STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

'(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left With Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION. Stratford, Oct. 24. Considerable interest was taken in the meeting held at the Foresters' Hall, last evening, in connection with the formation of a branch here of the above association. This hall proved all too small to accommodate those who desired to hear the address, which, in the absence of the Rev. Howard Elliott, was made by the Rev. G. Knowles-Smith, of Wellington, a memher of the Dominion executive. In opening, the reverend gentleman laid down the principles of the association, pointing out that it was not an organisation to destroy the Roman Catholic Federation, but rather was in opposition to its political activity, and claiming that if the 44 per cent. Roman Catholics had the right to organise, they could not deny the same privilege to the 86 per cent. Protestants. The speaker then touched upon several matters' of a more or less controversial nature, connected with the action of the Roman Catholics in regard to the exemption from military service of their religious, education, and preferential treatment. In conclusion he urged any Roman Catholic present to join their own federation, and at the same time called upon the Protestants to likewise organise. A resolution protesting against the exemption of the Marist Bros, from military service was then carried, unanimously. A vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman concluded a very orderly meeting. It is said that the enrolment of members is satisfactory. Mr. Fryday informs me that he intends bringing the refusal of the borough authorities to let the Town Hall, after accepting his payment, before the local court.

THE MODEL DAIRY FARM. The chairman, Messrs H. Trimble and P. H. J. White reported as follows at Tuesday's meeting of the Taranaki Education Board on the conference held between representatives of the Board and delegates for the Model Dairy Farm Committee, in reference to the taking over and future working of a suitable area of land on the model dairy farm, Stratford, for agricultural education:— We recommend that the Board occupy an area, up to a maximum of twenty acre 9, of the Society's land at a rental of £1 per acre per annum, and rates, with the right to purchase the goodwill of the head lease of the portion occupied at £4 ,per acre. Term of lease to expire lon June 30, 1922. The rent to be payable from the date on which the Board fences in the area to be occupied. Provided that the Board may occupy a small area to start with and may increase such area up to the maximum of twenty acres, rent to be paid for the occupied area only. The location of the area to be decided by delegates from both bodies. We recommend further that the work done under the Education Board shall form part of the demonstration work on the farm as a whole, and the officers of eaeli department shall work together in cooperation. The Society will provide a man, farm implements, and horses to cultivate the Board's area when convenient, and as an offset the services of the school lads will as far a.s possible be made available for such operations as 'herd testing, recording crop returns, weeding and other suitable farm work under the supervision of an officer of the Board. Seeds and manures may be provided by tlie Department of Agriculture for use on the Board's area. The Society will have first option to purchase the Board's crops at valuation, less value of the work, seeds and manures supplied. Seeds and cuttings, etc., for propagation of hedge plants and shelter trees for the Board's schools will be supplied by the Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the society, free. The ,society to receive their, requirements of plants free. We wish to express our appreciation of the practical interest shown by the committee of the Society in the work to be undertaken in educating the boys, and the spirit of reasonableness shown by them when discussihg the future .policy of such instruction.

The report was adopted and the portion to be located was referred to the chairman with power to act. As soon as arrangements can be made 10 acres will be cleared. GENERAL.

About a dozen attended the working bee held at the showgrounds this morning. Good work was done in fixing up gates, laying on water pipes, etc. The toilers were grateful to Mr. and Mrs. A. Huggett, for refreshments supplied, which were very acceptable and much appreciated. A North v. Soutli bowling fixture will be decided on the green to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, weather permitting.

Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sending to soldiers ftt the front, and friends in the Home Land. A very large and varied assortment is available but already a steady demand has set in, so those on the lookout for seasonable gifts of this description should lose no time'in inspecting Mr James' stock.