STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 July 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive proinyl attention.] TOKO SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. Stratford, July 28. Favored with fine weather, and bearing in mind the thoroughness of all Toko f unctions, it was not surprising to find a large attendance of residents of Toko and visitors from other places at Thursday's social at the Coronation Hall, conducted by the Toko Settlers' Association. Tho entertainment filled two purposes—a night of pleasure to dancers aud a means of presenting prizes to the winners of the field and milking competitions conducted during tire year by the association. In these days, when all fanners should strive to secure the best results, the efTorts of the association should be an incentive to others to go and do likewise. As the association has been going for some years, members now possess a I good knowledge of how to treat the ground, the result being that all over the province Toko is known as the place to grow root crops. At Thursday's function Mr. Were, chairman of the association, welcomed Mr. J. W. Deem, director of the Agricultural Department, who was judge of the results of the fields competition, to present the awards. Mr. Were briefly touched on the history of the association and the value these experiments must prove to farmers coming into the district. He also paid a well-deserved tribute to the work of Mr. M. Gernhoefer, who, as secretary, had carried out successfully a tremendous amount of work, and to whom, in large measure, the success of the association was due.

Mr. Deem, in presenting the prizes, (full details of points, etc., have been published) expressed approval of the way in which the association had gone to work to create a friendly feeling of rivalry amongst the farmers, whereby the men on the land were encouraged to give more attention to cultivation, and consequently learn a good deal more about tho subject. He congratulated tho winners on their success, which was well merited, stating it gave a practical illustration of the value of the various fertilisers. The awards were:

Butter-fat competition cup (presented by Captain .T. B. Hine, M.P.): J. W. Crowe 1, C. Bayly (Mr. Binnie) •> Mrs. W. Maule 3.

Swedes: M. Gcmuoefer 1, E, Jones 2, Mrs. Maule 3.

Mangels: C. Lofroth 1, L. Hann 2, Mrs. Maule 3.

Carrots: C. Lofroth 1, C. Bayly (R. Richards) 2, M. Gernhoefer 3. Aggregate points: C. Lofroth 1.

A very enjoyable selection of songs were contributed by Mrs. Massey, Miss Sangster, Miss Scott, and Geo. Sanne. Miss Bredon proved a most acceptable accompanist. The music for the dance was contributed by Mrs. Bianchi (piano), S. Parker (cornet), and E. Cottier (violin). The veterans, M. Gemhoefer and J. Kilpatrick, undertook the duties of M.C., and as a result all present thoroughly enjoyed the outing. WOMEN'S N.R. SOCIAL. Cold, fine nights, like those we are now having, axe just the thing for dancing, and at the town hall last night there was a large muster of dancers and others on the occasion of the Women's National Reserve Social. The floor was in capital order, and the music—Mrs. Bianchi (piano), S. Parker (cornetl, Tt. Cottier (violin), and J. S. Bowe (d j —was all that could be desired. '\ t iy enjoyable extras were contributed by Misses S, Fitzgerald, Be'ira, Sangster, Mrs. McDavitt, and T. Bobson, whilst songs, etc., were given by Mesdames Hollands and V. Nolan, Miss E. Fitzgerald, and Messrs B. J. Peters, and P. Aitken. The duties of M'sO. wero entrusted to Messrs P. Skoglund, D. J. Malone, W. H. H. Young, and T. Wilson, and they saw that all present lost no opportunities of dancing.

JERSEY BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. Mr. P. Ranford presided at the usual meeting of the above association this afternoon. Others present meluded: Messrs W. H. Tippins, T. Ranford, J. T. Belcher, P. Dodunski, E. H. Linnell, J. S. Jones, W. V. Harkness, D. Watkin, A. J. Smith, G. T. Gibbons, E. W. Lysons, J. B. Clemow, W. H. Paynter, D. O'Sullivan, A. Huggett, G. Coleman, C. Meuli, Kendrick, Hamilton, and Chaney. A very interesting paper on "Feeding Stock," prepared by Mr. E. W. Lysons, was read, and led to some discussion as well ns the relating of personal experiences. At the close Mr. Lysons was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Pour new members were elected to the association. A brief discussion followed on a recommendation that a field day and social should be held near the date of the annual meeting. Some members thought September would be suitable for a field day, but a motion in that direction was defeated. It was then suggested that a smoke concert be held on the night of the annual meeting in September, and this was carried. The committee to arrange details comprises Messrs F. Ranford, J. L. Belcher, Huggett, and another.

The question of judges for Jerseys at the Stratford A. and P. Association's show was discussed, and it was decided to recommend Messrs J. McLennan. F. E. Watson, and A. Morland, in that order.

Mr. Lysons said he would like, if the council granted the branch a £ for £ subsidy, that a portion of this should be devoted to getting literature—books and magazines—on Jersey matters. They might some day be in the position of having a good library. In the meantime a few books for reference would prove useful.to members.

The president said he was very hopeful of getting £5, if not £lO, by way of subsidy, but until this was received they could not discuss anything. He also referred to the good work of the secretary, Mr. Stanley, who had always done what lie could in the interests of the association, and trusted funds would permit of an improvement in his salary at the annual meeting. GENERAL. Strathmorc ratepayers have been concerned over the need of attention to portions of the Ohura and Brewer Koads, and on Thursday a meeting was held. Cr. W. McCutclian, chairman of the Whangamomona County Council, was in tho chair, and Crs. V. Nolan and Rentoul wore also present. After a full diseus- ! aion a motion was carried deciding, in view of the heavy cost of material and labor, not to go on with any scheme for (ho present. j The Mahoe hall should be crowded to lexcm on Monday, evaung, wheft.fc fsn«