STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1289, 12 November 1896, Page 23

STRATFORD.

The Hon Mr Madman, Minister for Railways, on his way to Auckland towards the end of last week made a ata£ of an hour and a half at Stratford. He, accompanied by seven gentlemen of the department; partook of luncheon at the County Hotel. Mr Cadmatt afterwards received a deputation from the Taranaki Sawraillers' Association, who had various grievances to bring before the Minister. In reply to some remarks, Mr Cadman pointed out that firewood was being carried at a loss to assist settlers' oil bush land. Soon after the withdrawal of the deputation the Minister and his party continued their journey to New Plymouth.

It is stated that a verandah for the Stratford statioii is already in hand. This will be a great convenience to passengers. Mr J. G. Harkness gave a political address in the Town Hall last Friday, when he was introduced by the chairman, Mr Burgess. At the commencement the audience was small, but gradually the hall became well filled, almost as many women as men being present. Mr Harkness presented himself as a candidate for the Egmont seat, criticising both parties and siding with neither. He thought there should be a new party, with perhaps Mr Rolleston as a leader. At any rate he would not follow Captain Russell, and he considered Mr Seddon was a strong man with a weak Cabinet. Here a voice interjected " Good man, Seddon 1" Indeed it was plain that there were many supporters of the Government in the hall. The Prohibitionists were also in force and applauded Mr Harkness and when he spoke in favour of the machinery for obtaining Prohibition. He was for reducing the Civil Service, but not for reducing th e honorarium, and would like to see the numbers of the members increased, as he thought the electorates too large. Mr Harkness spoke well and fully on most of the chief subjects. It was easy to see that he was experienced in Parliamentary matters, and for his questioners he had quick and relevant answers. There was some sharp bandying of words with Mr Fookes, who, however, to show that there was no ill-feeling, eventually proposed a vote of thanks, which was heartily carried. It is, however, tolerably safe to predict that the votes in Stratford will go mostly between Mr Synaes and Mr Monkhouse. All colours express themselves strongly in favour of the Referendum.

Mr Symes spoke for an hour and a half at Pembroke road schoolhouse, dwelling on all that the present Government had done to promote the prosperity and wellbeing of the country. A hearty vote of thanks was carried unanimously. There was but a very meagre attendance at the Anglican Church meeting to discuss the enlargement of the church. It was, however, resolved that a transept that would cost between £2OO and .£BOO was required and that a committee be formed to canvass for subscriptions. Miss Crowther, who has been ill in the Xew Plymouth Hospital for some weeks past, returned to the home of her adopted parents at Ngaire, and died there on Saturday. The funeral took place on Monday at Stratford and was largely attended. The young lady was only twenty-three, and was deservedly very popular. Mr AValter Burgess, of the sash and door factory, unfortunately had his hand severely injured by the machinery. The doctor, however, hopes to be able to save the fingers. The Stratford bakers have raised the price of bread from Gd to 7d cash and 8d booked, on account of the rise in flour. It is noticeable that English bakers have only raised the price a halfpenny a loaf.

A special bank holiday is announced for the 6th inst. to enable everyone to attend the Hawora Agricultural Show. A cottage was burned down in Juliet street north, the ocenpier (who was also the owner) and his wife only just escaping in time, as the fire took place at three in the morning. House and furniture were insured in small amounts.

Tenders are invited for the erection of a new bridge over the Patea river, and as this is an important work it should excite some competition. A handsome clock has been presented by the railway employees to" Mr Walsh, who for seventeen years has been a guard on the line between New Plymouth and Hawera and has recently retired.

A model of the famous Strasbourg clock has been on exhibition in Broadway for two days. Another interesting exhibition consisted of the needlework of the Stratford State school, and drew quite a crowd of visitors.

At a meeting of the Education Board at New Plymouth, Mr Mackay moved and Mr Allsworth seconded: —"That Stratford be constituted a centre of examination for scholarships, provided that twelve pupils signify their intention of being candidates." The resolution was carried by five votes to four, those in favour of it being Miss Heywood, Messrs Mackay, Allsworth, Faull and Adlam. Accordingly there have been seventeen applications, there would have been more but the t: v applying was so short. ; There k a talk or * he tw ° Law + n Tenm ! Clubs in Stratford * nd forming one strong dub, f}™ » new central lawn tennis court, and a m* J* Der ship of over fifty, °^'" On Friday, about 3 a.m.,-the dwellinghouse owned and occupied by Mr Crombie was totally destroyed by fire. The cause itf supposed to be a defective chimney. The hottse was insured for £SO, and the furniture for a like amount. The loss is more than double the amount of insurance. Early on Monday morning & _ sharp thunderstorm passed over this district, followed by a heavy fall of snow, lbs wind was bitterly cold. Mr Harknes3 had a large meeting at Stratford on Friday night, and was well received. He intends to contest the Egmont scat against all comers. At the annual meeting of the Stratford Dairy Company on Monday Messrs D. McCracken and R. Hanna were elected directors in the place of Messrs Weir and E. R. Wilson. The additions to the Stratford Police Station are completed, and the town is now patiently waiting fb? the extra policeman so long promised. Mr Binning, one of the Liberal candidates for the Hawera seat, has now definitely retired from the contest.