STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD.

{Stratford Representative: W. 3. Wilson, Broadway North. Telephone 333.] CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. May 13. The executive of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce met last evening. Present: Messrs. J. I). Richards (chairman), C. Martin, D. J. Malone, S. Macalister, W- P. Ivirkwood, W. McDonald, P. Thomson, and W. Power (hon. secretary). The chairman reported that, in response to a letter from the Taranaki Chamber, he had agreed on behalf of the Stratford Chamber, to urge that the General Manager of Railways should visit New Plymouth to enquire into the delays in the delivery of goods by rail ex New Plymouth. It was decided to write to the Taranaki Chamber seeking further information in regard to the proposed conference wit.i the General Manager of Rnijwaj'B. Mr. C. J. Reakes, Director-General of Agriculture, wrote in reference to Nauru Island phosphates, stating that the matter of securing supplies of phosphate rock from Nauru was one that greatly ! concerned the whole farming community of the country at the present time, and tlie Government was doing its best to hasten the date on which shipment of supplies would commence, but this would not be definitely ascertained until the negotiations between the British Government and the company at present holding the lease of the islands, were concluded- "tall publicity would be given as soon as the Government is in a position to put Nauru Island phosphate on the New Zealand market.". The chairman, after explaining the process by which the phosphate rock was converted into superphosphates, suggested that some move should be made to liave the rock treated in Taranaki when it arrived. In a district such as Taranaki, which required so much superphosphates, the less handling it received the cheaper it could be sold, and lie thought that it would be a wise move for Taranaki to combine and get the rock shipped direct from the Islands to New Plymouth and to have it treated there. In the meantime it would he advisable to ascertain the Government's intentions as regards distribution. Mr. Kirkwood remarked that probably the Wisest policy would be to have some central depot in Wellington where the Government could lir.ve a staff and plant for preparing the phosphate rock for distribution over the whole of New Zealand.

After further discussion it was decided to again communicate with the department asking if it was the intention of the Government, when shipments are received, to treat the phosphate rock hefore distribution, and what scheme of distribution was proposed. Mr. Kirkwood reported in connection with the post office and clock tower, that the negotiations between the Railway and Postal Departments for the post office site were completed and the plans would be put in hand straight away: further. :hat the plans would be submitted to the Chamber for inspection as soon a = they wore prepared. The Associated Chambers of Commer'.e wvi.lr asking support for the proposal to hoi.! an Empire week in May, 1921, when a special display of Empire made g.-oils should he arranged for. The committee decided not to take any action in the matter.

It. was decided that (hat the next meeting "t the committee should be open to all members of the Chamber.

WELCOME TO REV. LESLIE NEALE.

The Methodist Sunday School hall, which had been prettily decorated for the occasion, was crowded lafit evening when a welcome social was accorded to the iiev. Leslie Scale and Mrs. Neale, who have recently been appointed to the Stratford circuit. The senior circuit steward (Mr. J. W. Iioon) occupied the chair, and on behalf of the church extended a very hearty welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Neaie, and mentioned that MrNeale had been in camp at Trentham, on the Western Front. Egypt, and after the armistice, at Gallipoli, his service extending over a period of four years, and he came to the district with a very high reputation as a social worker and a preaelter. The Rev. C. W. Howard extended a welcome on behalf of the Anglican Church and counselled the congregation to support their minister whole-hearted-Tlie Rev. J. W. Melveiuie, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, having fought on the Western front, said that lie with Mr- Neale had seen men at their best and at their worst and in preaching at the front no varnish was required. Mr. and Mrs. Neale both replied expressing their appreciation of the splendid welcome extended to them. Mr. Neale'made a strong- appeal to all present to work in their churches and counselled .those who didn't belong to a church to join some church and thus help to educate and improve the social conditions of the country.

During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Boon and Miss Molner, a recitation, by Miss Rowe, two anthems by the choir, a violin solo by Miss Hopkins, and instrumental items by a quartette consisting of Miss Hopkins, Miss Moon, Mr. D. McAlister, and Mr. HAusted. Supper was handed round at the conelusion of the gathering, and the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Howard.

GENERAL. At a recent meeting of the Stratford Ministers' Association the following resolution was carried: "That the notice of the Picture Theatre Company in Stratford be drawn to the wording of certain recent advertisements in the local Press, as being of such a character as one likely to be a cause of offence to the public mind." . . The secretary of the Plunkct Society desires to acknowledge receipt of the following donations to the Society: J. K. Amesbury 21s, Mrs. Robertson 21s, T. C. Fooke.s 10s (id, Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. 10s, Farmers' Co-op. 10s, Hawles and Kawles ss, 15. H. Young sa, Mrs. Walters ss, E. It Stone sa, E. F. Hollands Ss. Replying to the repeated request ot the Stratford Chamber of Commerce for the erection of a telephone 'ine between Taliora and Tatu, the PostinasterOencral (Hon. .T. G. Coates) states that the request cannot be favorably considered at present. The work was not regarded as essential by the department, and, even if it were authorised, it could not be undertaken for some timers the Inrpe amouiit of material required to provide a satisfactory service was not available. The executive of the Chamber, in receiving the letter, decided that the' matter would have to remain in abevance until ft more favorable opportunity. aroi».