STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1921, Page 6

STRATFORD.

STRATFORD AGENCY.

Advertisements and items of news for publication in tie Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representatives, ’Vilson Bros., Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also be left with them.

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night. Present: The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), and Crs. R. H. Cameron, S. A. Ward, A. Stewart, C. Jackson, T. Lawson, E. S. Rutherford, C. B. Walsh, and S. B. Hunter. An apology for absence was received from Cr. Mclnnes, who is stHl absent in Auckland.

MEAT SALES.

The four butchers in the town wrote, objecting to what they described as unfair competition caused through one auctioneering hrm (the P.A.C.) being allowed to retail meat. The letter pointed out that, according to the Public Health Act, they were compelled to have their premises in a sanitary condition to sell meat, and had to make certain aterations to comply with the inspector’s requirements; also they had to pay the union rate of wage to their employees, and had to provide wrapping for their meat. They maintained that it was the duty of the council to see that the premises were in a sanitary condition, and added that they were prepared to offer evidence in support of their complaints. The writers pointed out that the council could not prevent meat being sold at auction, but asked that steps be taken to see that it was not retailed. The Mayor considered that it was advisable to hear evidence from the butchers before discussing the matter. It was decided to ask the butchers to give evidence in support of their objections before the next council meeting.

TAXI DRIVERS’ COMPLAINT.

A deputation of taxi drivers, consisting of Messrs. J. Davis, E. McCluggage, and Friday, waited on the council, asking that taxi drivers be protected against private cars plying for hire in the borough.

The Mayor said that anyone plying for hire in the borough without a license was committing an offence against the bv-laws and was liable to a fine.

The council resolved to do all in its power to see that the by-lay in question was strictly enforced.

HOSPITAL SUBSIDIES.

The secretary of the Stratford Hospital Board wrote, stating that in connection with the present year's levy on the, local authorities, he had been in-

structed to explain that it would have been considerably lower had the proportion of Government subsidy for maintenance purposes remained as it was last year. The present scale of subsidies was based partly on the ratio of population to the rateable value of the district and, owing to the large increase in the valuation, of the Stratford County, the

board was this year in a different class, and received a much lower subsidy. It was the opinion of a large number of the Hospital Boards of tl|a Dominion that the differential system was not working equitably, and that no fairer system than the simple £ for £ could be practically applied. The Stratford board was working to help bring about the change, and asked the council’s support, which was given.

TOWN HALL SEATS.

Cr. Hunter referred to the practice adopted by visiting theatrical companies of limiting the pit at the Town Hall to about two rows of seats. He understood That the council had a resolution on its books providing for at least four rows of seats being set aside for the pit, and he wished to see that resolution enforced, in the interests of people who could not afford to pay the very high prices asked for the other seats. Cr. Ward asked that the resolution should apply to the stalls as well. He knew of instances where, the stalls had consisted of only about six rows, all the others being charged for as orchestral stalls.

Cr. Lawson said he understood the resolution on the book applied to all the seating accommodation in the hall. It was resolved that the resolution be strictly enforced.

THE BOROUGH INSPECTOR.

Cr. Ward moved that the borough inspector be of his duties at the Town Hall, and that he the whole of his time to seeing that the bylaws were observed properly. In support of the motion, Cr. Ward said that on one occasion a bull was at large in his street for two days, and when he informed the inspector of the matter the inspector replied that he had some work to do at the Town Hall which had to be attended to first. On another occasion, when the speaker suggested to the inspector that he should watch ou£ for cases of furious driving, the inspector replied that he could do nothing that day. as he was occupied at the Town Hall. Cr. Ward pointed out that every night the Town Hall was engaged there was no one in the borough enforcing the by-laws. His suggestion was that the inspector be relieved of his duties at the Town Hall, and that another man be appointed for that work.

The matter of the allocation of the inspector's duties was referred to a committee to report upon.

GENERAL.

It was decided to suggest to the Stratford Hospital Board that Mr. Percy Thomson be nominated as the representative of the borough on the Hospital Board.

JERSEY BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION.

At the monthly meeting of the committee of the Stratford branch of the X.Z. Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association, it was resolved to endorse the resolution of the Taranaki branch of the Friesian Association that the Government be urged to revert to the former charge of three guineas for semi-official testing, the charge of five guineas being considered excessive.

The following notices of motion were handed in for the annual meeting of members on the 31st inst:—Mr F. ?. unford: "That the members under 21 years of age be admitted at half subscription rates” Mr. R. Dagg: “That a standard of 100 per cent, more than the S.O.R. requirements be required to qualify for the Stratford Futurity Stakes.” It was resolved that a blue ribbon be given to the winner of the Stratford Futurity Stakes,

Arrangements were put in hand m

connection with the branch’s annual smoke concert on May 31. Besides vocal items it was decided to ask a well known Jersey breeder to give a short paper on the cult of the Jersey. It is hoped that as many members as possible will be able to take advantage of the branch’s annual social function, which has been such a material help in stimulating and furthering the interest in the breed and the farming community generally.

GENERAL.

Shortly after noon to-day some excitement was occasioned by an accident in the railway yards during shunting operations. It appears that three trucks which were being shunted to a side-line were derailed on crossing some points, causing a bump with another line of wagons on a neighboring loop. The impact shifted a big concrete buffer at the end of the line and piled a waggon on top, high off the rails. A repair gang was set to work in replacing the wagons on the line. Practically no damage appears to have been ddhe. There was an excellent attendant .at St. Andrew’s Hall last night at the rally held to celebrate the anniversary of St. Andrew’s Church, and the function was highly successful and enjoyable. Speeches suitable to the occasion were made by Revs. Mackenzie, Howard and Neale, and Captain Montgomery (Salvation Army). The musical programme was contributed by Mr.- and Mrs. Ching (duet), Mesdames Burmester and Ching, Misses McCormick and Black, and Messrs. P. Aitken, Pickles and Jamieson (songs), Miss Hopkins (violin), and Mr. Dick (piccolo). Miss Armstrong played the accompaniments. Refreshments were provided at the conclusion.

Mr. S. Cuthbertson and his two sisters, who were tenants of Mr. J. H. Goldup’s house at Toko, which was destroyed by fire last Friday, will suffer a serious loss as a result of the fire. Mr. Cuthbertson was working in the Whangamomona district, and the Misses Cuthbertson were also away at the time, arriving back by train to find their home burned to the ground. They have no idea cf the origin of the fire, which started, about six o’clock in the even*

The booking for the grand concert to be under the auspices of the Stratford A. and P. Association in the Town Hall on Thursday night continues to be very brisk, and the anticipations are that the hall will be crowded in all parts. The programme is advertised in this issue, and the public can depend upon spending a most enjoyable evening by attending the concert. There are still a few seats left which may be booked on application at the secretary’s office.

KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. TO-NIGHT.

‘THE BRANDED WOMAN.”

4 s a jewel in a rare setting shines the personality of Norma Talmadge in her latest picture, "The Branded Woman.” Her acting in this feature has never been surpassed in her screen career, and her impersonation of the guileless young girl fresh from school is as sweet and refreshing as an orchard breeze. In the difficult role of the ppre-minded young wife carrying a secret sorrow which she dares not impart to her husband for fear of losing his affection, she is a revelation, demonstrating her exceptional ability as ah actress. The story is one that is calculated to excite the sympathy of any audience. for the young heroine, and it lias its moments of dramatic splendor and intensity that are memorable. Percy Marmont, the young Australian actor who has achieved success on the screen, is a wonderfully effective leading man in this feature. The supporting itmes include the latest gazette, “Sure Cure” (comedy), and “The Dragon’s Net” serial. Book seats at Wilson Bros.’, Stratford.

Your stationery requirements are well catered for by Wilson Bros., Stratford, who have a comprehensive stock of all office requisites and typewriter supplies. Here are a few good commercial lines: Pilot letter files, 3/6 each; wire document baskets, 4/6 each; desk blotting pads, 4/9 and 6/-; first-grade typewriter carbon, foolscap size, 15/- box. Don’t forget to call or write. —Advt.