LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 42, 19 June 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tlie Patriotic Committee have opened a fund for the asasistanee of sick and wounded troopers. Contributions will be received by members of the Committee.

The social gathering last night un‘der the auspices of the Stratford Municipal Band, was a very successful function, and it was decided to hold quarterly re-unions of members of the Band and the Borough Council.

There are on view in the County Hotel window two very line photographs of the Taranaki mounted men. taken at Zeitoun. The men, who are all wearing pith helmets, look hard and well.

Weather Forecast.—The indications are for southerly winds strong to gale with a westerly tendency. The weather will probably prove cold and showery, and the night will probably be very cold with frost inland. Barometer rising.—Bates, Wellington.

Nominations are being invited for the election of one member of the Taranaki Education Board, for each of the North, East, and West Wards; owing to the retirement by effluxion of time of Messrs Arthur Morton, .Robert .Masters, and James Young. These gentlemen are all eligible for re-elec-tion. If necessary, an election will be held on Monday, July 26.

The cribhage match between Stratford and Ngaere players at Elder’s Rooms last night resulted in a win for the home team by seven games. Individual scores were as follows (Stratford players mentioned first in each case): W, and F. Collins 8, Jos. Thomas and Thos. Orr 6; A. Nelson and BakerGreen 8, W. Swindlehurst and W. Scanlon 5; T. 1). Sullivan and H. Wilson 4. H. Taylor and A. V. Sims

8; McCallum and H. Kivell 5, Scanned and Bowers 8; H. Jones and A. Donald 8. R. and B. Orr 5 ; C. Jackson and D. Butchart 7, A. D. Walker and W. J. Morrison 7; J. Donald and J. Jones 9, J. Thomas, jun., and J. J. Wisnewski 3; total, 49—42.

There has been something of a scare and some little inconvenience in certain [centres in New Zealand about supplies of sugar. The fact is that the agreement under which sugar is supplied to New Zealand, a certain amount of it at a fixed price, by the Colonial Sugar Company, was made between tiie company and the Food Commission. This agreement expires at the end of this month. The shortage at preesnt, it is believed, is more apparent than real, caused by traders and consumers bringing up stocks in advance or normal requirements. This they have done in anticipation of a considerable rise in price at the expiry of the agreement. Sugar is now £5 per ton cheaper in New Zealand than in Australia.

Ihe following ladies and gentleman will give their services for the grand Patriotic Concert at Midhirst on Wednesday evening :—Mrs Massey (song), Mrs Lister (song), Misses Sangster (song)- Miss Ngaere Bayley (picturesque dance), Miss Greenhaigh and Miss Mackay (duet, “Venetian Boat song), Miss Sheehan (Ladies’ Recruiting song, and chorus by Company), Mary Baskin and Daisy Eichstadt (.pianoforte duet), Miss R. Fedds (song), Mr Brian Malone (“The -Marsellai.se,” by request), Mr Hansford (comic song), Mr Templar (song). Mr Lister “The Veterans”), Mr Thompson (“Tipperary,” by request), •Mr Dunlop (song), Mr Douglas (song), Mr T.. A. Lonergan (song). Mrs Lister, Mr Cain and Mr Thompson, accompanists. Messrs Dingle, Dobson, Dunlop, Mudford and Thompson have kindly promised motor ears to convey the party to Mdhirst.

The report and balance-sheet of the Bank ol .New Zealand, as appearing in oiii' issue of yesterday were adopted on the motion of the chairman (Mr 11. Beauchamp), seconded by Mr Martin Kennedy. The latter, in speaking to the motion, commented specially on the fact that the reserve fund had reached the two-million mark. At one time he was opposed to the Government being permitted to take up shares in the bank. Circumstances had made a radical change in his views in this respect, and he was now prepared to admit that the com lunation with the Government was calculated to achieve the best results. Mr S. Kirkcaklie criticised the balancesheet, with particular reference to tli(> lailiire ot the directors to renew the one million guaranteed stock. Mr Beauchamp, replying, said it would June been had business to pay -f per cent, per annum for guaranteed stock, when the ruling rate on the London market for money at short call amounted occasionally to only 1 per cent. The v hole amount of guaranteed stock could !nue been underwritten at 1 lx*'- eesit.. It’d the directors deck not to ac<cpt ties, and proceeded by negot union with holders to renew the ■ ! o Or' tb'u CojJS.OSS was renewed without cost to the bank.

The Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence, has acknowledged receipt ol three dozen pillowslips from Mrs J. T. Kilpatrick for the Hospital Ship. A grand Catholic social and dance in aid of the sick and wounded troopers of Xew Zealand will be held in tlie Town Hall on Thursday, July 8. A line musical programme has been arranged, and the whole function will bo of the usual high standard arranged by the present committee. At the annual meeting of the Stratford Municipal Bund last night, it was resolved, on the motion of Cr W. Mills, seconded by Conductor sball, that a letter be written to those members of the Baud now serving their country in the firing line, conveying the best wishes of the meeting. A correspondent telegrapTis : —The Ohakune Carnival for Wounded Soldiers realised £839. At the crowning of the Queen on Thursday night, Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., gave a patriotic address. The Mayor of Ohakune introduced the member as their first M.P., and one who had worked hard for the back-block settlers. The audience cheered Mr Jennings and sung “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” On arrival at Xfew Plymouth last night the station was crowded with people, the Citizen’s Band playing “The Conquering Hero.” Mr Jennings replied stating that his victory was an indication of a return to Liberal and progressive principles, which stood for the whole of the people and not for a section of the people. Cheers were given for Mrs Jennings and her three sons at the War.