STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

! lAU communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt Mutton.] CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Probably demic there was only an attendance of about a dozen at the postponed meeting ■ of the Chamber of Commerce last night. |Tlie president (Mr. J. B. Richards) said that though the e-veeutivo had not obtruded themselves during the past two or three years they had kept a watchful eye 011 matters, and lie thought their work 'had borne fruit. For some Years tile work had been carried on by the same individuals, and, while they had done good work, he thought it was advisable that the Chamber should represent the whole of the commercial interests of the town. The introduction of new blood should result in new energy and new ideas. In the near future there should be ample scope for Chambers of Commerce, whose work on local matters was valuable. After the war, considerable strides would be made throughout New Zealand, which was in an exceptional position, as production 'had been kept up and there, was bound to be a good demand for our products owing to the enforced idlenes of a large proportion of the population of the old countries. There was a lot of leeway to make up in primary work, which had been largely neglected. It was likely that, iu the near future, there would be considerable expenditure on public works in the way of development, and he believed t'he Government took eonjonsiderable notice of the views of i. hambers of Commerce. If they missed he opportunity tho consequences would ill upon them later. He referred to he work done by the Federated Chambers of Commerce, to which they were affiliated. Certain local matters required attention. Representations snould be made regarding the railway leases, and railway and road construction should also be looked After. Thcv should now. he thought, resume operations, which had been quietly allowed to drop. Referring to the Retailers' Association joining with the Chamber, he said there was no reason why the association should not continue, but he thought t'he Chamber should include all people who had the welfare of ihe town at heart Officers were then elected as follows: President, Mr. J. B. Richards; vicepresidents, Messrs W. P. Kirkwood and W. A. Hewitt: committee, Messrs R. Masters, J. W. lioon, H. Asuton, P. Thomson. W. McDonald, D. J. Malone, and C. Martin.

Referring to the Stratford-Main Trunk railway, Mr. Kirkwood said the people at the other end were adopting the attitude that work should only be pushed on at that end. He thought the work here should be reasonably pushed forward and that they should not, adopt the attitude that it should only be pushed to a certain point, thus drawing all the business to their town, but they wanted the line connected right through as early as possible and working both tiids. As soon as the war was over they should be prepared for vigorous action, and they should enlist the sympathy of local bodies. The president considered that reproductive public works, providing temporary employment, would a.ssist the Government in t'ae problem of the demobilisation of the numbers of men who would return from the war. If a resolution was passed, it should be in the direction of asking the Government to' survey another section of the line. Mr. Kirkwood said he had heard that the Government intended to rnove„t'iic engineer from this end and leave only an overseer in charge. If so, a protest should be made.

Oil the motion of Messrs Ivirkwood and Boon it was resolved to recommend the incoming committee to urge upon the Government the Dominion and provincial importance of the StratfordOkahukura railway, and the desirability of having the survey completed to enable energetic construction as soon as war conditions permit. The Stratford Mountain House Committee asked the support of the Chamber in obtaining some metalling to the track. The Chamber was in accord with the matter, which will be referred to the committee. The question of supporting the Toll Gates Abolition Bill was briefly touched on. Mr. Kirkwood said he was not familiar with the provisions of the Bill, though 'iie did not favor toll gates. He stated that there was an erroneous idea that roads were metalled and tarred out of toll-gate revenue. This would be a slow process. There were cases in which loans had been raised and the toll-gate revenue went to assist in meeting the interest thereon. The matter would be dealt with by the executive, after considering the Bill.

It was pointed out that the Stratford school, though built to .accommodate 000, had a roll number of 021, and a member considered that as long as the Government made education compulsory accommodation should be provided for all. If accommodation was not provided, then attendance should not he insisted on. —Referred to the executive.

FAREWELLIXG THE 4Sth ,' REINFORCEMENTS. There was a good attendance this morning to farewell the Stratford quota of the 48th Reinforcements, consisting of F. F. Atkinson, T. J. Linehan, and 0. Riley. Representatives of the Ladies' Patriotic Committee distributed Ihbld- ■ alls. The Mayor (Mr. McMillan) said that one of the hardest tasks during his term of office had been the farewelling of men going to the front. The 48ths would probably not encounter the same hardships and privations as previous drafts, but there would be a great deal of work to do, and probably they would replace the men who had been fighting for three or four years. In saying au revoir, he hoped to see them again shortly.

Ensign Campion •said that when the last draft was being farewelied the nation was under a cloud, whereas now the sun was shining brightly, and very soon they would be able to rejoice at having attained complete triumph. The enemy adopted methods of dishonor, whilst our ally was honor. Cheers were t'hen given for the draft, and they were repeated on the departure of the train. The band played several selections, and the mayor, in reminding the public of the good work done by the band, urged the public to show its appreciation by supporting the band social.

GENERALThe Stratford quota of the 48th Reinforcements, who were farewelied this morning, returned toy the mail train in the evening, sifter proceeding as far a 9 Aramoho.' It is understood this action has been taken in connection with the influenza epidemic. Tha takings at the Stratford Patriotic <>lh& on Saturday, which was under the

| management of Mesdames S. M. Thorn- | son and W. Paynter, totalled £8 IGs, I whilst the tea, rooms, under the control of Mrs. Crawshaw, realised £8 16s fid. The influenza epidemic is still very; prevalent here, and it would be hard to tind a business whose staff has not been reduced, in some cases, very considerably. One concern, with a staff of 19, has only live on deck at present, three or four having to give up at dinnertime. Another firm has had to supplement its depleted stall' from its New Plymouth The public celebration arranged for Friday has had to be postponed owing to the illness of some of the speakers, including the Revs. Mudil! and Tinsley. ]n one case, it is sa;d that tho whole of the household—seven in all—are down- Numbers of business people are talcing the precaution of spraying iheir premises. The Red Cross Country Fund now totals £2!)49 Is fid. Further donations comprise:— I Tahora Patriotic Committee, £i«> Is; L. "Vivian, £10; A. Richmond, P. Harkness, A Friend, £5 5 3 each; R. A. Neither, R. T. B. Mellow, -T. E. Anderson, A. Coxhead, £5 each; Pukongali'.i Euchre Party, £5 13s (id; Douglas Ladies' Sewing Guild, £4; Balance, 11. ITuckstep. F. Askew, D. TI. Smith, Graham, A. J Chard, ,T. Ro'therv, £2 2s each; A. Mieres, 11. C. 0. Strombom, C. T. Marsh, £1 Is each; R. Metnbery (additional), J. Davidson, AV. Crossdale, Alf. Xeedlirmi, J- Woollastoiv F. ,T. Leniiiird, M. (ieever, II- Bovis, A. Matliews, £1 c.ich; W- MeCraeken, £2; D. Morris, 15. Oirny, L. Rogers, J. Keller, T. Waite, O-.Belski, C. Fletcher, 0. A. .Saward, B. Neustrewski, C. T. Kappe, R. H. Quayle, P Harlie, Mj Canuody, P. Lawson, -T. Ambrose, ,T. Porter, G. Funnell, Ifls each; 11. McKcndry, 11. 10. Jensijii, A- (I. Smith, C. W- Holdup, M. Murphy, W. TI. Partridge, I.'. 11. Proffitt, M. Moore, R Smith, \Y.'- Evans, A. 11. Norrie, K. Carroll, L. L. F.ason. T. Kennedy, Z. Klee, os each; A. A. Dagg, 10s tid; Mrs. Strombom, 7s lid; A. Roberts, 3s; Whanga Rand "s Id; R. Kivell, 2s; R. Anderson. A. Riddle, IC. Murcott, C. McGuiitnis, friend. "2s Od each; W. R. Bennett, £1 Is.

The weather this afternoon has been miserable, a (!old wind driving down Broadway, raising the dust at one moment and necessitating; the use of the borough water-cart, whilst next moment Nature's water-cart would 'be at work. Probably the arrival of settled weather conditions may assist the dispeoeal of the epidemic. About half-past 5 an alarm of fire was given. The brigade was quickly on the ■scene of the outbreak, which was in a small cottage on FalshtfT Street, occupied by Mrs. Scliofield. The lire, which was apparently caused through a defective chimney, was kept well under control by the resident?, of the house, and was quickly extinguished by the brigade, very little damage being done. Mr. A. J. Morton, chief inspector, examined tlia Douglas School to-day. Messrs Ballantyne aiul Dempsey (inspectors) nre at present in the Whangamomona district. Mr. P. H. Barnitt, land agest. advertise? some properties in this issue that should repay inspection. A reminder is given of the welcome home social which is to be tendered to Private E. Burgham in Ihe Toko Coronation Hall to-morrow (Thursday) even in®.

The Allies are continuing their sweeping drive, and the results make pleasant reading. Another sweeping drive is being conducted in Stratford, where C. E James has reduced his prices on many lints to bedrock to effect a speedy clearance to permit room for Christmas goods This is your opportunity to secure ladies' handbags, ban les, bracelets, toys, stationery, and those who enjoy a smoke v/il! find the biggest and best range of cgars, tobacco, and pipes in town.— Advt.