STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1286, 22 October 1896, Page 16

STRATFORD.

It is thought probable that Mr Harkness may be induced to retire in favour of Mr Symes, which would strengthen the position of the Government candidate. Mr Symes will speak at Strathmore on the 26th, Mangaere on the 27th, Pohokura on the 28th, and at Wangamomona on the 29th, a pretty hard week's work among pioneer settlements. A meeting was called of " friends and supporters " of Mr Symes, and a meeting is called for the 19th of "ladies supporting Mr Symes* candidature," at the Masonic HalL A good many who would like to hear Mr Symes remain away as they have nob quite decided that they will support him until they have heard the other candidates.

There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Fire Brigade, which took place on Wednesday. The report of the committee showed that the Brigade had'expended under £SO and has a small debt of less than £5, which ought speedily to be paid off. The Brigade will also need some assistance to get uniforms, every man agreeing to pay 10s towards the fund. All the officers of last year were re-elected for the ensuing year. It was decided to hold the annual picnic on the 9th of November, when there will be a competition. A concert and dance will be arranged to follow. The services, of the Town Band are to be secured if possible. The £7OO placed on the estimates for tracks ar.d huts on Mount Egmont ought to greatly facilitate the tourist traffic, which is always considerable at Stratford in the seasonable mouths.

A sad accident happened at Ngairo sawmills. A man who has not been long in the neighbourhood got severely crushed between logs, and had to be conveyed to New Plymouth Hospital. He has a wife and family living in Southland,. The fine weather broke up about 3 p.m. on Friday, when a heavy gale blew up and the rain fell in torrents.

The prohibitionists are eagerly using all their efforts to persuade others to put: their fellow citizens in leading strings, but it is i remarkable fact that they will do nothing to substitute other attractions and amusements for those they wish to abolish. When efforts are being made to start a library or to improve the position of a Band or in any other way to supply the peopte with recreations that would keep them away from hotels, the prohibitionists are conspicuous by their indif • ference. They spend such sums on lectures and pamphlets on their one fad as would go far to supply the people with institutes where they could meet and enjoy society and recreation without drink. No grandmotherly legislation would be required if such institutes were made more attractive than the hotels. But the prohibitionists only strive to make it an illegal act for men to spend their leisure in each other's company, smoking,

drinking, gossiping or talking politics as of old. Without apparently caring what they do with themselves so long as they do nob get any beer. It is for ihe prohibitionists to see that if they gain their will, the last state not worse than the first. It is a great responsibility. Q.E.D. Tenders are called for the erection of two" rival Opera Houses in Stratford. One is a private speculation, and "the other the outcome of a limited company. The latter's plans show one of the prettiest and most commodious country theatres in the Colony, with dress circle, private boxes and total seating accommodation of close upon 1500 persons. This is fairly ambitious for a town of about that total number of souls, including all the bald-headed, toothless babies. The Master and officers of the New Zealand Grand Lodge cf Freemasons visited Stratford on Tuesday, and -were entertained at a banquet at the County Hotel. A brush manufactory has been started at Midhurst. Owing to a long spell of cold nights, the supply of giass is rather short in this district, and the yield of milk at the several factories is below the average. Miss Ahier, cf New Plymouth, addressed a crowded meeting here on Thursday in support of Prohibition.