STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

I .;„, —*- -" Stratford, 'Feb. 9. GIFT AUCTION APPEAL. The usual weekly meeting of delegates and canvassers was held this afternoon. Present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), Messrs W. P. Kirkwood, V. .Smith, A. .Iluggett, 1). .1. Malone, J. B. Richards, A. Stewart, R. Cottier, J. O'.Vcill, 11. Harrison, .1. Lucena, L. Marfell; O Sangster, T- E. Coleman, E. Walter, N- Brown, and W. J. Crawshaw and A. F. Grant (joint secretaries).

On the question of reports from canvassers coming to hand, Mr. D- J. Malone stated he should work Kohuratahi and Tahora. He had seen Mr X. Cleland. who promised to assist in plus direction, whilst Mr- E. R. Hill would also do what he could. Mr. Malone thought it very possible that they could rely on generous support from this part of the district. The town eanvass?rs had made a start, and here also the response had been very encouraging. Mr- J. B. Richards moved that all books, lists, etc., be in by next Saturday, 16th inst. This was necessary in order to allow the preparation of a, stock list and attention required to other details. —Carried. Mr. W. H. Rutledge (Midfoirst) was appointed to have control of sale of pigs at Stratford. The question of purchase of stork for auction was raised- At the previous meeting it was resolved to instruct the delegates, V. Smith and M. .McDonald, ts purchase stock to the value of £SOO, and a motion was carried raising the sum to £IOOO- - T. E. Coleman (Ngaere) offered the use of a. paddock for stock, which was accepted with thanks. Messrs Ceo. Sangster and H. Harrison were appointed to canvass Monmouth and Pembroke roads. c Poultry coming to hand will be sold at Mr. N. King's Haymarkjct on Saturday. 23rd inst. Mr. Marfell was appointed to. take charge of stock donated by settlers from Toko road and Toko. A meeting will be held next Tuesday, >.t 3 p.m., when further reports are expected to come to hand. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. A systematic canvass of the town is now being started, and will be continued energetically until the whole of the borough has beer, covered Should any townspeople be overlooked by (lie canvassers they may forward their donations to the following: W. J- Crawshaw (secretary), J. 13 Richnrds, W. P. Kirkwood. Newton King, N Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency, or - Farmers Co-opera-five Association. Canvassers report the following donations: "J\ IT. Penn, section of land value £IOO. G. X- Curtis. £2O; •T. Yv". McMillan and W I: Kirkwood, £lO iOr each: 'Or- T. 1. Paget and Joseph Mulree, -Cio each; .7. W. Boon, £5 ss: Robert Masters. Campbell Tack"oii. D. j'. Malov, V.. Dingle, 'Edward Jackson, £A each SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION. I; iiafi been apparent for some time that something would have to be done to provide more ample accommodation at the Stratford school. Matters were pudied further ahead this morning when Wie Borough Council held a special meeting to meet the deputation comprising ilessr-: J. W. Boon (chairman of the school committee) ar.d Tt. Masters fcliavitiin oi the. Taranaki Education. Bi'iSird!. The councillors present \,ere: Tv Mayor. A. Coleman. .1. Masters, D. . 7 . -AhUr.:?Jj. K. Thompson. C Jackson, T. Lawsor, C-, J>. Walsh and W. Mc. Don? id-

Mr Boon i ho first speaker, and sax- the dcpisiaiiori desired that the Borough Council shftulu give properly to half the value o{ the proposed school \<\e vhleh liad been approved by the jlvkoat on Department valued at £I7OO. H this were done it would materially strengthen the hands of the deputation, which was going to wait upon the Minister at Wellington or, Tuesday Unless the suggestion wa>. approved there was no prospect of the site bc'.ng purchased. IJuwera. and Xew Plymouth had b.-en pi*en their proper!ie\ It was thought the ioea! high school should receive every encouragement, «s the results aehioed had beer- i-qutl to the best of any school in ihe Dominion. He hoped they had the support of ihe council in the matter, as the proposed technical high school mould become the centre of the Xortl. 'island ior agricultural instruction, ami would .have the benefit of the model dairy farm adjoining the property. Mri K. Masters said councillors had had the matter before them previously, wh«n. they decided to send the Mayor to Wellington as n delegate. The deputation proposed to ieuve on Monday, and hoped to be able, to show the Minister for Education, that fcht people of Stratford were willing to do their share toward? the education of the children. The oi);- o: land did not necessarily mean a loss to the town, but was simply a traasie; from- or.o body in another. Other iot/ns had made similar grants, and he felt sure, that Stratford people would appreciate any action ihe council migh;. take In tiie matter. At present the school had to accommodate SOO i't.pii?. whtreas h was only built, for W), so that inciter sheds, 'gvmnasium, and-ieolmicai school had to be utilised. The way out of the diffiailtv was the establishment of a separate liigli school for the secondary scholars, and thus relieve 20fl pupils. The site he suggested was that of the old cemetery, ad'joinin',' two acres of the Education' Board re" "Prve. It would be necessary to have a Act of Parliament 'to make a transfer to the department. Alter a little discussion, in which' councillors generally recognised the need for action, it was rc«ofV?B. on the motion of Crs. .T. Masters and T. Lawson, that .the request be acceded to, nnd that the sife mentioned bv-Mr. Masters be offered to th? Education Department. GENERAL. Sergeant A. Steer was tendered awelcome home at the Pembroke Road sehoolhouse last evening. The attendance of the public was very satisfactory, the school being taxed to the uttermost. The returned soldier was presented with an address of welcome, accompanied by i neat little speech by Mr. H. Harrison, chairman of the local patriotic committee Sergeant Steer, who has l>een away two years, and was invalided home thraugh wounds received at Passehendaele, acknowledged the l;md remarks if the chairman and related a few incidents that happened in his neighborhood whilst at the front. A short but artisti? programme of vocal items was contributed to by Mrs. Dingle, Misses Rogers and Martin, and Mr. Wm. Power. For ttte dance that followed the music was supplied by Miss Harrkon (piano), Mr. Parker (cornet), and Mr. Harrison UvioUn). Mr. L. Roger* was. aft-Ideal

MO. The generous supper provided by the ladies was much appreciated. Mr. .!. W". Boon presided at the school wiminitl.ee meeting last evening. The headmaster's report stated that IJic attendance at the opening' was fiOl at tlie primary schools and 175 at the secondary school. He advocated the school purchasing stationery six months aliead of requirements on account of the increasing cost- The committee resolved to interview the local stationers and others on tlie matter. Master Albert Anderson is to be presented with a book or books in recognition of his achievements in connection witili the recent University examinations. During February visitors to Stratford ■ire advised to keep a watch on the many excellent lines of jewellery, stationery, etc.. being offered by Mr. C. R. Jarrn-s. 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 price.?. Just step inside and note the grand bargains.