STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

PATRIOTIC WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION. (From Our Special Reporter.)' Stratford, Yesterday. The delegates comprising the above Association met in the Stratford Municipal Buildings on Wednesday. Present: Messrs. J. E. Wilson (chairman), E. Beekbessinger, T. B. Crump, F. Mills, J. Winficld, T. McPhillips, W. P. Kirkwood, R. Dunn, Rev. R. Tinsley, C. S. Fleming. In connection with the schema towards raising further funds for purposes of the association, Mr. Beekbessinger (Waitara) reported that two dairy companies (North Tavanaki and Waitara Road) had been contributing- %& (approximately £3OO each) half going to the Belgian, and half to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. The directors had also made contributions. Mr. Mills (Hawera) said he believed there was no chance of anything being done by Hawera or Riverilale, and it would be a waste of time to arrange a conference.

Mr. McPhillips (Manaia), said he had not yet approached his factories, and Mr. R. Dunn (Hawera) said factories in his district believed the Association was not in need of funds. This was erroneous, the Association's funds were running short, and owing to increased casualties they should endeavour to build up their funds. Messrs. McPhillips and Dunn moved: "That the chairman and representatives of various dairy companies be invited to a conference about a month hence, with the object of explaining the need {or funds; also that the chairman and Mr. Kirkwood be the Association's delegates and address the meeting on their behalf. —Carried.

Air. Kirkwocd remarked that sheeptamers miglit also be appealed to. Mr. Mills (Hawora) brought up the question of settling returned soldiers on the land. He believed they should endeavour to place the Taranaki men on Taranaki soil. The Association might make enquiries from landowners in the province as to land they had for disposal. A small area, 20 to 25 acres of good land, would keep a man, and an amendment to the Workers' Dwelling Act would enable them to assist in building a house. He moved: "That owners of land suitable for returned men who are prepared to sell suitable areas (on easy terms) be asked to supply necessary particulars of such land to this Association." Seconded by Mr. Kirkwood, and carried. Mr. G. Girling-Butehor, organiser of the Roman Catholic Federation, waited on the Association, requesting assistance towards the Federation's work for Roman Catholic men.—Resolved: "That delegates should bring the matter before the Advisory Board, as to whether a portion of the £3OOO despatched monthly could not bo applied for the purposs requested." The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 13

GENERAIi, An interesting experiment in limespreading was demonstrated at the Stratford school paddock on Tuesday. The machine was lent by Mr. Newton King, and the operator in charge of affairs was Mr. Brown, the agricultural expert. The liming process was closely watched by Mr. Masters, chairman of the Education Board, several farmers, and school boys. The Stratford Gun Club intend holding their annual meeting shortly. An entertainment to augment the funds of the Fire Brigade and the Boy Scout? is already attracting some attention. It is the pantomime of "Beauty and the Beast." and will be staged in the Town Hall late in November. The annual meeting of the Stratford Fire Brigade was held on Tuesday evening. The finances -disclosed a very healthy state of affairs. All the officcra were re-elected to the positions previously held. Big efforts will be made here on Saturday to gather in coin of all mines for the 'Red Cross Funds. The heavy casualty lists emphasise the need for a liberal response to this appeal. The annual meeting of the Stratford County Council will be held on Wednesday. November 22, when the chairman for the ensuing year will be elected.