STRADFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1917, Page 3

STRADFORD.

{From Our Own Correspondent.) TAll communications, letters, etc., left w.-th Mr. lr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, vill leecivg prompt attention.] SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE. Stratford, July 11. The meetings held at Midhirst and Toko in connection with the formation of 'branches of the Second Division League were both successful. At Midhirst Mr. W. Mountford presided, and the speakers 'were Messrs R. Masters and J. Lyons. Mr. Masters dwelt at some length 011 the main features of the rules ami aims of the league, and at the close of his address answered several questions. Mr. Lyons made the most of his opportunities, and, although brief, was concise. At the close of the meeting several members enrolled, thus forming a strong association. Mr. McMeekan was appointed lion, secretary. The Toko meeting was presided over by Sir. H. Were, and the speakers were Messrs J. B. Richards and R. Ilarkness. Both gentlemen were accorded a very hearty reception and sympathetic hearing, and the meeting closed with votes of thanks to the speakers and chairman. The enrolment of members was exceptionally good, and mith Mr. Max Gernhoefer as Jion. secretary a very live branch is certain. Quite a number of farmers proceeded south this morning to attend a conference in Wellington. Mr. Dingle represents Stratford, and Messrs Skedgwell and (iangster Midliirst, and Mr. Richards Cardiff.

A. aSB p. association:. The present is what may be termed the slack period in Association matters, but whilst farmers may not be busy in dairying work there is plenty of work in other directions. The Association is in need of some enthusiastic members who will battle to push things forward. It is one of those institutions that requires plenty of energy to ekep it in the forefront of similar bodies. The Association has accomplished much good work, and just now is finding things very quiet. Those who have been associated in the years gone Iby have felt that the time has come "when they might take a spell and allow others to take up the reins of control. In these abnormal time® 110 association can afford to lose any member who shows any enthusiasm, (vnd it has happened that whilst the present executivo and general committee are keen men, it will take some time before they can swing into details with the same precision as the old hands. The district is being mapped out so that a thorough canvass may be made with | despatch and minimum of trouble, like other bodies, the A. and P. Association finds itself faced with heavy expenditure, and in due course representatives will attend several dairy factory meetings to solic-it support directly from the factories and suppliers. Later on, when the summer and tlio date of tlje show approach. members will show more appreciation and attention, but it is the immediate present that concerns the Association. The president (Mr Boon) and secretary (Mr. Stanley), with a few others, will soon be on the warpath for the purpose of ''boosting" the membership and funds along, and it is expected that there will be a ggnerous response when thev get things going.

"Mr. C. E. James' jewellery shop is still being besieged by buyers on the lookout for 'bargains. A visit to the premises shows Mr. James to be carryin? very large stocks, and although the cost of'goods has been soaring of late, the proprietor has been able to place his excellent range of miscellaneous articles before the public at pre-war prices*