STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1922, Page 6

STRATFORD.

DAILY NEWS AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representatative. care Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also be left with him. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HILL COUNTRY PROBLEM. December 13. The monthly meeting of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce was held last night. Present: Messrs. J. B. Rich, ards (chairman), C. Martin, P. Thomson, E. H. Young, W. McDonald, S. Macalister and W. Mclnnes. An apology for absence was received from Mr. D. J. Malone.

With reference to the hill country problem, in Which matter the chamber has been moving for some time, the Minister of Agriculture -wrote as follows: “Regarding the denudation of the Taranaki hill country I beg to inform you. that the question of the profitable utilisation of toe country in question is recognised as being of great importance, and my department is having compiled, full information on all phases of the question before proceeding with definite experimental work. The preparation of the data is being -pushed on and. a comprehensive report on the question should easily be completed before March next.” The chamber decided to again urge upon the department the necessity of expediting the matter. Invidious Advertising. A circular was received from the Associated Chambers with reference to a circular issued. by the Secretary of the Post Office, in which intimation is conveyed that the Postal Department is prepared

to receive tenders for the use of any post marking machine, thus enabling the successful tenderers to advertise thei-r goods .on all letters which pass through tliis machine. The Associated Chambers expressed the opinion that

this would be an invidious form of advertising, as it would mean that btisiness houses would find that their correspondence, on being delivered, would he marked conspicuously with the advertisements of other commercial houses. An opinion from the Stratford Chamber was solicited.

A resolution protesting against the proposal was carried, and resentment was expressed at a proposal which was characterised,.as. an interference with private property. General. The Taranaki Chamber forwarded circulars announcing direct shipments of goods from London and covering arrangements for the proposed trip to i Sydney by special boat in February or March. In connection with the latter the hope was expressed that representatives from Stratford or from the chamber would be able to avail themselves of the opportunity.

With reference to the desired alteration or reinstatement of the afternoon train timetable north from Stratford, it was decided to advise the general manager that it was desirable that the alteration he affected before the forthcoming school- heildays expire.

While discussing the advisability of increasing the membership of the chamber, Mr. Macalister suggested that a list of the members of the Ugly Men’s Association might 'be obtained from Mr. S. Spence. It was decided not to hold a regular meeting -of ■ the executive durhfg January, the chairman to call a special meeting if necessary.

THE FRTMARY SCHOOL. . The monthly meeting of the primary school committee was held last night. Present: Alessrs. J. W. Boon (chairman), W. Pinbey, W. Abraham. A. Ferguson, 11. Sanderson and Bocock. The headmaster, Mr. L. J. Furrie, reported for the month that the attendance for the past five week's was 625.5, 61'3.3, 611.1. 594.1 (three half-days very wet) and 605.1, and that the attendance was being well maintained. The truant officer would be making special enquiries, and those parents who failed to send their children up to the time bf closing for the holidays and again on reassembling (unless the parents obtained an exemption for absence) would be liable to prosecution. Tn connection with swimming, 68 certificate.'- (for swimming 10 yards) had

been issued, and altogether 650 had been awarded. The “breaking-up” days for the Christmas’ tree were (infants.) Tuesday 19th. and Standards 2 to 6 Wednesday 2iOth. Reporting on the satisfactory results of the proficiency examination, Air. Furrie paid a tribute to the hard arid conscientious work of the teacher (Mr. Thomas). The report was adopted, the chairman remarking that the high attendance (over 600) was very encouraging. The headmaster said the response by the parents for gifts for the Christmas tree was very good and instead of having one tree they could now provide two. —Air. Furrie was accorded a vote of thanks for the interest he had taken, in arranging the Christinas tree. The use of the swimming baths was! granted to the technical high school, provided the latter provided its own supervisors. The secretary reported that a capitation grant of £46 15s had been received. GENERAL ITEM'S. The laying of the foundation stone of the new Post Office is under consideration by the Stratford Chamber of Commerce. At last night’s meeting it was decided to ask the Mayor to communicate with the Primp Minister inviting him to perform the ceremony. Sir Walter Carncross will address- the pupils of the technical high school at •the prize-giving ceremony in the Town Hall to-morrow (Thursday) night. All ihe latest Magazines and Periodicals, Fashion Books, the “Best Way” series, etc.,, etc.; Collins’ Diaries for 1923; now on, sale at W. H. Humphrey’s, Broadway,