STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(I'l'oni Our Own Correspondent.) JAII communications, letters, etc., left With Mr. H. J. ITojikins, bookseller, will receive prompt attcntion.J STRATFORD AND DISTRICT'S "RALLY." Stratford, Sept. 11. The following men assembled at the Municipal Chambers this afternoon: The Mayor (in (lie chair). Messrs W. P. Kirkwood, M. Gernliocfer. A. Bocock. F. J. e!;>iialfl. R. McK. Morison. W. Ilewilt. W. J. Craw-Shaw, \V. 11. Youn?. D. ,T. Mi'lone. .1. B. Richards, J. Hobbs, A. T niiicke, K. Marfell, A. F. Grant, A. A. Stewart, J. Lucina, E. Walter, V. H. Nolan, E. Brewer, and W. Lander (secretary). Mr. J.' Lucena, secretary Toko Roaa Patriotic Committee, forwarded cheque of £3O '2s lOd, with instructions that £lO 2s lOd should go to the Red Cross, £lO to the Y.M.C.A.," and £lO to the Salvation Army. Mr. Marfell, chairman of the Toko Road Patriotic Committee, said they had had a meeting and discussed the suggested "rally'' to build up the patriotic funds. His committee thought, however, that a proportion of the funds secured should be placed to the credit of the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A. and Salvation Arinv.

Mr. Lucena said that by an energetic canvass they should secure sympathetic support. Regarding stock selling, he thought the auctioneers would prefer selling patriotic cattle in the different yards, instead of having all the cattle yarded in Stratford. Mr. J. B. Richards said they should first set up a committee and then see what support was coming forward with regard to donations of stock, etc.. and then, after that, go ahead. The essence of the thing was to get donations, Mr. Lucena said in looking for a date they might find it desirable to fix on late in January or early in February. A man should be appointed for each road, and then report results. Mr. Hobbs thought it a certainty that all approached would do their utmost to assist. Mr.. Kirkwood moved, and Mr. Bocock seconded: "That the date be fixed for early in February."—Carried. Mr.. Marfell said that before they elected sub-committees they should see that the whole of the work did not fall on the shoulders of the auctioneers. They (the auctioneers) had loyally done their best, but he wished the committee also to do their utmost. He repeated his views as to the disposal of the money. Mr. F. J. McDonald believed they wanted all the money they could get for their own men. He was in favor of the money being raised for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund.

The Mayor said he was a soldier, and was in favor of the money going to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. He moved: "That the funds be placed to the credit of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund." Mr Kirkwood seconded. He said they would need all the support possible. The War Relief Association wanted money to meet all claims placed before them. He trusted they would always be ready to give the returned man what they were pleased to call "official recognition." They wanted money, and the means suggested were excellent. He always recognised the efforts of the Red Cross, etc., but under present circumstances they should provide for those coming home, and in need of immediate assistance.

Mr. W. A. Hewitt said he was prepared to do all he could to assist. He was certain they would secure the unanimous support of all approached. Mr. Marfell moved as an amendment: "That a portion of the money raised be earmarked for the three other funds mentioned." The motion was seconded. The Mayor said the committees should work for the "War Relief Association, which required all the assistance possible. The first duty was to our own men. Mr. J. B. Richards said the object was to raise funds. They were all trying to do their best. Mr. Marfell said that many believed that in making donations to the War Relief Association they had the thought behind them that it was bein? laid up, whereas, if given to the Red Cross or Salvation Army, it would be immediately used. As Mr. McDonald nointed out, it was quite possible that it would be held up there. Personally, he believed the more money they could lay up for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, the better. He agreed that the Government should help, but local sympathy could do much. The Government generally failed to get into touch with local requirements. He sympathised with Mr. Marfell's desire, and would like to see grants made in the diection indicated. They were wanting funds for the wounded soldiers, but if the Red Cross or Y.M.C.A. were in urgent need he was sure the War Relief Association would make a grant. Mr. Kirkwood agreed. The association, however, desired to safeguard the returned soldiers first.

Mr. Hobbs stated that in the past a man donating stock for patriotic purposes generally indicated in what direction he desired the money to be placed, and this was no trouble to the auctioneer. Mr. R. McK. Morison said that in canvassing tlie.v should make a thorough job of it. For instance, some might contribute a year's subscription to the paper, a set of harness, etc. The motion was then amended to read: "That the funds be placed to the credit of the Wounded Soldiers Fund, but donors may earmark proceeds for certain other war purposes," and this was carried. An executive committee was then set up, consisting of Messrs McMillan (chairman), Bocock, Hewitt, Grant, Stewart, Marfell, Richards. Kirkwood, Young, Lucena, Malone, and Abraham. The following delegates were elected to supervise road canvassing, with power to add: J. Lucena, Toko Road; E. Walter. Douglas; ,S. Brewer, Makahu; V. Nolan, Te Wera; M. Gernhoefer, Toko. Messrs W. J. Crawshaw and A. F. Grant were elected joint secretaries. This concluded the general business, the executive committee immediately meeting. HOSPITAL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held at the secretary's otlice this afternoon. Present: Messrs J. McAllister (chairman), C. D. Sole, li. McK. Morison, A. Rogers, E. Waiter. J. Christoffel, A. Meredith, and I. Smith. The matron was granted leave of absence from the 13th in9t. Taranaki United Friendly Societies' Association notified that Mr. 11. R. Cattley. of New Plymouth, was the new secretary, and forwarded a list of members indebted to the Board. Owing to the numerous claims the Association had hard job to exist. The Association desirous of settling most of these cla... and desired information as to wlwi. sideration the Board would allow a Association.—Received, and Teolkd ( by the secretari!

Dr. Valintinc, Inspector-General, notified the Board that a training school in massage had been established in Otago by the Otago Board. A bill for the registration of masseurs has toeen prepared, but not yob passed by Parliament. Tie suggested that boards 'should ;rive KppointmcnU as masseurs to students v. lio havo qualified at tile Otago School for Massage.—Received. Dr. Va'intine forwarded circular letter of notifiable infectious diseases, for weekending September 3. Stratford was shown as having two cases of diphtheria. Hawera three, Taranaki one, and Patca nil.—Received. Dr. Jos. P. Frcngley, Deputy-Chief Health Inspector, Wellington, .Intel that a large number of sick and wounded men would be returning to tiie Dominion shortly, and requo-'ting information as to the number of beds likely to be available by the 10th inst. —To be informed that there are two beds available. The name of Miss Maggie C. Griffin, Rawhitii'oa. was placed on the list of probationers. Miss M. Belton tendered her resignation as stall' nurse as from September 30.—Acepted with regret. Dr. Steven, medical superintendent, reported that during the month of August -18 patients were admitted, 31 discharged, and there was one death. Fourteen remain in the hospital. There were sixeases of diphtheria, all in the isolation ward. —Received: A. Gray, Health Inspector, reported that three cases of diphtheria were notified in Stratford borough, five in the Stratford county, and two in the Whangamomona county. All patients were removed to the hospital and the respective premises disinfected. L. L. Eason, secretary, Whangamomona Medical Association, forwarded cheque for £ll 13s lOd, quarterly payments to the Board. The Board then adjourned, i

GENERAL*

The balance-sheet submitted by the Highland Society as a result of the Scotch concert, dance, and day last month is very flattering, proving that with a little concerted action much may be accomplished. The total receipts were £'26o 4s 2d, the chief items being: Sale of goods £55 lfe, dancing £sl 13s, concert £O3 2s fid. The expenses were £2O, leaving a credit balance of £230 4s 2d for the Wounded Soldiers Fund. At the meeting held to receive tile bal-ance-sheet, thanks were extended to Messrs Spedding and Co., New Plymouth, for placing cars at the disposal of performers; Mrs. Smith, Xew Plymouth, for supplying haggis; Dr. Paget and Ma-. T. Smith for use of rooms. It was decided to mr.ke a small presentation to Mr. MeRae for his sterling work on the dancing platform. Mention should also he uiade of the successful efforts of Mr. F. J. McDonald, secretary, and he, with the president and the committee, are to be heartily congratulated on tiio very satisfactory results obtained. There was a full "house" in the shelter shed at Mr. Xew ton King's yards this afternoon, when Mr. J. Cooper spoke on the meat industry and shipping prospects. Mr. Cooper had a good reception and most attentive hearing, speaking on similar lines to what has already appeared in the News. Mr. J. Quin, chairman of the freezing works, was also present. Some Waitara people, on patriotism bent, paid Stratford a visit to-day—not to see the town or the people, but to "boost" up some scheme in vogue there. They report a fair day. " Cattle appear to be bringing good average prices. Second ealvers (Short; liorn) were bringing up to £l-1 10s during the few minutes the writer spent at Mr. Newton King's yards..

There is no time like the present. It is yours, and the wise man is he who makes tho 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. '