STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letter, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. Stratford, May 11. The annual meeting of members will be held in a few weeks, and those who take an interest in the progress of the Association are beginning to look round for the suitable man for the position of •'resident. The Association has been very fortunate in the past in securing the services of very capable men at me noad of affairs, in Messrs. W. P. Kirkwood, R. Dingle, J. Heal, E. Masters, and E. Jackson. The initial stages of getting the Association established have been passed but the executive, believing that the Association existed for other purposes besides the holding of annual shows, have undertaken other responsibilities that call for careful management and close scrutiny of details. For a young body the Stratford Association has accomplished especially good work. But these innovations require capital, and the main source of revenue is by membership. A large and live body can accomplish much, but there must be a good man at the head of affairs. The position of president means more than moving round at the annual show with a in coat, etc. It means twelve months' careful management, ever pushing the Association's affairs before uie public, and keeping in touch with similar bodies. The member who seems likely to fill the bill is Mr. Tom Ranford. ■He has been on the Association's executive for' some years, and should possess fairly accurate knowledge of the duties of the office. He is a successful farmer, and a member of the Jersey Breeders' Association. Should he be prevailed on to accept the honor one feeU sure he would carry out the duties with credit to himself and honor to the Association. The Association is fortunate in that those who have filled the position of president are still in town, and Messrs. Dingle and Masters remain on the esaccutive, whilst the present term is Mr. E. Jackson's second year in office... Tho new president can rely on every assistance from these gentlemen. The decision of the Association to hold the annual show in November was scarcely doubted, as it -was recognised that it was the only means (apart from membership fees) of deriving revenue to meet current expenses. The model dairy farm is a big scheme, for a young Association to undertake,_ but these who have given the matter the most attention are satisfied that the results that will Accrue by the insitution of the farm will smply repay the trouble of financing (buying land and stocking same). A strong membership is just as essential now as the day the Association wag formed, as those farmers who have hitherto refrained from lending the Association their assistance by declining membership, might now work up additional interest by sending in their names so that when the annual meeting is held the new president will feel he has the support of the whole district -behind him diirint his term of office.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT. Stratford, May* 12. The promoters of the patriotic eoncert to be held in the Town Hall on Monday, June 4, are already pushing matters forward. The principals, Mrs. McLaren and Mr. C. H. Fox, have- been fortunate in securing many well-known and favorite platform soloists. I am not privileged to announce the names of those assisting, but am assured that this will be the concert of the year. The obpect for which "the concert is being held —Wounded Soldiers and Bed Cross funds —is a deserving one. Tha Patriotic Committee is lending its assistance and patronage, whilst tickets are already on sale and meeting with a steady demand. A preliminary notice concerning the concert appears on the first page to-day. GENERAL, > •.:, Questioned this morning regarding the borough inspection yesterday, Cr. Masters (one of the party) stated that he had never found the roads and footpaths in the back part of the borough so good as at present. He did not hesitate to state that the last council was deserving of every credit for the work done during its tcrni. This is' high tesimony, coming from a councillor with 16 years' experience. Cr. Jackson also expressed himself as agreeably surprised at the nxcell'ent state of the roads they had travelled. A meeting of the executive of the A. and P. Association was held last evening. Present: Messrs E. Jackson (president), Morison, Ranford, Dingle, Bell and Lopdell. The business done was purely routine. The president tabled the following notice of motion:—"That in future the A. and P. Association attend to their own catering." There should be a big fall in the sparrow market next week. The Gun Club intends holding a sweepstake match, and will probably secure a large entry. Mr. C. E. James has just opened up a fine assortment of Doulton ware, vases, -salad bowls, etc. These are of the very best quality, and are original in design. Doulton ware has established a reputation for being the best grade on the market, so those who like the best and nothing but the best, should make their purchases at C. E. James' right now.