STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with ttunUoa f"" bookseUer ' »»" "«*»• »r«»P« Stratford, March 4. A meeting of the Stratford District High School Committee was held last (light, there being present: Messrs J. W. Boon (chairman), F. J. McDonald, C. H. Lawn, W. Pinkey, K. Tichbon, D. M. Clarke, and Mrs. White. The question of providing cocoa for the children at luncheon, as suggested by the Education Board, was referred to the visiting committee and the chairman to report on at next meeting. The secretary of the board notified that Mr. Insull had been appointed commercial instructor; Miss W. Cathie promoted to fourth assistant in the secondary department, and Miss A. Kellehcr eighth assistant. Various repairs, etc., had been referred to the overseer. On the recommendation of the Visiting Committee it was Tesolved to purchase a settee for the lady teachers' room at a cost not exceeding £5. A sub-committee was appointed to go into the question of purchasing stationery. Mr. McDonald reported that the door takings at the concert were £25 8s 6d. The chairman reported that from £25 to £3O would be realised, whieh was very satisfactory. The chairman suggested that the sum of £5, delegate's expenses that he had not drawn and had donated to the funds, should be utilised towards the purchase of a basket ball outfit for the girls. This was agreed to. Out of two applicants for the position, Mr. J. H. Thompson was appointed secretary in succession to Mr. A. D. Stanley (resigned). CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. A meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held last night, Mr. J. B. Richards presiding. The appointment of a secretary was referred to Messrs Richards, Kirkwood, and McDonald. Several matters which had been before the Chamber on previous occasions were discussed, notably the construction of the Stratford-Okahukura railway, in regard to which it was decided to communicate with the Government; the formation of the Waitiri Road, the importance of whieh will be urged; and the TahoraTatu telephone connection, which the Government will be again pressed to undertake an at early date. Representations will be made to the PostmasterGeneral regarding the necessity for a new and adequate post office a"t Stratford. A resolution that suggestions he made to mayors and chairmen of local bodies to adopt a provincial scheme as a soldiers' memorial was not carried.

METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The celebrations in connection' with the anniversary services of the Methodist Sunday School were concluded last night, when an excellent programme was submitted, comprising hymns by tho scholars, recitations by Rva Hurley and Jim McAlister, pianoforte duet by Marjorie Curd and Phyllis Weston. Rev. R. B. Tinsley presided. The annual report showed that the roll numbered 156, the average attendance being 111.7. There were 28 names on the cradle roll, ail under three years. Tho teachers numbered 15, the average attendance being 13.5. There had been a few changes in the teaching staff due to removals, but willing workers took their place. The attendance of scholars at the morning church services averaged 59.5. Twentyseven Robert Raekcs certificates bad been won, four being fifth year. Seven years were necessary to win a diploma' outright. The young women's aad young men's classes were continuing to do" good work, the roll being respectively u\nd 8. Twenty-six of the scholars sat at the examinations conducted under the Auckland Sunday Srhool Union and 25 gained awards. The school library had added 50 books during the year. The financial position was reported as sound, and, in addition, the school had donated £ls to Home and Foreign Missions. In conclusion the hearty co-operation of parents and all who had the welfare of the children at heart was asked. Reference was made to the good work of the secretary (Miss R. Everiss) and the conductor (Mr. G. L. Spurdle). A vote of thanks was accorded to all who had helped to make the meetings so successful. GENERAL.

Members of the Municipal Band assembled to-night in order to farewell Conductor P. L. Spurdle, who is leaving for Hastings in a day or two to take up a similar position. Conductor Spurdle was the recipient of a pocket wallet as a memento. It is expected that Stratford will be represented largely at the New Plymouth A. and P. show this week. Evidence of the closeness of the show was seen at the railway station, almost every train having trucks of stock, besides which a special train, with nearly thirty trucks, came through from Haw'era.

Though progress with the tarmacadamising of Broadway appears to be slow, the ratepayers are' well satisfied that it will be a good job. There is every probability that the unmetalled portion of the Strathmore saddle will shortly he metalled, as funds for the purpose are being subscribed by settlers interested, also the auctioneers and the taxi-owners. This money will be subsidised by the Stratford County Council. J

Mr. T. I). Colson is shortly leavin? for Hamilton, where he proposes to spend the winter.

Inspector Hendry arrived from Wanganui by the afternoon train to-dav, and, later, proceeded to Whangamomoiia on a visit of inspection. He was accompanied out east by Sergean£ Dale, who resumed duty to-day after a month's holiday.

A good deal of land is changing hands in the district at present. One wellknown agent has disposed of two properties this week and has inquiries for several others.

Tiic advantages of judicious advertising. A Stratford business man adver-, tised a line in thij morning's News and by 11 o'clock had received a telegraphic inquiry from as far away as Inaha. Members of the School Committee, at a meeting last niaht. eulogised the work of the headmaster and staff of the, school in connection with the recent concert, and a resolution of appreciation of their services was passed. The district officers paid their annual visit to the Oddfellows' Lodge last night, and a most successful meeting was held. P.P.G.M.'s Bros. C. D. Sole and T. Lawson were appointed deputies to attend the annual conference at New Plymouth on March IS.