STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, booksollcr, Will receive prompt attention.] UNCALLED FORTtEMARKS. Stratford, June 19. At Stratford on Saturday Mr. R. Dingle went out of his way to make some exceedingly offensive remarks regarding the habits of pressmen attending the A. and P. Show. In a sudden .excess of zeal for economy, he alighted on an item of £7 10s, "liquor for the Press tent." It was not right, he exclaimed in a state of indignant wrath, that money should 'be wasted on these "paper men"—why should the Society provide them with a tent, table and chairs, and beer and whisky to boot! Jt was altogether too extravagant and should bo stopped, whereat Mr. Masters, who acted as Press steward on the occasion in question, pointed out that only a small proportion of the £7 10s worth of liquor 'had been consumed by the reporters, the rest, on being removed to an official's quarters, having mysteriously disappeared. But Mr. Dingle was not satisfied. He retorted that he had been in the- tent and saw for himself only half a bottle left, '-'and," he added wjth burning indignation, "that I suppose was too stale for them to drink!" Now, it is ifio picnic for pressmen to report a show. Far from it. It is difficult and exacting work, calling for a clear mind, a steady hand, and concentration of purp»fee, and, realising this and the importance of the publicity given, show officials invariably do whatever they can to facilitite their operations and lighten their task, but this is the first time wo have known exception to be taken to the little courtesies extended, or a definite charge made against the reporters of abusing hospitality. Mr. Masters, of course, showed Mr. Dingle was entirely wrong in his facts and conclusions, but Mr. Dingle had not the decency to withdraw his remarks and apologise, "but only added insult to injury by bis subsequent remarks. Fortunately, there are few men associated with shows,or other public functions who have such a wa.rped outlook, otherwise wo are afrai* pressmen would be diffident over attending a show or accepting hospitality in any shape or form. We wonder if it ever struck Mr. Dingle how the show would get on if ho had liia own sweet way and tbe over-indulged reporters and the papers they serve left unction severely alone? JUDGING AND JUDGES. A very important, matter was reviewed 'by the retiring president, Mr. E. Jackson, at the annual meeting of the A. and P. Association on Saturday. In the course of his remarks Mr. Jackson stated that it sometimes happened tbat judges' selected bv associations had not the confidence of exhibitors, and this at times created friction and also the loss of entries. To make his meaning clearer there were occasions when a man who had been in business for som'e rears retired, and went in for farming. With the money at t1.,; back of him ho was able to bi>y the best cattle and thereby obtain a great herd. There was no mistake here, but it was a mistake to imagine yiat because a man owned it great milking herd that lie possessed the best knowledge of that breed. This could only come by experience, and not possessing that experience some exhibitors refrained or demurred from entering stock at that particular show. Again, another good move would be for the judge, after placing an aniimal, micrht state tbe reasons that led to that decision, so that owners and the public interested could see 'the good and weak noints of each animal in the eyes of the judge. The next point was tliat more encouragement should be given to the boys who were to be the farmers in the near future., They should be given an opportunity of judging several classes of stock, and this knowledge, with the agricultural instruction they were receiving in the last years at school, would be of great, use when they were following farming pursuits as'a means of livelihood. To his way of thinking, placing hoys in the judging ring could not but lead to beneficial results, and he hoped that in the shows to follow classes of this description would be a feature of the | programme.

The Stratford County Council meets to-morrow. On the same day the War Association delegates also hold their monthly meeting. A special sitting of the Borough Council was held last evening, the Mayor presiding. The special resolution re letting the municipal shop to Mr. G. P. Waltere under fresli terms was confirmed. Tuesday is the farmers' day in Stratford, so there was a large attendance of vieitorp in town this afternoon, although the day was far from pleasant. Business people report that trade has kept up very well, in some cases remarkably well. Staff-Captain Campion, who has been in charge of the Salvation Army at Stratford for some months now, is en route for the South Island, where for a time he will he engaged in special mission work. During his absence the Army affairs will be controlled by, Mrs. Campion, 'Who also holds the rank of captain. ,

The Patriotic Committee, Toko, r is making big efforts to eclipse previous farewell socials, on , Thursday, -when three soldiers of the King will 'be tendered a. public farewell. A'number of Stratford people will assist in the entertainment.

Whilst discussing the question of electing vice-presidents at Saturday's A. and P. meeting, several speakers stated their belief that the office should notfbe a mere figure-head. This was admitted, and then four were chosen. Three are on the ground —Messrs E. Dingle, K. •lackson, and D. .T. Malone—and two of these are ex-presidents, whilst the third (Mr. D. J. Malone) declined presidential nomination. The fourth member. Captain J. Hine, M.P„ is away at the front, so in the face of things the meeting made a very good choicer Land is still changing hands frequently round here, and prices seem very satisfactory -—at least, according to whom you strike first, buyer or seller.