STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt Mttntlon.) SIR JAMES ALLEN'S VISIT. Stratford, April 4. This morning the Mayor and several other councillors waited upon Sir James Allen, acting-Premier, during his brief stay here. The Mayor touched or. the question of the railway reserve in Broadway and the desire of the borougli authorities to have the buildings on the reserve brought under the municipal bylaws. The majority of the leases expire during the next 18 months, and indication from the Government as to whether the leases would be renewed or the frcdiold offered was desirable. Another question was the need for a new post office, for the present premises, although the site might be suitable, were totally inadequate for the volume of business. For several years the people of Stratford had been concerned over the necessity for a new building, but although deputations had proceeded to Wellington and Ministers had been interviewed locally efforts had proved unsuccessful.

Mr. McMillan also took occasion to draw Sir James Allen's attention to the heavy traflic in Broadway, which was also the main thoroughfare. He had written to Sir William Fraser desiring a subsidy to meet the cost, but had received a reply that he could not entertain the request. In replying. Sir James stated that the matters mentioned were under (he control of other Ministers. He recognised the urgent need of a new post office, and would bring the matter before Sir Joseph Ward, Portmaster-General. Concerning the railwa/ leases the matter was in the hands of the Hon. W. H. Kerries, and was under consideration. Regarding the subjidy on main roads he could not promise anything. From Stratford the party motored to Normanby, where the new school erected by the Taranaki Education Board was opened by Sir James Allen. There was a large gathering present, including Messrs R. Masters (chairman of the board), C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., S. G. Smith, M.P., H. Grayling, T. Buchanan, H. Trimble, members of the board, P. S. Whitcombe, secretary, A. J. Morton, chief inspector, and C. H. Moore, overseer. Messrs Pearce (member for Patea) and Carncross, M.L.C., were also present. After the party had inspected the school, which is a concrete structure and was generally admired, an adjournment was made to a large marquee, where the party were the guests of the residents to luncheon, Mr. S. Moore presiding. After full justice had been done to the good fare provided a toast list was discussed.

The Ministerial party then proceeded (o Mangatoki, where, in the presence of a large gathering, the Minister presented Mr. and Mrs. Booker with the military medal won by their son, Rifleman A. B. Booker, who had died of wounds. Subsequently the Minister unveiled the roll of honor placed by the settlers of the district in the hall in commemoration of the lads who had volunteered at their Empire's call, many of whom had made the supreme sacrifice. Sir James Allen then motored to New Plymouth, and left in the evening by the Rarawa for Auckland, in order to be present at the reception to the Maori battalion arriving in Auckland by the Westmoreland to-dav.

THE LICENSING QUESTION. Despite the rain the electors of Manaia attended in large numbers to hear the addresses of four Stratford temperance advocates. Mr. MePhillips occupied the chair, and, although there was a littlo interruption, it was not persistent, the audience generally bc.ing in sympathy with the speakers. /Mr. R. Master's dwelt upon the amount spent in drink, and compared this with the dole allowed for education purposes. If the totals were reversed it would moan that the children would receive greater dental attention, teachers would receive better salaries, and thus attract the best trained men to take up the teaching profession. Those living in the backblocks would also see their children receive better chances of securing education without coming to the towns. Dr. Doris Gordon was a "surprise packet." On the platform she quickly made friends, and forcibly illustrated her remarks by accounts of personal experience and observations gained in her professional work. It was always recognised that any patient suffering from alcohol was a difficult patient for chloroform. In fact, alcohol was a poison and should be labelled as such, the same as arsenic and strychnine. Mr. C. D. Sole had to sustain a fire of interjections. He based the major portion of his remarks upon the knowledge he had acquired as a J.P., Coroner, and member of the Hospital Board. Mr. L. M. Moss was the final speaker, and delivered a very forcible address. At the close of the meeting the visitors were entertained to supper. I ' PEACE PREPARATIONS. It was not very encouraging the number who attended the meeting last evening to consider what form the peace celebrations should take. The Mayor presided and expressed his regret that the response of the public had not been more satisfactory. He requested Mr. Skoglund (town clerk) to give an outline of the lines upon which they hoped to mark the peace celebrations. Mr. Skoglund said the present suggestion was that on the Sunday services would be held in the churches in the morning, and in the afternoon a combined service in the Town Hall or Victoria Park. On the following day (Monday) there would be a procession and flag pageant, and in the evening a fireworks display and masquerade in Broadway. On Tuesday thev would hold a sports meeting during the day, followed by a "soldiers' night." It was estimated the expenses would total £3OO, and of this amount £SO had been subscribed hr the dairy factories, the Mayor mentioning he was hopeful that the Borough and County Councils would also subscribe £SO each, and this sum carrying a subsidy would bring the total to £3OO. An executive committee was appointed consisting of the Mayor and Messrs W. I'. Kirkwood, A. O'Leary, P. Skoglund. J. W. Boon, W. J. Crawshaw, and E. H. Young. GENERAL. Toko cricketers scored an easy win over Midhirst yesterday, scoring 93 runs in one innings, whilst Midhirst had two innings, scoring 30 and 19. In the evening a dance was held, excellent music being supplied by Miss Kelly and Mr. S. Parker. As M'sC. Messrs M. Gternlioefer and Kilpatriek carried out the duties to the satisfaction and pleasure of all. Details of T. Lamasoa'a usual Satur-

day auction sale appear on page 8. Although shipping arrangements are far from being regular or satisfactory, Mr. C. E. James has been fortunate in landing some splendid sets of English china tea-sets, ranging in price from £1 18s to £2 2s 6d (21 pieces). Later on, dinner and other sets are expected. Those in need of tea-sets would be well advised to call and see Mr. James' shipment, which are uniqtfe" in desiga and the prices are unapproachable. Still a good range of ladies' hand-bags to