STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1921, Page 7

STRATFORD.

BTBATFOBD agency. Advertisements and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at tho office of our local representatives, Wilson Bros., Broadway, Strstford. Orders for papers way also be loft with them. PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN OPENS. June 24. The prohibition campaign in Stratford, in preparation for the next polls, has opened. A meeting was held in the Parish Hall last night to make arrangements for the conduct of the, campaign, and was addressed by the Rev. Howard and Majfi? M. Urquhart. In speaking on the liquor question generally the Rev. Howard said that at the last polls there were several thousands more names on the roll than there were adult residents in the Domipion. He referred to the alarming increase in the drink bill of New Zealand, stating that in 1919 £6,280,226 was spent on liquor—more than three times the amount spent on education. He Toad a statement ' ,• Captain Ogilvie, of the Royal Navy, snowing that on the issue of rum rations to the gunners the accuracy of the gunfire fell off 30 per cent. Referring to the clause in the Samoan mandate enforcing prohibition, Mr. Howard asked why, when we had forced prohibition on the Samoans it was not enforced in New Zealand. Was it fair to enforce prohibition on a mandatory territory and still continue the trade in our own country? He referred also to the supplying of boys with liqitor in Stratford, especially the young football teams. He would like to see a prosecution brought against the defaulting publicans and fought to a finish, and he would do all in his power to about such a prosecution. Major Urquhart said that it was while on active service at the front that he first became keenly interested in the prohibition movement. He spokp of personal experiences on court-martials, stating that in his opinion if the drink was struck out on the outbreak of war practically every soldier in the army would have returned with a clean conduct. Several desertions from the forces were directly attributable to drink. Speaking of the trouble that had arisen at the front over the last 1 liquor referendum, when, he alleged, the trade broadcasted advertisements to the effect tliat the prohibitionists in New Zealand were taking advantage of the soldiers’ absence to carry prohibition, Major 'Urquhart said that he believed a great many returned soldiers were still laboring under a belief in the truth of those statements, and it was not yet too late to correct this impression.

Mr. C. D. Sole said that while the drink bill last year exceeded £7,600,000 the £6,000,600 loan called for the Government had not been fully subscribed. He said it was our duty to elect men to Parliament who would fofee the Government to declare prohibition without a referendum. Other countries had done so and we should profit by their experience. Referring to the way in which he alleged drink was being supplied to football boys in Stratford, Mr. Sole said it was a matter for the Prohibition League to take up. The publican who supplied these boys should be publicly horsewhipped. Frequently complaints had come in to him as a member of the licensing committee in this connection, but when asked to give evidence in Court the complainants would not come forward. He spoke of the loss incurred by State control in New South Wales and said that the third issue at the polls in New Zealand should be struck off. While the influenza epidemic was ravaging the country Mr. Sole said that a prominent medical authority had told him that it was useless to call for medical attention where the case was a heavy drinker. Mr. McAllister put in a plea for publicity, asking that something might be done possibly on the lines of the publicity campaign of the New Zealand Welfare League.

A committee was set up to go into the matters of publicity and finance and report at the next meeting, when it was resolved a complete reorganisation of the officials will be made. A resolution was carried that an emphatic protest be made to the Government at the inclusion of the third issue on the voting papers.

It was decided to hold a monster meeting in the Town Hall on July 21 and to ask Mr. Dixon, M.P., of Hawera, to speak, and at a meeting to be held before the beginning of next session to ask Mr. Masters, M.P., if he is prepared to support the exclusion of the third issue (State control) from the voting papers. Confidence was expressed in Mr. Masters’ support.

The meeting passed a resolution, congratulating Mr. Justice Adams, who is a prominent prohibition worker, on his appointment to the Supreme Court Bench. BOROUGH ENGINEER. Mr. P. Sturrock, of Hawera, in whose favor a resolution of appointment to the position of borough engineer at Stratford, was passed at a recent meeting of the council, writes withdrawing from the position as follows:—“In view of the opinions expressed at the council meeting, it is clear that harmonious relations between council and engineer are improbable, and it would be unfair to ratepayers to embark upon work which could only result in ‘scenes’ and mess. I will therefore withdraw, although regretting being unable to construct the schemes I designed. It is a pleasure to reflect upon the unvarying courtesy and help received from His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Cameron, and one or two others.” SCHGOiT SOCIAL. The attendance at the school social in the Town Hall last night was rather disappointing, in view of the object for which it was held—to raise funds for the improvement of facilities at the Stratford school. However, the evening proved a most enjoyable one consisting of a short musical programme, after which dancing was indulged in until a late hour. The secretary, Mr. Thompson, reports that the total receipts were £35 9s. A number of items were supplied by the Egmont Club orchestra, and songs were given as follows:—Mr. P. Aitken, “Captain Mac”; Mrs. Burmester; Mrs. Stan. Robinson, “Follow the Golden Star” and “When I’m a Gem lets” and “Wee Bit Land”; Mr. of a Lady”; Miss Armstrong, “VioHinton, “'Die Veteran’s Song.” The accompaniments were played by Mrs. J. H. Thompson, Misg Moon, and Mrs. Morton. Supper was served at ten o’clock and was much appreciated. The music for the dance was supplied by Fox’s orchestra and extras by some of the ladies, and the M.C.’s wcta Messrs. D. Clark

SOCIAL AT DOUGLAS. A most enjoyable social was held at Douglas on Monday night in aid of tin Tennis Club’s funds. There were ten competitions for the waltzing competition, the result being a tie between Mr. R. McMullian and Mrs. Hancock and Mr. H. Hunt and Miss Davis. Tossing for first place Miss Davis won. The raffle of a hand-painted mirror as first prize was won by Mr. N. Harris, of Toko, and the second prize by Master J. Wilmhurst. The cake guessing competition was won by Mrs. Hancock. GENERAL. What is described as a striking addition to the Ngaere dairy factory is the erection of a ferro-concrete chimney, which has just been completed by Mr. J. Simmonds. The chimney is sixty feet high, on a five-foot foundation, and said to be only the second of its kind in Taranaki. It was erected in three weeks. WEDDING BELLS. A very pretty wedding was solemnised on Wednesday, June 22, at All Saints’ Church, Midhirst, by Rev. C. W. Howard. The contracting parties were William Thomas, only ton of Mr. and Mrs. Seamark, of Fitzroy, and Ruby Violet, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luders, Midhirst. The bride looked sweet in white embroidered voile ivory satin, hand embroidered with pearls, and wore the usual veil and orange blossom, carrying a bouquet of white roses, white and pink chrysanthemums and maiden hair fern. There were three bridesmaids: Miss Florence (sister of the bride), Miss Frances Smith, wearing cream garbadine costume and picture hats, and Miss Jessie Collins in a frock of embroidered voile, carried a similar bouquet. Two tiny tots, Hazel Milham and Kathleen Clark, of New Plymouth, looked pretty in white voile trimmed with real lace, carrying • baskets of flowers. ' Mr. Lenord Pearn, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man, and Lawrence, brother of the bride, was groomsman. After the ceremony about 50 guests partook of breakfast in the Town Hall, •when speeches were made. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a handsome string of pearls; to each bridesmaid, gold Signet ring; and to the little flower girls, silver bangle. The bride’s present to the bridegroom was a travelling rug. The presents were numerous and costly, including cheques. Mrs. Mail presided at the organ. Mr. McMeekan did the catering, which was highly appreciated and admired, especially°the lovely cake. The happy couple left by motor for Wanganui and Palmerston for their honeymoon, Mrs. Seamark travelling in a navy serga costume with hat to match. The well-known hairdressing and tobacconist business in Broadway, until recently carried on by Mr., Stan. Sharp, has been purchased by Mr. C. B. Walsh. Mr. Lew Walsh will be in charge, and patrons may be sure of the very best attention. 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 0/-; first-grade typewriter carbon, foolscap size, 15/- box. Don’t forget to call or write. —Advt.