STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Owu Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, c-tc., left with Mr. H. I. v Hopkins, bookseller, will receive rroiavt atioutioii.] RAILWAY'S AXI) HACINCL Stratford, March 18. At the last meeting of the Borough Council a resolution was carried protesting against the unsatisfactory train ! arrangements and the excessive cost of road repairs. The following reply will l;e considered at this evening's meeting: Hon. \V. H. Hemes, Minister uf Railways, replied that the Government's reasons jor not running special trains for race meetings were mainly through scarcity oi labor. When the lirst ballots were drawn for the Expeditionary Force the railway department had freely allowed over oOUO men to leave the service, and found itself in the position that, if it was to maintain the train services in full, it-would have had to upply for total exemption for all the balloted men. Cabinet had decided that, in order to release as many men as possible for the front, the reduced services should be adopted. The principle adopted in reducing train services was, while retaining all trallic affecting war purposes and essential industries, to eliminate all traffic for nonessential and pleasure purposes, and also all redundant or non-paying services. Consequently it was decided to run no 1 special trains for sports, race*, picnics. I etc., as these objects are certainly not essential for war purpose.-*. He further pointed out that even if it had been decided to maintain railway services to their full extent a.; before the war, the shortage of coal, owing to shipping 'difficulties, would have compelled a considerable reduction in the train services, and it is obvious that pleasure traffic' wo:;ld have had to go out before traffic connected with, the war or essential industries or the business of the people. The Minister suggested that there were other ways of coping with what is an admitted difficulty n the deterioration of the roads by excessive motor traffic tl ; an bv suggesting the restoration of special trains for race meetings, which is impossible now owing both to shortage of men and coal. The railway department has released 7000 of its employees for service at the front, and at the present time the staffing was 43C0 men short of its normal complement. RED TRIANGLE COXCERT. As will be seen by the programme published, the concert and dance to be held in the town hall on Thursday next should attract a biar audience. The promoters have been fortunate in securing some of the best available talent in Xew Plymouth, in Mrs. Wilkes and Messrs N. Dav and A'. Sturroek, whilst Mr. Silver. Rawhitiroa. is a past master in ragtime dittVs. Mr McLaren, Toko, is alivav-- sure of ji welcome from Stratford audiences, and Mrs. Massev is singing as well a.s ever, and her items alone are worthy the price of admission. The comedy element, will lie in the capable hands and voice of Mr. T. Ranford."whilst further variety will bp added bv step-daneing bv Mr. Andrews. Mr. "• l'-o v is acting as accnmnanist and will al-io play for the dance that follows.

GEXEP.AI,. » The town hail should hold a large audience to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, when an entertainment by the Returned Soldiers' Association will be given. They will appear in the burlesque "The Bang Roys !«■(, Here," and will 'be assisted in their el'orts to instruct, entertain, and amuse bv the Hawera Hordette of Savages. These entertainers have shown in various towns 'during the past month, and have delighted ail with their quaint quips, fiinniosities. choruses, etc. The prees are reasonable,, and, being patriotic, the entertainment should apncal toall.

Mr. J Lucor.a (Toko) presided at the meeting of, the Fanners' Union held on .Saturday, The attendance was .lardly fiat taring to the provincial secretary, Mr. Buckeridge, who delivered an address on Union matters, in which he showed how the farmers had received several concessions from the Government that could be traced to the work""of the Union, He also freely illustrated the merits ol the Maxwell system of bookkeeping. Some discussion ensued on the question of raising the Union fees to i'l. The secretary submitted a report which showed a. small debit balance, and he mentioned that by raising the fee to £1 this would be removed. A motion wa» carried to that e/l'eet. It was also agreed that it was unfortunate that farmers took such a little interest interest in the Union that they could not give one hour a month to its affairs.

The Plunkct nurse is expected to take up her duties here on May 20. The Ladies' Patrioti; Committee's Mart secured £7 10s on Saturday, and £6 ISs was taken at the tea rooms. The committee desire to acknowledge homemade bread and sweets from Mrs. Xorrie and also Whangamomona friends, Mrs. 11. Richmond, turkey, Mrs. Cramer, cake.

Lieut. Bob Woods, one of Stratford's best known footballers, is expected to arrive home this evening . The weather continues dull, but the rain has only arrived in very small instalments. The Patea river is running very low. f I notice • that the electrical engineer complains of the the number of kerosene and benzine tins that are thrown into tne river. It would nbt be so 'bad if these tins floated away to destinations unknown, but, unfortunately, they submerge and form a blockage just about the electric light dam. Probably as a result of this protest the practice of ridding the backyard of tins by throwing them in the river will lie discontinued. Easter is close at hand, and one wonders what to get for suitable gifts. There is no need to worry. You can present your soldier with the Ucan haircutter, the young lady with a bangle or wrstlet, watch, the maid with a book, and the student with a fountain pen. The fretful child will fret no more with a toy, and tired mother will be pleased with some of the Doulton ware, and father will forget to growl if you purchase tobacco, pipes, or cigars from C. E. James, the man for the multitude.*