STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

'(From Our Own Correspondent.) I.AII communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] !A. AND P. ASSOCIATION, Stratford, Sept. 22. The general committee met on Saturday afternoon. Present: Messrs J W Boon (president), W. H. Rutledge, W. Pollock, A. Huggett, T. Banford, J. B. Uemow, T. Perry, ,T. Shotter, W. Pettigrew, b. McK. Morison, J. Linnel, H. N. 4>ilk, H. Johnson, and E. Marfcll. Apologies were received from Messrs C. Jackfio"> R - D 'n«le, B. Orr.and VV. J. Lopdell. The executive reported that the schedule had been revised and was now almost ready for the printer. The new class for milk and butter-fat competition should prove an outstanding feature as the rows entered would be milked on the owners' farm, and therefore under usual conditions; samples and weight of milk Would be taken by stewards appointed in the different districts, and would be tested at one factory under the supervision of the Government expert, the prizes being divided as follows: First £6, second £3, third £2. The best ten cows would be shown on the showground at the annual show, and the results wosld then be made known. In addition to the prize money, certificates of merit would be given to the next three best cows. The judges for the different classes had been chosen.

The farm committee reported that the hay paddocks were now closed up for green feed for show stock and the grass was coming well away. The prize money would be allotted early next week. The executive thanked those who have given to the prize fund; also the Cardiff and Ngaere dairy directors, who had again given a donation of IS guineas each. The president said it might be advisable to hold the working bee in the morning to suit the farmers, but even if they fixed the hour it might be awkward to get farmers at all. Regarding the butter-fa* competition, he thought it advisable to have- the prize-list published as soon as possible. A canvass of the town for subscriptions would be made during the week. The bank wanted £ISOO worth of p.n.'s, and there were some waiting to be signed. The suggested butter-fat test had been brought down by the sub-committee and seemed a good thing. Eegarding the class of animal competing he did not know whether they should allow the pedigree cattle to compete. These pedigrees came along and lifted all the prizes. Ho related the histoTy of previous contests, and he thought that perhaps next year they might hold the contest on the Model Dairy Farm. He did not wish to see it altogether a local affair. He liked to see it carried on, and perhaps they might have cows from Opunake. The stewards were prepared to assist, and Messrs Gernhoefer (Toko), K. J. Linn (Normanby). A. V. Sim (Ngaere), Matheson (Tuna), Bicheno (Cardiff), and Boyle (Pembroke Ed.) were willing to see the milking conducted in their neighborhood. He was keen on the matter, and was prepared to run out to some of the milkings himself. Everything would come sealed to the factory, where it would be tested. He thought they might expect at least 30 entries from Stratford district. Farmers only required to notify the secretary and the stewards would attend to the rest. The cows would be milked out, and only two milkings would be taken. Mr. Eanford seconded. He suggested that they should take two samples. If the stewards took up the work it should have good results. He objected to the idea, however, of excluding the pedigree cattle. Shows were to encourage the breed of cattle, and the pedigress should be, encouraged. To exclude the pedigree would not be advisable. No provision was made regarding provender; some cattle (pedigree) did better than others on hard feed.

The president said he wished it understood they would cater for support throughout the whole district. Mr. Ranford said they had alwaya heard of the champion cow, and this should be Oic opportunity. Mr. J. B. Clemow said the grades usually beat the pedigrees, and the latter should not be barred. Mr. Perry suggested they might have two divisions. Mr. Ranford said there should be only one division, and let the Dest cow win. pedigree or grade. Mr. Shotter said the competition would be interesting, but the butter-fat business rarely gave satisfaction. Mr. Perry moved: "That in the event of any cow winning and not being on the show ground, the prize money be forfeited."—Carried. Mr. Shotter moved: "That if there were over 20 entries 10 cow s to be exhibited, and under 20 entries six to be shown."—Carried.. ' Mr. Ranford moved that all cowb on the ground be v granted certificates.— Carried. The question of the publican's booth <vas discussed, and the suggestion was that they shquld put it up to auction. The president remarked that at the general meeting they had offers of £3O and £4O to run the booth, but nothing was decided upon.

FARMERS' CNION. A meeting of the Farmers' Union was held on Saturday morning. Mr, G. H. Buckeridge, provincial secretary, was present. Some discussion ensued on the election of a president, and eventually Mr. J. Luccna was prevailed upon to accept the position. Messrs Lyford, McDonald, Hunt, and Walker also expressed their intention of assisting to push the Union's interests ahead. Mr. <}. A. Wilkinson, M.P., wrote stating that it was now too late to alter the incidence of the land tax. They had also to remember that the full amount chargeable on land, by way of land tax, could hardly be reduced in view of the fact that the war was on. Mr. Lyford said that all recognised the Government wanted money and must get it. Others expressed disapproval of the Taxation Bill. Mr. Marfell said they could hold the matter over till another time. They could talk on it for hours. He moved that Mr. Wilkinson be thanked for letter.—Carried.

LECTURE BY MR. BUCKERIDGE. Mr. Buckeridge said he was disappointed at the poor attendance. It showed a lack of interest in an institution that should prove a power of good to the land. To secure the best results they required a strong following, and this put the officials in good heart. The Union had done good work, but just now it seemed that interest was not what it might be. They needed to pay mora attention to their surroundings. They required organising. His own observations after a cloge study-convinced him that they required a strong fcodx of

public opinion behind them in order to carry weight with the general public. There were other bodies sufficiently organised to demand concessions, and it was this organisation that the Union was not getting. They were not strong except by unity to go to the Government on matters that affected them the land laws were inequitable. Farmers should look to their own affairs more j closely and see that justice was meted out to them by the powers that be. Taxation had greatly increased. La=t year they had the excess profits tax, which hit the farmers very badlv, and thousands of farmers paid more" than they should have done. This was partly through misunderstanding the position and not being organised. He had attended several lectures delivered by Mr. Wilkinson on the same thing, and he had been astonished at the amount paid more than they should have paid. The taxation imposed upon them was out of ail reason. Some of the farmers were wise enough to approach the Commissioner and had secured redress. This year the position would be worse, as the tax would be heavier still, and in their own interests the farmers would be compelled tc- Veep books. Ho felt it his duty to show the farmers how to arrive at what they had to pay and what escaped taxation. In justice to the men at the front the farmers should rise and form a strong organisation over the whole of New Zealand. The farmers did not mind paying taxation, but they should be placed on the same footing a s others. A system of book-keeping had to foe Reduced, and it was a simple system in that respect that he had illustrated'.'He then explained in detail how a man going on the farm should show the purchase of stock, etc., under different headings. Wherever possible he recommended that all payment sshould be made by cheques through the banks. A man had to pay excess tax, but he must be sure that the tax was on actual profit. The Farmers' Union suggested, in the event of a farmer not caring to keep looks, to do it for him, charging him for the actual time spent in looking after same. Mr. Marfell expressed appreciation of the clear and concise address delivered by Mr. Buckeridge, and moved a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker.—-Mr. Lyford seconded.—Carried. It was suggested that the membership fee should be made £1 la.

THE PATRIOTIC EALLY. The patriotic day organised by the staff of Mr. Newton King was a great success. Early in the morning several members of the staff were out bringing in the goods donated by farmers and others for sale. The district had been well canvassed, and a very generous response made. A look in at the meat bazaar early in the morning showed tb» shop filled with buyers of Sunday joints, etc. Further on, the shop set aside for fancy goods was also receiving generous patronage. Further south, the shop reserved for home-made jams, etc., also had a tempting array. On the other side the same thoroughness of detail was noticeable, and ever and anon the noise of a rifle report showed that the shopting gallery was in full swing. Apart from buying there was plenty to amuse the crowd. A band of Pierrots made the most of opportunities to dispose of art union tickets, etc., whilst a small but enthusiastic band of musicians on a lorry drove or motored through Broadway. Color was not lacking, and a streamer of flags across the street betokened to the stranger that something was doing, and he was not long in doubt as to what that something was. Although this appeal has followed closely ou the heels of similar efforts the public were not dismayed, but paid up cheerfully. At the 1 time of writing it is impossible to secure the names of all assisting, neither is it possible to ascertain the amount of cash collected, but from indications it is very apparent the results will prove very satisfying to the promoters, the public, and the patriotic funds, ■ GENERAL

At the S.M. Court on Friday, in the judgment summons case, A. E. BuTgess v. W. J>own, claim £1 3s Od, an order was made that payment be made forthwith, in default two days' imprisonment. W. Ritter was orderedto pay £ll 14s 3d forthwith to Mr. J. Boyd,*in defauli •fourteen days' imprisonment. Judgment was given for plaintiff in the motor cycle ■collision case, B. R. Long v. Thomas •Sneller (claim £3O), foi- £2B and costs £2 His, witnesses' expenses £1 9s, solicitors' fees £4 14s. Nicholas j. •Uhlenberg, charged with failing to register the birth of a child, was convicted with costs 7s.

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 n 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.