STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 February 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

ALLEGED INCENDIARISM CLARK OOMMITTKD FOR TRIAL(From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, Fob. 7At the S.M. Court this morning, John Benjamin Clark was charged with wilfully setting lire to the premises occupied by him in Brondway on the night of January 12. Messrs j. W. McMillan and F. J. McDonald, J-P.s, were on the bench. Sergeant Dale conducted the prosecution. Mr. Wright-.(instructed by Mr. Hutehen) represented Clark. Alfred J. Davcy, lieutenant of the Fire Brigade, gave evidence on similar lines to that given at the inquest on the fire. From his observation he considered the fire originated round the staging (rostrum) and that it was not in any adjoining building. C. IJ. Sole, who was coroner at the firo inquest, put in evidence relating to the finding at the jury at that inquest. He also put in the evidence of accused. Regarding the explosion he stated that the window glass was fairly thick. He was there a few minutes after the fire. Lived over 440 yards away from the shop, and shortly after he heard a noise the alarm was givenAfter the fire he examined the premises and was of opinion that there had been an explosion.

Wm. Danvers, agent, employed by accused at the time of the fire, was the next witness. Evidenc* tendered by him at the inquiry was put in The Sergeant did not examine him. .'. H. Thompson, land agent, stated that previous to Clark talcing (he premises they had been occupied by a confectioner, that would be about five wefts earlier. There was no benzine or .anything else, to his knowledge, likelv to cause an explosion. He admitted there was a little rubbish in the front nortion and also at the back, but the whole lot could he removed in n barrow .Arthur H. Herbert, draper, gave similar evidence to that deposed to by him at the inquiry. Thomas (!. Oruhb. captain of th» 'brigedo. also gave evidence on similar lines to tlint nt the inquiry. Frank M. Lane, borough inspector, stated he was passing along Broadway' about 11 o'clock. At that time there was no sism of fire. Saw Dnnv"rs and Clark et t'-<> shop, accused having his coat off. Wirness henrd nni-. nf.« the words "two minutes." Could not remember tin remainder ol the sentence. Whilst crossing the railwnv line he heard an explosion and fell of glass. Returning to Broadwav he found the place occupied by Clark in flame's H" Has onn of the men placed in charge of the nrei)i>ses after the fire. Thomas Avery said he wa? a ropre---"hiativc of Avery. Ltd. Could not say tl»' netunl number of Roekbnrn stoves "old to Clark, prohablv three or fo-ir •Wen. Identified (he tins produced as th" snm» he sold. The "tins contained <o!id alcohol, and no henzine. Ravmnnd Julian Cock, motor mechanic, stated he was engaged at New [Plymouth at Mr Newton King's garage. Remembered January 7. wli-'„ TVmvers came to him and purchased a (in of benzine. The tin sold was exactly the -ame as produced. Denver-; took tbc tin away. Accused cam? Jo him and "4-e" witness what he was there for. Told Danvers that he =old Knew of no reason why Danvers should ask him what lie was doing there. Danwrs was a total stranger to him. Sergeant Dale, 'n the witness box, repented hi* evidence given at th > inquiry. Constable John Tizard also gave evidence.

Accused was then committed for trial at Wanmnni. Mr. Wright applied for hni) n s previously, Clark in a snri'tv of £-200 and Mr C 0. Hawke in £-200. Serjeant Dale agreed to these amount?. REV. HOWARD ELLIOTT'S MEETING. There was a "bumper house' at the town hull bst evening to hoar the Rev Howard Elliott's address under the allsnicos of the Protestant Polilcal Association. Considerable interest was taken in the proceedings, and a groat deal of eonrni 'tit was made on the Mayor's decision not to allow the town hall for Mic meeting. The hall was availahle however, and before the proceedings opened a verv fine orchestra of nine instruments played an overture. The chair was taken bv Mr J H Thompson (president of the Association!, whilst Mr. Taylor (Tlawera) was also on the stage, besid.s- the Rev II Elliott. The latter was accorded a very cordial reception, his remarks leading up to the formation of the association, and the urgent noo?asity for all tb join in order to combat other influences met with the approval of the audience He explained the recent happenings in which h'e figured in an as-ault case at Auckland, and also related his connection with'the letters in the Auckland post office that created so much comment. Throughout his address the speaker was very moderate and very careful in his remarks on other denominations. The feeling that has been workin" against the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan" culminated in the following resolution moved by Mr. R. H. Robinson: "This meeting of the Protestants of Stratford records its strong protest against the bigoted and un-British action of his Worship the Mayor in refusing to Cr. J. FI. Thompson and the Protestant Political Assoeation the use of the Stratford town hall after the hall had been duly engaged and paid for. As citizens we repudiate and denounce the action of the Mayor, and hereby call upon him to resign his office, having forfeited the confidence of the community." Mr. Robinson said the Mayor, bv his action, was endeavoring to curtail the liberty of the people, and they should put a stop to that. After some remarks by the chairman, who intimated that he would have something to say on the matter at the next council meeting, the resolution was carried unanimously. Votes of thanks to the Rev. Howard Elliott and the chairman concluded the meeting. GENERAL. Mrs. J. W. Boon presided at the hieeting of the Ladies' Patriotic Committee held this week. Mcsdames J. S. McDonald and D. J. Malone were appointed to vacancies on *ht nan-els committee, vice Mesdames C. Martin and S Thompson, resigned. After .i l.ttle discussion it was resolved to postpone the proposed baby contest till May, in not to clash with other patriotic work. The, sum of £36 secured at the'patriotic rooms during December is to he placed to the credit of the Wounded Soldiers frund- The last Tuesday and Wednesday in eai!h montlv were selected as dav» upon which goods for the front arc to

be packed. Sewing meetings will resume on Wednesday next. Mrs. ,T. W. Boon will have control of the'patriotic tea-rooms and Mrs. H. .L. Betts the mart on Saturday. The Patriotic Committee will be pleased to secure donations of produce, poultry, vegetables, etc., for the mart. .Stratford was deadly dull this, afternoon- Most of the citizens were out of town, probably most of lli'jin at New Plymouth, whilst the boilers had an afternoon on the Haw era green. T. LAMASpN'S WEEKLY REPORT Last Saturday my usual weekly sale was held, when a fine entry ol poultry, produce, fruit, etc., came to hand... We quote as follows: Hens (old) Is to is 7d, others Is fid to 2s, ducks 2s to 2s (id, geese 3s Od, potatoes 9s Cd to 10s (id per cwt., apples 3s to 4s, peaches 4s to ss, pears" 3s 6d to 4s Cd, tomatoes 3s to (is per case, plums 3s to 6s. Furniture and sundries at usual auction rates. T. Lamason's usual weekly sale is advertised for Saturday, also a quantity of fruit direct from the orchard will be sold privately and by auction. During February visitors to Stratford »re. advised to keep a watch on the many excellent lines of jewellery, stationery, etc.. being offered fey Mr. C. E. James. It is surprising the sterling value being given in the many lines he is offering. Ladies' handbags are selling freely, satisfied customers realiisng that here they obtained the very best at lowest prices. Just step inside and note the grand bargains.