STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left wllh Mr 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will tecelr* prompt attention.] LADIES' PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE, Stratford, Dec. 14 Mrs. J. W. Boon presided at the meeting of the Patriotic Committee held this afternoon. There was a large attendance of members. Mrs. Boon said that since they last met things had changed very rano.li, and the question before them was whether to close the tea rooms and shop. Personally, she thought they might close down and save paying rent over Christmas. Mrs. McDonald desired to know if tliey had any information regarding Red Cross work. Mrs. Budge (treasurer) read a circular letter which stated that on August 3ft there were 3S4f> sick and wounded New Zealanders in British hospitals, and these were being gradually brought to New Zealand, whilst there were new cases as long as our soldiers were required in Europe. It was estimated it would take one to two years to clear the hospitals. It was not anticipated it would be necessary to make any special collections. Mrs. Boon said the sewing would continue, but they could try and arrange with the Plunket Society to do the work there. She believed they had still £3OO in hand. ' In reply to Mrs. Paynter, the president stated they had forwarded £4OOO from this district. Mrs. Paynter thought tliey would find it necessary to keeo the Red Cross going, as there was much work yet to he accomplished. A motion by Mrs- McDonald—"That the present premises be closed and that arrangements be made to secure premise* elsewhere for sewing days''—was carried. The ouestion as to whether parcels in hand should be forwarded or held tack for the time being was referred to the Parcels Committee. It was nereed that the committee meet a<«iin in TVbriinrv. Mr. A. T) Stanley, secretary of the Conr.trv foow Trail Committee, attended fbn mretin? and nresffnted Mrs. Boon with a cheone for £3OM 16' 2d. the result of the Red Cross to rte country. Members were delighted with the magnificent restinn=o nf til" district, and it wan resolved to forward (his to the Wellington branch of the Pod Ooss 'ncietv. Tt wis stnted that the town cheoue would nrobably bring the total to neftrlr £4OOO. COUNTRY COPPER TRAIL. The final meeting of subscribers to the Country Copper Trail competition was held this morning, Mr. E.Walter, chairman, presiding. The balance-sheet showed that aftei paying accounts the very satisfactory cheque of £3044 lfis 2d w-ould be available for the Red Cross Society. The chairman paid a special tribute to the work of the secretary (Mr. Stanley) and treasurer (Mr A. F. Grant), also to the executive and canvassers, for the successful results of the competition, THE INFLUENZA. Bright sunshine seems the tonic required nowadays, and no one could cavi! at the glorious, glittering sunshine of to-day. The progress of patients ir both the hospitals has continued very satisfactory, and if this continued it should not be many days before the Technical Hospital is closed, there beina only seven patients there. Excepting Midhirst. country reports are also favorable, but our northern neighbors are still having cases, and some of these are children. GENERAL. Stratford's importance as a railway centre has been remarked upon more tham once in these columns. This evening there, were no less than five lengths \ of rails all occupied with rolling stock > Someone suggested the Department was "lining up" all the relics in jmtieipation of holiday traffic,\vhilst others"opined thai it was a case of "ftuitis" reducing tht several staffs along the line and the resultant accumulation of stock here Whatever the cause, the station-mastci (Mr. Peattie) must find it puzzling at times to provide the necessary space foi shunting operations. There are morf nnlikeVv things than a change of lo calitv for the railway station and yards RTRATFORDA A ND P. ASSOCIATION

Mr. J. W. Boon presided at the general meeting of the A. and P. Association on Saturday, tire attendance of other members being very satisfactory. The executive reported having postponed the show, and recommended that it be held on February 19 and 20. The butter-fat competition closed with 20 entries, but owing to the epidemic some of these did not compete. Nineteen had been tested, and the first ten cows will require to be exhibited at the show, when the results will be made public. The prizs essay was also completed and the awards madeThe committee .extended their deepest sympathy to all those who have lost friends and relations by the late scourge. The president said the main Business was the question as to hoklinjr U»e show. He thought the work of the society in assisting farmers during the epidemic was appreciated, and instanced one case where a woman and hoy were looking after a herd of over 50 Machines were used, hut the woman had only heen out of bed two or three davs. and would have assisted the boy. perhaps with injurious results !•" her health, but flic association had relieved her of that need. In this instance two good milkers were securedSome of these volunteers milked nisbt and day for two or three weeks, whilst others assisted in taking the milk to the factory. Regarding holding the show, which he favored, the only dates available were Febrnarv'f!) and 2ft, nut he believed these would prove eminently suitable. He moved the adoption of the report, which meant holding the showon these days. _ Mr. C. Jackson, in seconding the motion snid it was unfortunate f W ouo of the nates clashed with the Wanganni races, but he did not anticiuate this would have anv great effect on the show. Perhaps, be addei. the postponement wa« a blessinir in dissmise. as the original w.ivs chosen proved to be two verv wet days ■Mr. Bavlv (HawerflY stated tne Hawera Association held a meetlnor last niorM when the question of ear hive ar.d i Wfric was raised. After -discussion the Hitwera meeting resolved to nmvi owr ttaw dniniß * 0 tllp factories, the " chairman of fMtofl"* to see the amounts Inenrrei! «re sStemM to. . ■

farmers had been very hard pushed. In one instance where the owners required assistance, two boys used to "housecows, came out ana rendered very great assistance. Ho could also speak of other volunteer labor that had proved of value to the farmers round his district. In reply to a Query, the president said the amount involved was small— £8 13s 9d. The president jeferred to the line work of the Hospital Board and the citizens. The board had to cope with exceptional times. He thought the association should pay the amount. Mr. Bayly thought the farmers might pay the amount. The association rendered great services and probst'bly saved lives. • Mr. J. -Tones appreciated the prompt and untiring efforts of the president and secretary (Mr. A. D. Stanley). Mr. C. Jackson also added, his commendation of the secretary's work. Mr. Stanley had done his best in milking wherever necessary, and was not afraid to go anywhere where help was required. The report was adopted, and also a motion by Mr. Silk, that the benziae and car charges of £8 13s 9d be .paid. , GENERAL.

Mr. F. Ranford moved—"That all calf sections for competition be under the same schedules as at New Plymouth and Hawera. - , _, Mr. Needham (Douglas) seconded. II they carried this resolution, it would assist young breeders, and he could count on two other exhibits? Desides himself for entries in the Shorthorn section.—Carried. Mr. Tom Ranford's motion, that trie champion ribbons be red, white, and blue, was carried. Mr. Needham desired information as to how they stood for fodder, the president replying that this question was bsing considered by the Fodder Committee, but he thought there would be no difficult v in this,direction.

Usually gettimr in early means getting the' best. This does not apply to the great Christmas Fair now. commencing in the premises of C. E. James. The shelves are crowded with innumerable articles that will appeal to all fancies and fit all pockets. Mr. James has been very fortunate ia securing some novelties" that will appeal to young and old. There is no need to pass bis shop in looking for that Christmas gift. Personal inspection is invited, and there should be no difficulty in pleasing all. During the next fortnight Mr. James expects to be very busy, so take heed and shop early.—Advt.