STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, March 2. i. AND P. ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the Agricultural and i>istoru! Association was held this afternoon. Present: Messrs J. VV. Boon (chairman) I{. Dinylc, J. Shutter, J. Linnell, A- lluggett, lv O'Sullivan, K. IV. Hancock, W. Cleniow, B. Orr. K. McK. Morison, T. Walker and C. Jackson. The executive committee reported as under: The show grounds have been leased for a term of twelve months at an increase over last gear's rental. The president visited Hawera and New Plymouth shows, and wishes to thank the officials of iboth Societies for the kindness extended to him. The secretary obtained ten new members at Hawera, also the promise of two gold medals for next show, one from Mr. A. Gallichan and one from Mr. J. Blair. The executive wish to thank the donors. At New Plymouth four new members were obtained. The show grounds are in good order and the farm committee have had the blackberries cutin moving the adoption of the report, the president stated that the reviewing of the schedule had been taken in hand and had reached the horse section. —The report was adopted. The president reminded members that they had been promised two trucks of posts, and he thought when they came to hand they should set up working !.<ecs to square up some of the paddocks! Mr. Linnell 'brought up the question of socials. At the close of last winter they Had a very fine social at the show grounds, and he would like to see one or more held this winter. The president thought they might set up a 'committee to report. Mr. Morison then moved that Messrs T. Ranford A. TTuggnt?, and J. Linnell he a committee to consider the question of a social or socials and report to next meeting.—Carried. Other routine bu=-.ine-s was transacted and the meeting closed. x GIFT AUCTION APPEAL. Contributions towards the above, which was organised to raise £2OOO in the district for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, are still coming to hand. The latest are:—Stratford (per secretarv): Stratford Racing Club £IOO, Stratford Ladies' Patriotic Committee (Mart Feb 23) £lO, H. llynes S.\ is. Tariki (per S Pitt): VV. Lnngmstn .€l.

As a general committee meeting, together with canvassers for the fiift Auction Sale, is to be held on Saturday, Oth inst, in the Horom:h Chamoer*' Stratford, at 2 p.m. for the purpose cf submitting a statement of receipts ■■.ml expenditure to the meeting, all out"•■tSliding donations are requested to be paid before the date of meeting, either lo the canvassers or to fie joint secretir'es, Messrs VV. J. Crawshaw ~nd A !'■ Grant. STRATTIMORE'S FAREWELL. On Friday evening all Strathmore, and plenty of ctiic-r friends from Stratford and elsewhere, assembled in the Strathmore hall for the purpose 6f farewellino Mr- and Mrs. Gooding and family, who .'Hive resided in the district for over •24 years. The neighbors had 'tastefully decorated the hall in honor of the occa"S.on. The presentation, a silver tea service, was made.bv Mr. Athol Meredith, who spoke highly: of the /on.l qualities of both Mr. nmV Mrs flooding and voiced the regret felt at loiin* such sterling settlers. Messrs Sam Brewer, of Makahu and J. Rentonl also paid tributes to the guests of the evening Mr Gooding, after briefly thankin* his friends.for their generous gift called npon his wife to return thanks I„ n bright little speech--Mrs. flooding (hanked all for the kindness and consideration mown them during (their stav in Strathmore, and hoped at any time to have a brew ready for her friends out ,f ii,e lovely tea service pre=ented to them thatevemng. A very fine programme of *ongs etc was submitted, those contpbuting being Mrs. Nolan. Mcs,rs D MC.s for the dance were Messrs A Curtis and E Snowball, whilst the mu ic was supplied bv the Spate Bros, (phno and viojin) estras being contributed |, v MisAimes Brewer and Stocklev, Miss Kibble, and Mr. R. Cottier. " GENERAL. Tlie residents of the Sole road, N«aere r" a social evening, this time at the residence of Mr. H. Jj. Kidd. This marked a farewell to Mr. Fougere who '» going into camp shortly. Mr. J P Higgle was selected as spokesman, and 1.-e presented Mr. Fougere with a brief»ag, at the same time wishing him good fetune and health as a soldier. Mr fougere acknowledged the gift in an an-' .propnate little speech. Songs, recitaqu.ckly, those assist mg beim* Arise,,,, and C.ludd,D. Ne, S o„, fere'St D. Nelson, Mr. Fougere, and Master lydu. An amusing dialogue added further variety to the entertainment which

Hathaway, W. Morisoilj and w A Uitohan were re-elected members of the Stratford Licensing Committee to-ckv •>th Remforeemcnts, was wounded (shot -rough the elbow) at Messines, and then mval.ded home, was tendered a welcome home" evening by hh Lowgarth friends at the Finnertv' road school hrt night. Mr. E.Kilbride'occupied the fa t heirnudst conscious of the fact that he had done ha duty, and expressed the hope that in due course he would be restored to ,Ins former health. Private S«.« a M n0 U le ' , f d tl,e ,dml oxpresrions uttered -by tJ, 9 chairman, and mvo a few 'letafls of his experiences. Mr. D Shnte KfcaJlv enlivened the proceedings -with his piano selections, whilst songs and stories were contributed- by Messr, Johnston Shutc, X. Angus, and J. Kittoide. The evening proved most enjoyable to all present. 'Mr. 0. 71. Buckeridge. linn, secretary of the Farmers' Union, visited Stratford this afternoon, with the intention of addressing members of the local branch on the Maxwell system of' book-keeping For some reason or other there was no mcetins. but this did not dismay the secretary, who remarked that this' was Ins second visit hern that was resultless owing to uancity of, attendance. Vrobfihlr meml>ers will show a better interest in his next visit, a fortnight hence. One member remarked that the local branch is "as dead aR a nail," and fcbfa looks very much like bein"- the truth. | DATRY COMPANY'S -NTTIV FACTORY. When the swnpliers at a meeting of ;he Stratford Farmers' Co-operative Co.

decided to install a cheese factory, in addition to the butter factory, iriere were not a few who bolievi-d tlmt the. diiliculties of financing, obtaining maehincry, mnterial, etc., would prevent the company manufacturing elieose by the end of February. The chairman, Mr.. 11. Dingle, and his directors, however, knew what they were about, and now (.March 1) the making of cheese is an .accomplished fact. The start was made this morning, and it was by no means a surprise to %d that the factory in. modern in every sense of the word- The -buiUUnjr is of concrete, with iron roofing.. The main (making) room is 80ft. by .10 feet, curing room (50ft. by :10ft., and packing room -25 ft. by 110 feet. The latest and best machinery is there, and everything as far as the employees are concerned is available to turn out a first-class article, provided the milk is good. In the past, whilst making butter, the manager has not been too strict regarding the acceptance of milk from cows fed too liberally on kale, etc. In making cheese the taint will become more pronounced, and will materially affect the grading, which is an important feature of the industry. To minimise this risk the company will instal posg teurisers, but it is essential that farmers should see that the kale or turnip flavor is not too pronounced.

The approach to the factory is on a- concrete road, laid down by Mr. J. WBoon. There are six chains (Gin. .ieepof concrete. At the factory the milk is received, weighed, etc, and then run off into one of the four vats. Here the "agitators'' (revolving fans) keep the milk, rennet, etc., in motion till the cheese is formed. The liquid on tap is then run on" into a white-tiled whey tank, 3600 gallons, where it is put through a separator and made into whey butter. The last of the liquid will then be run off into another tank of 5100 gallons capacity, built of heart of totara, and available to the farmers for stock. Kvervthing that can be devised to expedite the work and ensure cleanliness is under the roof. Tubs, heated by steam, give farmers plenty of water for cleaning cans, and the employee has no need to stint himself either in this direction. In the making room there is ample provision to allow the company's expansion, and probably four more vats could be put into operation when the supply warrants. Commencing wlien the .season hnd passed the maximum supply of milk, the directors are not likely fo be caught in need of any material by next summer.

Mr. F. J. McDonald, who has been manager of the company for seven years, will still continue his duties. Previous to joining the company he was an expert in cheese-making, ami thus possesses the knowledge of both butter and cheese manufacture. Mr. R. P. Baker, liia first assistant, comes from Alton' and has also had experience at Kaupokonui. Tlic other assistants also possess factory knowledge. The architects, Messrs. Percival and Messenger, are to be complimented on their designing of such a model factory, and the contractor, Mr. J. W. Boon, has carried out the details in a manner characteristic of all his jobs—good, faithful work. Messrs Smart Bros, attended to all the plumbing, and Messrs McMillan and Frederic the machinery

Although there was no "speechifying m- toast-making." the chairman Of 1 * R. Tlinglc) and his directors arc naturally plea«ed at seeing the works in going order, and the wisdom of installing the dual plant must be apparent to all. The company is now in a position to £o i n for butter or cheese as tho market dictates, ami is thus falling into line with Eltham, Kaponga, and other neighboring factories. In the past there has been a little opposition to the company setting up dual plants, principally on the score of machinery lying idle and depreciation, but with these same plants a factory can turn otit cheese for the Home market and butter for Dominion consumption. Once again congratulations to the chairman, directors, and others concerned in the company on their forward step, and may the "company continue to grow in membership and finance, as the success of the farming community is reflected throughout the province-

Mr. H. Bocock, for nine years with the company, will have the management of the new Huinga cheese factory (a branch of the Stratford Company),'situated on the Toko road. This work also carried out by Mr. J. W. Boon, is 'nearing completion.

Have you seon tlie Ucan haircutter Imque toilet article that should be in the possession of everv man who likes to have a tidy appearance. Recommended to New Zealand Government, and an ideal gift to a soldier. Price 15 & , post J?\4 10 ? C - E - James ' soI « agent for Stratford district. Visit this store for the best m Easter presents, school stationery, jewellery, and fancy goods, font variety i„ Stratford and at prices lowest in laranaki.* The "Ucan" haircutter has proved a popular article m the household. Mr U E. James, agent for this district has been notified that the Government etn templates purchasing some for use with members of the Defence Department It >s a unique gift that would be much anpredated, particularly by those in the trend™ as with a gift of this descript on a soldier could always keep his hair clipped short, and thus be spared a good deal of misery and irritation. An fnvitation is given to all to see the "Ucan" haircutter.—Advt,