STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] S.M. COURT. Stratford, Nov. 10. Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., presided at the fortnightly sitting of the eourt this afternoon. Judgment was given for plaintiff in the following eases: ,T. Davis (Mr. Coleman) v. A. Brown, claim £8 3a 9d, costs £2 !)s Cd; Geo. Smith (Mr. Rutherford) v. Horace Taylor, claim £24 10s ltd. Judgment was'entered up for £9 15s !>d, without costs. R. M. Peattie v. C. McLaren, claim £5 Is, with costs 15s. F. A. Bridgeman was charged with stealing 4251bs of gelignite, value .€35, between February 1, 191G and July 10, 1917. On the application of the police, a remand was made till next Monday, at 10 a.m. CARELESS FARMER.

There was no appearance of Horace Phillips, of Ngaere, who wa9 proceeded against for leaving a dead calf iinburied on October 27, so as to become a nuisance. There was a second information as to allowing, on October 27, a dead eow to remain unburicd. Constable Andrew Robertson formally gave evidence in each instance. Fines fo £1 and 10s, with costs 14s, were inflicted. AN INTERESTING CASE.

A triangle action in which three counsels were engaged, occupied considerable time. R. McCormick (Mr. P. Thomson) sued George D. Hunter, a member of the Expeditionary Forces (Mr. T. C. Fookes) and Florence Bullock (Mr. J. R. Stanford), for £lO, for loss of a cow by a tree falling across defendant's section and killing the cow. Mr. Thomson said the value of the cow was admitted. Plaintiff had to prove that the tree falling had killed the beast, but there were legal questions as to whether the lessee was liable or the owner, or both.

R. McCormick, plaintiff, said he was the owner of a farm in Stratford. He produced a rough sketch of the locality. He did not believe there was any chance of the cow being bogged or drowned. The tree had been dangerous for over 0 years, and he thought it should have been brought down 8 or 10 years ago. He had removed the hide of the cow, and found the flesh badly bruised. To Mr. Fookes: It was what might be termed a "pretty rotten night." His theory was that the tree had fallen, and, breaking off at 9 feet or so, went over the fence, and struck the cow. He admitted that the beast was under water, her nose and mouth being submerged when he saw it. He did not personally remove the hide; neither did he hold the post mortem. He also admitted it was mirmise on his part that the tree had killed the eow.

R. McK. Morison stated he had had a fair experience in timber, dairying, etc He had no shadow of doubt "from his own observations that the falling tree had killed the eow. Had the tree been on his property he would not have allowed Jit to stand. He considered the tree had been a menace for many years. Chas. Thompson's evidence was similar to that of the last witness. This particular tree had its top roots burnt out in the big fire many years back. After hearing" argument by counsel, the magistrate non-suited plaintiff, on the ground that it was apparent defendants had no knowledge that the tree was dangerous.

Thomson asked for permission to appeal, the magistrate stating that each party should also pay their own expenses A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. Entries for tho forthcoming show to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, 28th and 29th insta., are now pouring in, and the secretary, Mr. A. D. Stanley, is busy classifying them. Entries have not yet closed, and a full comparison with other years is not yet possible, but it is already clear that the forthcoming show will be fully equal to previous years. Good competition is already assured in all the principal classes. Intending exhibitors and competitors arc apt to delay making their entries, and they should act promptly, as entries close on Saturday, 17th instant. Lnte entries will be received up to Tuesday, 20th. Last evening a resolution was carried expressing appreciation of the efforts of the president, Messrs C. Jackson and Harrison and tho secretary, in proceeding to Palmerston North and Wanganui for entries. Messrs Lopdcll and Morison were empowered to act concerning the erection of the A.W.R. stand at the northern end of Mr. Newton King's building. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Huggett and Pollock for laying the water on to paddocks, and to Mr. j J. Pierce for donatio/i of straw. '

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL SPEECH DAY.

On Thursday afternoon, about 250 parents and friends assembled at the Parish Hall, numerous visitors from various parts of the province being present. The guests were received by the headmistress, Miss Fleming, and the following entertainment was given by the children: "Alice Through the Looking Glass"— Scene I—"The Three Queens"—"Alice" Evelyn Buist; 'Red Queen," Helen Abraham; "White Queen," Phyllis Young. Scene 2—"Tweedledum and Tweedledee." —"Tweedledum," Fred Hartley; "Tweedledee," Alan Budge; "Walrus," Helen Abraham; "Carpenter," Phyllis Young; "Eldest Oyster," Mary Fookes. "Oysters."—Nina Alexander, M. Johnston, D. Riddle, P. Abraham, H. Nolan, M. Hawkins, E. Jackson, V. Young, T. Stronach. Court scene.—Those taking part were as follows; "The Duke," Jessie Alexander; "Portia," Manu Porritt; "Shvlock," Marjorie Besley; "Antonio," Isabel Alexander; "Bassani," Kitty Grant; "Gratiano," Nola Mounsey; "Salens," Doris Hair; "Clerk," Murial Rogers; "Ncrissa," Alice Webster; "Attendants," Mollie Bindon and Gladys Death. The following songs were included: "Rain Drops," "Three Merry Travellers," "Christmas Carol," "Lad and Lass," "The Marseillaise" (in French) "Russian National Anthem," "God Save tho King." Mr. Young then detailed the progress of the school, and reports were read by Mrs. Fleming (on school work) and Rev. C. W. Howard (on religious instruction at the school).

Dr. Averili (Bishop of Auckland) and Archdeacon Evans gave interesting addresses, the function concluding with a special vote of thanks to the Bishop. GENERAL. There was a very good attendance of the public at the Midhirst Hall last, evening, when a presentation was made to F. Klceman, late manager of the Midhirst Dairy Factory. The presentations, which took the form of an illuminated address, a purse of sovereigns and tea and coffee service, were made by Messrs G. P. Harkness and Weston. Each speaker referred in generous terms to the everready assistance given to any cause by Mr Kleeman and his family. Mr. Kleeman had long been associated with the factory, and the good wishes of the subscribers to the presentation for the fu-

hire welfare of Mr. Kleeman and his family, were expressed by both gentlemen. The recipient suitably responded. During the evening songs were contributed by Mrs. Carter and Miss Weybourne, the 'dance music being supplied by Mrs. Husc, the dutiea of M.C. being carried out by Jljr. F. Carter. Now that the couuty elections arc over, regret is expressed thai the. chairman, Cr. W. Hathaway, has loat his position. Although defeated at the polls, the chairman possesses a record that will stand comparison with others holding similar positions. He has been associated with the road"boards and the council for the past 27 years, and has been chairman of the council for about nine years, Still the voting of' the riding ha* gone against Cr. Hatha way, and he bows to the inevitable with the clear conscience that he has ever done his best. Meantime he will be ab)e to have well-earned Jest from administrative troubles.

The information in the Daily News that the perpetrator of the Rnnanga murder had been captured afforded a gijod deal of comment Here. It is stated that McMahon is known to Stratfordites, having for a time worked on the concrete board at the new picture theatre, s -

A number of people are now 'exercisiug their minds as to what to send to absent friends. Their dilemma will soon be a tiling of the past if they call at Mr. C. E. James' jewellery warehouse and note the fine Christmas cards, greetings, etc,, he has for sale. The shelves are also crowded witii those little trinkets so dear to the feminine minds. Now, young men, don't forget the' ladies. Ladies, don't forget absent faces.