STHATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1917, Page 3

STHATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] THE A. AND P. LIQUOR QUESTION. Stratford, Sept. 1. Keen interest was taken in the meeting called by requisition, of the A. and P. Association this afternoon. The attendance was well up to 100, despite the miserable climatic conditions. Mr. .1. W. lioon (president of the association) presided, and explained that the folic.nine; notice of motion had been given by. Messrs Linnell and Stewart: "That the' booth he continued as usual, as it was carried at the annual meeting." Mr. J. Linnell, irl moving the motion, said the question as to whether they should have a publican's booth on the ground should be looked at from the point of view of whether it would be in the interests of the, association to hold the liquor booth or not. Personal opinions as to the good or harm nf drink in general must not enter into the discussion. He contended that the show was run for the benefit of the association, and they had to cater for the publie, not merely for one section, and general support was necessary. He asked them to imagine the conditions if they narrowed their schedule down, barring Holsteins and Shorthorns completely because the Jerseys were the strongest numerically in the district. It would be ridiculous, and, in his opinion, the attitude of those desiring that, no booth should be allowed would not in the best interests of the association. One section had no right to rule. All should be loyal and not act as biassed individuals. It was unfortunate that there were some who did not care whether the association benefited or lost as long as their wishes were satisfied. Regarding the booth, the association benefited to the extent of:' £3O, whilst there were other donations'received from members of ''the trade." The president sai.l he considered the calling of an extraordinary meeting for this was not in the bc-t interests of the association. The committee had acted well within their rights, but he was sorry there had been misrepresentation in street gossip, chiefly through ignorance of the association's rules. He related the incidents leading up to the present meeting. At the annua! meeting a recommendation to the executive to abandon the liquor bar was lost by 14 to 13. At tho next meeting a similar motion was again moved, but he declined to accept this without fourteen days' notice. On July 21 this was accepted and carried, the voting being Hi lo 11. On August IS a motion that the previous resolution re liquor on the grounds be rescinded, was lost, and the supporters of the booth had revived the question that day. He had no doubt that keen liquor men and prohibitionists, were anxious to help the association. L'n'ortunately, their methods were widely different. One section believed that if the publican's booth were cut out it would injuriously affect the show, and the other party was equally emphatic it should be given a trial. At the annual meeting, when the booth question was brought up, they had seen the attendance dwindle from 10!) to "27. out of a membership of 300. They should notice that this was only a recommendation, and lie reminded them that the. rules showed that the affairs of the association shall be managed by the president, vice-president, treasurer, and general committee. Mr. R. McK. Morison's motion at the next meeting was a positive instruction that no liquor be allowed on, the ground. This was not identical with the proposal at the annual meeting, and he was not bound to accept the motion. After a lapse of fourteen days, during which every member of the committee had been notified, the motion was carried by 10 to 11.* His ruling was that no motion was carried at the annual meeting, and no instruction was intended for the general committee. They all knew his views on the temperance question. They were only asking to give it a trial for this year, and members, if they found it desiruble, could vote it back next year. He desired that they should all be loyal to the association and abide by the decision. Mr. J. Masters said he was not impressed with the arguments est forth by , Mr. Linnell. At the present moment they were all concerned in the greater efficiency of the nation, and it would be idle to say that the liquor bootli would be beneficial to the association. The Etiiieency Board had made no secret of their opinion of the liquor and its effect on the efficiency of mankind. They would not do any harm in not having a booth this year, and tho inconvenience would not be very apparent. Mr. Campbell Jackson said he had always been a temperance man, but they required to look at the question from a broad point of view. He had been told

I they would lose some members whichever way the voting went. That was decidedly wrong, and ho appealed to those J likely to act in that direction not to do ' so, but loyally stand by the association. These were times when the association required the support of every man. •whether lie favored license or no-license. He did not agree with the .suggestion that a man attended a show for the drink available there. He voted for what be thought was the good of the show every time. He was out for the best. It had been said that the members bad come to the meeting with their minds already made up. They should moderate, their views, and all interests should be centred in the association itself. Tlie majority must rule, and all should stick together, otherwise they would make fools of themselves. Mr. Frank Ranford hoped they could rely on all members loyally standing by the association. His own belief was that the matter having been discussed and decided at the annual meeting, the executive committee should have carries! out the recommendation. Now he hoped that any recommendation coming from this meeting would be endorsed by the general committee. Mr. E. Marfell was against any idea of granting a license for show days. In these days of stress they should all do their best to secure that efficiency so desirable. It was, after all, only a small tiling to ask those favoring liquor to stand by them on this occasion. Mr. W. A. Hewitt said they all knew he was no beer drinker. They should not allow it to go to a booth. Those who desired it would probably take it along, but that was not the association's concern. He realised they did not get anything for nothing, and he did not give anything without some possible prospects of return. His business represented at least £ls 15s, and he was prepared to carry on the booth, should they decide to have one, and the profits would go to tlie association. No one desired to spend £")00 or so in booze and earn £3l or so in privileges. A voice: Rotten! i Mr. Hewitt said it was not rotten and . he was not talking rubbish. I A voice: Wo like fair play! I Mr. Hewitt: And so we "all do. The association could have £4O from him any time and he would run a- bootli. ' Mr. E. Hancock said they had heard enough that day to give them an idea of what was wanted, and he desired that the question be now put. This was carried. Tho motion was then put to the meeting, the voting be- , ing: for the motion 45, against 41. 1 After a reminder of the working bee ; to be held at the show grounds next I week, the meeting adjourned: PRESENTATION. I At the secretary's office this afternoon the members nf the Jersey Breeders' Association assembled to bid farewell to Private E. J. Kirkwood. The president (Mr. Frank Ranford) occupied the chair, and stated, on behalf of the association, that he wished their guest every success at the front and a safe return. The British soldier had the reputation of not knowing when he was beaten, and he was sure Private Kirkwood would fully live up to these ideals. Mr. Kirkwood occupied a prominent position with 'the Jersey breeders, and; had proved a hard worker to the association as president and ordinary member. They were geting the benefit of bis experience and experiments, and he hoped that in due course they would have him back in Stratford, ready to again take up his duties as a farmer. In looking round for a suitable presentation it was hard to find the gift. They had hit upon a gold ring, and to carry his association with the Jersey further they had had the head of his favorite Jersey engraved on it. Messrs Watkin, Linnell and'Huggett also spoke in eulogistic terms of Private Kirkwood. The recipient briefly acknowledged the gift and kind, remarks, adding that he hoped after the war to have a look round and see the best offering in the Jersey world. Cheers were then given for the soldier of the King. CARDIFF'S FAREWELL. Packed to tho doors was the school building last evening, testifying to the great popularity of Private S. N. Stewart, up on final leave. The presentation (a wristlet watch) was made by Mr. W. Richards, who expressed the wish of all Cardifiites and others that tlie recipient of the evening would have the best of good luck and return safely. A very fine programme of songs, etc., was contributed by Stratford visitors. iMrs. Massey sang "Coming Homo"; Miss Fieldes, "She is Far from the Land"; Miss L. Sullivan, "Here's to Love"; Miss Sheahan "Laddie in Khaki". while Mrs. Tizzard's recitations. "Devil May Care" and "When Are You Going Away?" were very acceptable. As with the ladies, the items by the male singers were all marked by recalls, and those assisting were Messrs Tom Ranford, "Dream Boat"; J. Lister. "My Old Shako"; Tom Wilson, "Sons of

the Sea." Mr. Frank Ranford kept things moving whilst he related some Irish stories, and had a royal reception. Highland dancing by the Fergusson trio, to the piping of Mr. Joe Wade, was an enjoyable break, whilst the music for the dance was provided by the Rogers' orchestra, and of the best. GENERAL. j . ■ At a meeting of the model dairy farm delegates to-day, Mr. Wm. Power was j elected to the position of secretary. Mr. B. J. Titers' jewellery sale will soon be at an end. Prices have been considerably reduced in the many lines he is carrying. When next in Broadway just take notice of the superb jewellery Ae is offering at such low figures that should ensure a ready sale. Gifts suitable for wedding presentations, farewell wristlet watches, engagement souvenirs, etc., are all there awaiting the buyers. Don't neglect this opportunity.—-Advt. Easily the best place in town for toys for children is Mr. C. E. James' warehouse. Whilst the kiddies are catered for the adult is not forgotten and tho shelves are crowded with fancy goods so dear to the heart of the ladies. Ladies' leather goods, jewellery, etc., are in great variety, whilst "smokes" for father (and pipes, too) are in every brand.