displayed in his popular windows.