STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) /All communications, letters, etc. itft with Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] ALL IIAX D.3 OX DECK. Stratford, Sept. fl. . T,in ffOO'J ship. A. and . Association. i.! or. pn>;cnt in perilous waters and rearing on a lee r.horo. Rock, of d-> ■•/cnsion arc ahead 9JV . unless skilfr.! handling and loyal support is given to those in command disaster looms ahead. Twelve months ago the Association were a hand of willing and enthusiastic workers. I,;;t during the past few months a spirit of uniest (or antagonism) has arisen that threatens to mor. if not seriously stay, t'nc progress of the A«ociaAioii. <.iro would have thought the Association mas a fixture established for the purpose of enabling farmers. '• ■-d----•ers and manufacturers' of farrr '.,:- ■plernents an opportunity of se ( : : . nd judging to the best possible adv.t..L:ige the latest and best breeds in stock and the most modern machinery for agriculturists. That should be the ideal, but at present it has been pushed to the background, and instead the question of "Beer or Xo Beer'' is brought into the limelight. Far too much has been made of the matter, and instead of a monthly *rangle between two sections one would like to record a spirit of unanimity and desire to push on the Association. From ijow to the Show dates is not a big jump, •i matter of a few weeks only in fact, and the committees should be allowed to concentrate all energy towards seeur'ng success of the Show rather than have their attention diverted to other details that will certainly not improve natters but rather tend to destroy what already has been secured bv constant «nd sheer hard work. Enthusiasm for a cause is to be commended, but there is a time when a man should curb his enthusiasm if it is likely to prove detrimental to a third party. In this instance one likes to give credit to the temperance section for their desire to do what they believe to be the correct thing. But those in favor of retaining the booth privileges are also sincere, and they refuse to yield, hence something approaching a deadlock exists. There is the third party also to be. considered, those who ;ire not concerned whether a booth exists or not. and who are likely to become disgusted at the 1 biassed attitude of some too keen members. The President, Mr. Boon, is to be sympathised with in his unfortunate position. He is a keen man and an energetic worker, and if backed up by all hands will yet make a'bijr success of the 1017 Show. He does not conceal the fact that he is a temperance man. and would prefer not to see the booth there, but, like a sensible man. recognises the majority must rule and abides by this decision. Unfortunately there are other members not inclined to sink their opinions for the benefit of the Association and threaten to resign if their ideas are not adopted. This l» unfortunate, as it has been proved that the Association cannot thrive without a lnrge membership and keen workers. The time is slipping by and much work that might be accomplished now is being neglected and a feeling of bitterness enf.'end'.red. Let all hands on deck recognise the position, help their captain to weather the storm, and show that as their president the members are after all desirous of giving him the opportunist he desires and the merits of his position entitles hiin. XGAERE DAIRY COMPAXY. .The annual meeting of the Xgaerc Dairy Company will be held shortly. The report and balance sheet discloses a very healthy state of affairs. The report refers to the continued prosperity of the company. After paying Is (id per lb but-ter-fat and writing olf £O2O for depreciation of buildings and plant and paving .£l4ll of unjust tax in the shape of the butter-fat imposition, the report continues' that there remains a balance sufficient to bring 'the total to "29 per lb. There are matters still to be adjusted with the Government, and these adjustments will tend to improve the situation than otherwise. Sums of £7-3 each ■were donated to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, Rod Cross and Xavy League. Payments made for milk £30,19.j 2s lOd, extra payments £8641. During the year 12,309,4131bs of milk were received and 507 tons of cheese and ISA tons of whey butter made. The average tost was'3.3l. Wages totalled £1687. There wa3 a splendid attendance of members of the Midhirst Church at the anniversarv services held last evening. The Rev. R. B. Tinsley presided, whilst eulogistic and complimentary addresses on the work of the Methodist community were made by the Rev. J. D. Madill and Captain (Mrs.) Campion. Several fine instrumental and vocal items were contributed, by the following: Miss Masters. "The Long White Cloud": Miss Boon. "My Task"; Miss Rowe, "The Titanic"; duet, Misses McLean and Boon: recitation. Mr. Belton (Cardiff); cornet solo, Mr. C. Lawn; items by the orchestra, Misses Rogers (2), and Messrs Rogers, 3. McAllister, Lawn and Burmeister. The choir also contributed anthems. The dainty supper provided by the ladies was much appreciated. The work accomplished during the year has been very satisfactory, and the ensuing twelve months promises equally successful results. The Ladies Patriotic Committee are very busy these days. This afternoon a sewing bee made the most of the fleeting moments in sewing shirts for soldiers. etc., whilst every Saturday a section of the committee or helpers are engaged at the tea room? and mart. The Toko Coronation Hall will be the scene of a patriotic social and dance next Tuesday evening. The proceeds are to be in aid of the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and this, apart from the high standard of hospitality meted out to visitors, should ensure a large attendance of the public. Particulars will- appear in another issue. After paying all expenses, the Stratford Fire Brigade netted £9 or so as the result of the recent ball. The weather was not favorable, and considering the many counter attractions, the brigade must be commended on having done so well. The motor chassis, which was one of the chief reasons for holding the ball. i> stated to be a certainty now. Some of our amateur performers are finding it inconvenient to fulfil all appointments on account of the numerous calls. One of them, Miss V. Rowe. has decided to call a halt, and has decided not to assist at any entertainment, other than patriotic or church, unless remunerated. The Xgaere folks gave a farewell social in honor of Private Henry Wiggins. now up on final leave. During the even ing, after wishing him every luck and success, Mr. \V. Morison (who is becoming an adept at farewell speeches) presented iPrivate .Wiggins with a wristlet

| watch. The gift aad spsecb. were suit[ably acknowledged. I Tiier-j is no time like the present. It is yours, and the 'w'.so man is he who mokes the the, most of the opportunity. Just no* the opportunity of making a j little cask go a long way is presented at Mr. C. &. James' warehouse. Prices are down to bedrock, whilst quality is of the h:ghest Lading, don't neglect this chance of securing best leather handtags, jewellery, wedding presents, etc., now offering. Call and inspect when next in town.