LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 8, 12 April 1916, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual meeting of the Stratford Golf Club takes place at 8 o’clock this evening in Mr Newton King’s office. Li connection with the Stratford Christie Minstrels visit to Toko on Tuesday next, arrangements have been made for an efficient orchestra, to* accompany the troupe. This should add considerably to the success and enjoyment of tho evening, as the orchestra under Mr Fox’s direction will assist, in botli the entertainment and the following dance. The injuries received by Constable McCowan in the fighting at the capture of Run, the Maori “prophet,” were somewhat more serious than at first reported. It appears that pellets of shot lodged in both arms, one of bis legs, and bis left thigh. Yesterday, Mrs McCowan received a telegi am,from Rotorua, stating that on Monday night her husband underwent a successful ope’n.t’on at the hospital there. Const" hie McGowan’s return to Stratford is now delaye I.

Mr C. A. Wilkinson, MAh, purposes introducing a Bill during the coming session of Parliament providing for the total abolition of toll-gates. * If the measu oi I■ ; there will,

of neces uty. have to b ' certain rearrangements t to subsidies payable by one county to another, and financial readjustments between various ridings m 'e.cral '■o.n* i tic.s. .Provision will he n’do : n the dill for the setting nm ' i Com mb i>n to decide all these matters, should the counties themselves he unable to do so.

The Shaw Savill Liner “lonic,” now in the Dominion, is still under tlie control of the Imperial Government.' In order to meet the demand for passages from the Dominion both to England and to South Africa, it has been agreed to carry passengers. The Company, however, is not responsible for delay in sailing, interruption or cancellation of the voyage which may lie occasioned by the requ rements of the Imperial Authorities. Such eventualities, however, are considered to be remote.

A sight to inspire enthusiasm in the most, lackadaisical Stratfordian may ho found every morning after the assembling of the pupils of tbe Stratford District High School. It is the daily march of 530 young New Zealanders in training for a big marchpast ort Thursday of next week prior to the break-up for the Easter holidays, Headed by the School’s drum and life band playing “The Cock o’ the North,” or some such stirring martial air, as the youngsters go by, there boats in the breasts

of passers-by a great feeling of satisfaction and national pride. The bigger boys and girls swung along in fine stylo, and the little ones stride out in their best endeavors not to spoil ,the effect, the while the line keeps excellent step.

Cattle-breeders and others have been interested in a monster Durham ox, weighing 30001 b., and measuring 12ft bin round the girth and 4ft through the shoulders (writes the Alim ry correspondent of the Sydney Daily Telegraph). The monster bullock, which was on exhibition in the town, while en route .to the Sydney Royal Show, is almost identical in measurements w ith those on record of the famous English beast of 1891. The present bullock, which is Tasmanianbred, lias a greater chest measurement, is slightly smaller round the loins, but is the same length from head to tail, and stands 17 hands high. The two bullocks are believed to be of the same stock. The Tasmanian bullock, now seven years old, was purchased by its present owner, Mr M. J. Flynn, for £237. He says he recently refused an offer of £SOO for the beast.

The following new books have been added to the Stratford Public Library: —“The First Hundred Thousand” (lan Hay), “The Sunlit Hills” (Madame Albanesi), ‘‘The Salt of the Earth” M-Ved White), “Behind the Curtain” (Max Pemberton), “Unrest” (Warick Deeping), “The Pearl Fishers” (H. de Vere Staepoole). “Faith Trcsilion” (Eden Pliillpotts), “Moll Davis” (Bernard Capes), “The Spirit and the Law” (Edith Moore). “The House in Watchman’s Alley” (S. Cole), “Realms of Day” (H. de Selincourt), “Zeppelin Nights” (V. Hunt and Hueffcr), “The Will to Live” (H. Bordeaux), “Davenport” (Charles Marriott), “The Old Road From Spain” (C. Holme), “The Border Line” (Irene Burn), “Sacrifice” (M Tinayre), “Straws Upon the Water” (F. T. Woodington).

There was a crowded platform at the local railway station last evening tp witness the arrival of two returned troopers, Private T. J. Sheahan (Stratford) and Private Whyte (Cardiff) who had been invalided home, the former, especially, had a very bad spin, and lias been in hospital for months in England, where thanks to the skilful surgical operations and excellent nursing he pulled through. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon) officially welcomed the men, and cheers were given by the crowd as the two soldiers entered the motor cars which were in waiting to convey them to their respective homes. Mr A. J. Davey drove off with Private Sheahan and his relatives, and the Mayor took Private Whyte in his own car out to Cardiff. Concerning the latter, our Cardiff correspondent writes:—“He evidently comes of fighting stock, seeing that three of his brothers, including Major Whyte, New Zealand Staff Corps, are now at the front. The mother of those soldiers (now Mrs W. Brown) is to bo congratulated indeed,”

The members of the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee experienced a very busy day at their tea rooms, Broadway, yesterday. The proceeds of the day’s business are in aid of the committee’s stalls at the showground on Soldiers Day.

The Premier (Hon. Mr Massey) opens the now freezing works at Feilding on Monday and gives a recruiting speech in the evening. A large public meeting at Apiti yesterday decided to push the demand for railway communication by a line from Feilding through Kimbolton, Apiti, and Kangiwahia to Utiku.

The Hon. James Allen, Minister for Defence, has wired the secretary of the Patriotic Committee that he will be present on Soldiers Day (Easter Monday). He has also authorised a special parade of Senior Cadets throughout Taranaki, to take place at Stratford on that day. Some 900 cadets will be on parade. A number of Stratford residents journeyed to Opunake, per motor cai, on Sunday, the occasion being the annual picnic of the Hawera taxi driver? and garage hands, The weather was excellent, and a very enjoyable day was spent by all present. The annual relay race, for the silver cup, resulted in a win for the taxi drivers, the garage hands being defeated by eight yards.