STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left w.'th Mr. ff. J, Hopkins, bookseller, a ill teoeive prompt attention.] t BEER OR NO BEER ON SHOWGROUND? I Stratford, June 18. Before the A. and P. Association meetnig closed on Saturday, Mr. Cieorgo gangster brought forward a motion "That it bo a recommendation to the executive committee that there- be 110 liquor bar on .the showgrounds." Mr. Sangsfer said there was no reason for him to say much on the subject, as all were aware of the pros and cons of the question. Sir. K. McK. Morison seconded, and stated that all should declare against having a bar. In these times, where efficiency of the highest was required, they should all do their best to help to win~t)ie war. He hud no need to enlarge on the sorry exhibition many observed at the last show. Mr. C. .Jackson l said ho was disgusted at the attitude of some men on this matter. He would vote for a bar every time. Regarding the man who was the worse for drink, ho said the man had obtained the drink in town and wandered to the grounds in search of shelter. Mr. Malone said the subject seemed to be introduced as a side-issue. There were a few men who were always ready to ride the hobby horse. They magnified the position. From an hotel poi> of view it would be a good thing not v have a bar. It was the custom of all associations to have liquor available for those coining to the show. It was not fair that this decision should be rammed down the throats of all. They had had bars at all shows. , Mr. Dingle stated that the association bad been congratulated by many exhibitors and visitors on their'conduct of the chow. He recognised that members had their own views on the matter, and had the right to express them. He had 110 objection to supplying drink to the publie. He could only recollect one case of drunkenness, and the man was 111 a bad state before he reached the ground. There was never excessive drinking on the ground. The president (Mr. Boon) said that as a matter of principle he had to raise his voice. A move was on the board to place on a cold luncheon, in view of the war, and he thought it was only fair in war time that if they cut out the hot dinner they might very well cut the liquor, too. It did not mean that there would be no drinks available. On the motion being put, the voting was: For 13, against 14; consequently a booth will be available for those requiring same, at the show next November. MIDHIRST DAIRY COMPANY. At the meeting on Thursday of suppliers, to consider the question'of cheese manufacture, Mr. Mcßride created seme surprise by tabling the following motion: "That all monies over and above the legal expenses and marketing be paid in butterfat," On the face of it, this looks a harmless motion to put before the suppliers at the annual mcetine, but the directors do not think so. They believe if this motion is carried it mean's that the company shall not be able to grant sums to the patriotic committee*, make, donations to agricultural and pastoral associations, or to agricultural instructors, etc. If this is so, and the directors believe that is the meaning of the motion, it will effectively tie the hands of those controlling the company's affairs, and is looked upon, in some quarters, as a want of confidence in the directorate. There should bo a lively debate on the matter when it is brought up for discussion. Should the surmise prove correct, and the motion is carried, it will show Midhirst up in a poor light regarding generosity. At the moment of writing I have not the figures by mo to show how the farmers (individually and as a company) have assisted in the past to push ahead patriot, ic fitnds and other affairs worthy of their sympathy. But whilst Midhirst has done well, and is worthy of every credit, it looks as if some are desirous that a halt should be called in the direction of voting company funds. Undoubtedly, as the chairman proved, the position regarding shipments of butter is becoming serious, and with 7000 boxes of butter of the company awaiting shipment, and no guarantee that the consignment will go forward, is sufficient to make the directors go carefully with their expenditure. Granted that caution is necessary, many suppliers believe that they can contribute these sums and not penalise the finances of the company to any great extent. On the other hand, those whom the Midhirst folk are assisting with cash arc all deserving of support. The patriotic funds are always to be with us until the Government shoulders the position, and makes a direct charge on the ratepayer. The usefulness of the Stratford A. and P. Association has been admitted by #ll, and derives a fair measure of support from the Midhirst farmers by way of membership, and a direct bonus from the company is, in a way, a contribution to the farmers, seeing that the latter are members of the association. For the last two seasons subscriptions have been made to the technical college to allow agricultural instructors to move around the district and demonstrate the best methods of preparing the soil, sowing the right grass for each field, the proper variet of turnip, mangold, etc. These experiments are only in the earliest stages, and worthy' of encouragement, and if the directors' reading of Mr. MoBride's motion is correct, suppliers will see that it is necessary the matter should receive careful consideration when being reviewed. GENERAL Respite the miserable conditions prevailing on Saturday, the support accorded the Ladies' Patriotic Committee was very satisfactory. The tea rooms secured £4 15s and the mart £B. Next Saturday the rooms will be under the control of the members of the Presbyterian Guild. The Manawatu show is attracting attention. Mr. W. Skegwell, chairman of the Midhirst factory, leaves to-morrow morning for Palmer'ston North. With the British activities now in full swing ample, if sad, testimony that the New Zealanders are assisting i 9 shown by the casualty lists appearing in tho Daily News. A recent Stratford name is Farrier-Sergeant Frank Kerr, who is reported wounded at Messines. Frank has had a long stay at the front, being a member of the'2nd Reinforcements and was at Gallipoli for some time. Another soldier, this time one of Midhirst's warriors, Reg. Hamblyn, a son of a family having several sons at the front, !»> hod to lap up for medical treatment