STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1266, 4 June 1896, Page 19

STRATFORD.

Owing to the Queen's Birthday being kept on the 25th instant, a close holiday was observed on Monday, the banks being closed on Tuesday also. The Egmont Convention of Prohibitionists assembled in Stratford on the 25th. There were quite a number of delegates from neighbouring towns. After discussion it was decided that it was not advisable to nominate candidates on the prohibition ticket.

In tho overling there was a public meeting in the Hall, when addresses were delivered by tho Revs Hutson (Presbyterian), President of the League, Bowie (Wesleyan), acting as secretary, Williams (Salvation Army), and Messrs Patterson and Harkness. In these addresses tho usual arguments were repeated. Votes of thanks to tho speakers and the choir were passed, the National Anthem sung, and tho meeting dispersed. At a meeting of the Stratford School Committee it was resolved to place on record the high appreciation of tho services rendered by Mr Irvine as a chairman and ir.ember of tho School Committee for a number of years. Tho vacancy on the committee was filled by the election of Mr Clhnio. The headmaster's report showed 391 children on the roll. On one morning 852 children were present at the school, but on wet days the attendance falls very low, as mothers naturally do not like tho risk of illness incurred by sending delicate children out to get wet. Mr Allsworth, member of tha Education Board, is doing good service bypointing out tho dingy appearance of some of tho schools, and the bad ei'l'ect such gloominess must have upon the children. A private day school is now started in Stratford, with more advanced subjects in addition to tho usual curriculum. The same gentleman is also conducting night schools on different evenings for young men and women.

A farewell concert and social was given on Tuesday evening to Mrs Pabatt, who is about, leaving Stratford, 'thf.ro was a good attendance, and a very attractive programme was carried out, after which the Hall was cleared for dancing.

The Minister of Justice paid Stratford a visit on Tuesday on business connected with his Department. A numerous and representative deputation was introduced to tho Minister by Mr McGuire, A1.11.1t., and urged upon him the pressing need cf a mounted constable at Stratford to assist the present constable, who has m my other duties; also ibe need of a resident S.M., a local D.0..V. p.ml District CourtMr Thompson received the deputation most courtcoudy, and promised on his return to Wellington to give their requests all due c msideration. Mr Mercer his now taken the premises lately occupied by Mr llutchesm, and ins amalgamated the two tobac.:->ii:s.'.s' b.i inesics into on", with all adjuncts. Mi' J. Noble, who has for several years been in tho Stratford Post Olliee, is now promoted to New Plymouth, and Mr

Townsend from AVaitara coraes to take his place. A contrast for felling 250 n.cres of bush at Mimi has been let at 18s per,acre. There were 27 applicants, and the lowest tender was accepted. The Ngaire Co-operative Dairy Factory closes for the winter on tho 30th of this month, the supply having very much dwindled of late.

It appears the Elthamitcs are very sanguine of obtaing a subsidy of ToOOO to add to a similar sum they propose to raise under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, for tho metalling of the Anderson road into the Mangamingi. Advance Ellham.