STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, ete., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] FARMERS' UNION. Stratford. Sept. 8. The Stratford branch he'd the monthly meet inn; a i 1.30 p.m.' to-dav. tho president (Mr. R. McK. Morgan) presiding. Geo. Ti. Bitckeridgc. provincial scrrotary of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, wrote that Mr. Dunn (president) was attending a special meeting of the Dominion executive at Wellington next week, and desired as many protests a-* possible from the branches against the. various anomalies in the proposed Taxation Bill. He suggested thev should pa-s a resolution backing- up the executive's efforts and Rend it direct to Mr. Jack, and also to each of the Taranaki members of Parliament. Mr. F.. Mnrfcll said the matter was an important one. and they should pass a resolution as instructed. The chairman said he was" in sympathy with the letter. Mr. M. McDonald said he believed al! the Farmers' Unions would be against the Taxation Bill. Mr. Marfell said thev all realised that the Government should have the money. The president moved that Mr. Marfell and the secretary draft a letter protesting against the proposed Taxation Bill Seconded by Mr. McDonald and carried. The president saw! he was sorry to have to resign his position. Tlis time was being taken up in many other directions, liis connection with factories absorbing a fair amount of it, and he could not altogether neglect his own business. It was a pity lie had not the time or leisure to push matters ahead. It was not realised by the farmers the value of the Union; they could do a lot if thev only united. He was not resigning; from the Union, but merely asked that he be relieved of the duties of president. The secretary reported that the last annua! meeting was held on August 26, and since then they had held three meetings. Mr. Lyford said they had only held a few meetings, and he (the president) should continue in office. The chairman said they wanted a big live man at the head of affairs, and he had not the time. Mr. Marfell said he was president of the Toko Union for some years, and it was a real live body. He was not keen on accepting the present position, but would do all he could to help matters. He was living seven miles away, and thought there should be young men in and around Stratford who could take up the duties with credit. He would suggest that a meeting be called stating that the president had resigned, and perhaps with an attendance of fifteen or so they might get a suitable man. Mr. M. McDonald was pressed to accept the position, but had to decline owing to stress of time. Mr. Marfell moved that the president's resignation be accepted with regret, and that a meeting be held next week. SCHOOL CONCERT. Despite the cold weather and the rain falling just before the entertainment opened, the attendance was very satisfactory at the school concert held last evening. A capital programme had been prepared, and encores were numerous, the audience thoroughly enjoying the various items submitted. Those assisting were: Mrs. Massey, "God Send You Back to Me". Miss Fieldes, "When You Come Home"; Misses Boon and McLean, duct; Messrs Barker and Walters, "Larboard Watch"; J. Lister, "Three for Jack"; F. Aitken, "Drake's Drum"; G. Walters, "Mate of Mine"; B. J. Peters, "Going Home to Blighty." Recitations of a very acceptable nature were contributed by Mrs. J. 'lizard and Miss V. Rowe. Quartette, Messrs Bett3 (2), North, and Tissiman, "Banks of Loch. Lomond"; Methodist male choir, "Hark, 'Tis the Indian Drum." Mr. W. Robinson was stage manager, and kept things moving. The takings at the concert were£2o, and some small amounts are to come in—a very acceptable sum that will be put to good use by the committee, GENERAL. At a meeting of the Toko Road Ratriotic Committee, held on Wednesday evening, Mr. E. Marfell presiding, the question of participating in the big gift auction in January next was discussed. All present expressed their determination to do their utmost to push matters. ahead. It was decided to suggest that of the money raised by this method 50 per cent, should be placed to the credit of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, 25 per cent, to the Salvation Army and the Y.M.C.A. funds. The sum of £ll 2s lOd (proceeds of a concert arranged by Mrs. Mansell) was received for the Red Cross funds, and the lady was complimented on the result of the concert. The sura of £2O received by way of monthly subscriptions was divided in sums of £lO each to the Y.M.C.A. and Salvation Army. Messrs E. Marfell, J. McK. Young, R. Gatenby, J. Lueena, and C. A. Bocock vcj.ll attend the meeting of delegates to be held in Stratford on Tuesday, There is no time like the present. It is yours, and the wise man is he who makes the most of the opportunity. 'Just now the opportunity of making a little cash go a long way is presented at Mr. C. E. James' warehouse. Prices are down to bedrock, whilst quality is of the highest. Ladies, don't neglect this chance of securing best leather handbags, jewellery, wedding presents, etc., now offering. Call and inspect when next in town.