STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(Frco. Our Owu Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. TI. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will ecei\e jdompt attention.]

Farmers' uxroN.

•Stratford, .Sept. 15. There was only a small attendance of members of the Strafford brand] of tbe Fenners Lnion held this afternoon. The retiring president (Mr. I{. MeK. Morison) presided.

The secretary stated that Mr. G. H. Luckeridge, provincial secretary, had written stating he was prepared to attend a meeting and address members on how to keep farm books, etc., and discuss other matters of interest to farmers.—An invitation is to be extended Mr. Buekeridge to address a meeting to be held next Saturday.

Mr. Lyford aaid lie was sorry the attendance was so poor. Perhaps if they [raised the entrance fee they would see I'inore interest taken in the branch. Mr. Hunt said it was unfortunate that so little interest wa 3 shown in the 'Union. He had to travel eight miles to •attend a meeting, and was disappointed at the apathy shown by members. In electing a president it would be desirable to elect a young man who would take a live interest in the branch and push matters ahead. There were many reasons why thev should be taking more interest in their immediate affairs. Later on. by their carelessness they might find the Government taking more interest in other ''persistent parties" and the farmers made to pay for their indifference by increased taxation. They should be alive to the future, and now was the time, more than ever, for the farmers to watch their immediate and future interests.

I A little discussion ensued on electing a delegate to represent the branch at the executive meeting to be held at Ha .vera jiext Thursday. Eventually the matter was left to the president to appoint a ■representative. The meeting was then adjourned until next Saturday, at 11.30 a.m., when it is desired that farmers should make every effort to attend. GENERAL. I The monthly meeting of the Domain Board was held on Friday. Present: Messrs G. X. Curtis (in the chair), T. H. fenn. W. P. Kirkwood, and P. Thomson. The matter of erecting a bridge over the Kohinini stream was discussed, and it was resolved that the matter jf obtaining stringers and erection of bridge be left in the chairman's hands. Mr. E. C Robinson, C.E., is to be asked to report on the suggested bridge. Said a member at the Farmers' Chion meeting: "I came into town on purpose to attend this meeting, and find the usual faithfui few. Labor is scarce und hard to get. I offered a man £1 a day to work and could not get him, and give anyone 12s 6d and keep to help." From this it will be seen that things are becoming severe on the man on the land.

Something interesting, if not startling, in the way of raising patriotic-"funds will be introduced next Saturday. Mr. Newton King's staff are conducting operations at the tea rooms and mart. They are going to run a meat bazaar as'weli and besides having ladies and male .assistants behind the counter and trays »\ll ha uess Mr. T. D. Col-on to the beef bioA The latter has generously offered to do nis best with the knife and steel that dav.

! A Toko lad, Gerald Reed, son of Mr. A. R. Reed, is now an inmate of the local hospital. Whilst removing carbide from a barrel the lighting of a match caused an explosion, and burned the lad rather severely. Mr. Max Gernhoefer kindly motored the lad to the hospital, and, after treatment by Dr. Steven, he is reported to be doing as well as can be expected.

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.