STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1746, 23 August 1905, Page 24

STRATFORD.

<Froni~ Our Own Correspondent.)

The telephone line between Kaponga and Kapuni, which was guaranteed some months ago, is to be erected within the next few weeks. It is understood that if dfil6 guaranteed is forthcoming a- telephone line will be erected between Kapuni and Manaia. It is also expected that a telephone will be erected between Mahoe and Stratford, also connecting with the Manaia-Kaponga line. The Stratiord-Opunake road between Cardiff and Mahoe is again open for traffic, a temporary bridge having been erected over the Mangatoki stream. The permanent structure is now in course of erection, but will not be ready for another three months. Mr J. A. Thomas of the National Bank, Stratford branch* has received not.ee of promotion to Wellington. Mr Thomas has been for some nine years under Mr W. Morant Bay]y, in the local bank’s branch, and has proved himself an excellent officer. The bush fire case, Clements v. Zimmerman, the hearing of which occupied some six days, has been concluded, Mr A. Turnbull S.M., having pronounced his decision.. He finds that defendant did light a fire as alleged, and that the fire caused damage to the latter's tramways, fencing and grass. Defendant was liable ior damages, which he was of opinion should be fixed at .£lO5, for which sum he gave judgment with costs, according to scale, <£l4 Is 6d. Mr G. P. Wake appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Fookes and Mr Spence for defendant. The establishment of the Saturday class in scientific agriculture, will in a large measure fill the purpose of the far..icrs’ classes, which it was found impossible to establish in Stratford. The

teaoherlSl , classes will be open to farmers if they care to attend, and the information gained by teachers and imparted to their pupils should be of great value. Credit is due to those who have worked hard in the face of great discouragement, for the establishment of scientific agriculture classes in connection with the Stratford Technical School.

The Fire Brigade Committee of the Stratford Borough Council will meet on Friday evening to confer with the officer© of the Brigade concerning Councillor Ward's proposal to institute a system of fire alarm. Councillor Ward's motion provides for the division of the borough into ward©, each ward to be indicated by tolls of the bells. The committee will present a report to the next meeting of the Borough Council. The butter factories around Stratford seem inclined to consign next season's output of butter rather than sell outright, although some very goods offer© have been received. The weather has been much warmer of late, but is very wet. Grass is beginning to come away now, and a good many young calves may be seen about. The Mangatoki Butter Factory Company has received an offer of lfd for the next two years. At a meeting of the shareholder© it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the directors. It is reported that Elltham has ©old* for over 10d for this coming season's output, and that is why Mangitoki is holding out for a bigger offer. The Mangatoki Company ha© received a slightly lower offer for three years' output, but this was refused, and if a better price for one season's output is obtained, the 9|d offer for two years will most likely be refused. The Stratford Mounted Rifles recently went on a march round the mountain. They arrived at New Plymouth on Sunday, 13th, and were encamped at Waiwakaio for two day©, and on Wednesday resumed their march to Stratford. At the last meeting of the Stratford Lodge of Oddfellows, the secretary was instructed to write to the various friendly societies in the district, asking them to join in a united service at Holy Trinity Church, on Sunday 27th inst., the offertory to be in aid of the Hospital Fund. The vicar, the Rev C. A. B. Watson has expressed his pleasure in arranging such a service. It i© anticipated that a large number of lodges will attend, and the Stratford Municipal Band will be asked to head the procession to and from the church.