STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. J. HopUins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] WAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION. (From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, February ]•>. The monthly meeting of tile Taranaki War Relief Association was bold at Stratford on Monday. Present: Messrs C. H. Burses (New Plvmontb), chairman), TI. Mills (Paten.,', T. McThillips (Manaia), E. Beekbessinger (Waitara), •I. W. Winfield (Inglcwood), R. Dunn (Hawera), W. P. Kirkwood (Stratford), and Rev. R. B. Tinsley (Opunake). Tlie Auditor-General replied to the Association's letter regarding auditor* to patriotic funds, that the method of auditing patriotic funds by means of district auditors was adopted to ensure effectiveness, and he had found no reason to question the wisdom of the decision. The cost of aud]lmg was defrayed by the Government.—Received.

The financial position of the. Association on February 7 was as follows: Balance as per (ash book. £2BO 10s "d; balance at Post Oflice Savings Bank, £5500.

The number of men on the employment wanted lists 'was seven—one clerical and six light work (Eltham, Hawera and Waitara one each, New Plymouth and Inglcwood two).

Regarding the position of dependents of soldiers entering camp, the Defence Department forwarded full information cf allowances, pay, etc., to local branches.

The secretary reported, in reply to a request from the Advisory Hoard for particulars as to the number of returned soldiers who had been assisted by the Association in the direction of netting no in business, that their Association had attended to seven cases, and he had notified (he Board to that effect.

The County of F.gmont League forwarded ,t';>ofl to the Association, and also notified that the Rev. R. B. Tinsley had been reappointed delegate to the Association for the ensuing year. An nppplication from a returned soldier for the loan of £4OO for five years at a per cent, per annum was favorably received. GENERAL.

Messrs E. .lackson, J. P.. Richards and W. H. Were left for Wellington by train this morning to interview the Hon. W. !►. McDonald, Minister for Agriculture, in connection with the proposed establishment of a model dairy farm in this district.

Messrs R. Dingle, R. McK. Mo'rison and C. Jackson, delegates elected to represent the Stratford A. and 'P. Association at the Board of Agriculture meeting at Hawera, left this morning. Other bodies interested are the Hawera and Taranaki Metropolitan Association. At the meeting Mr. J. S. Connett (New Plymonth) presided. Mr. Hawkin Hawera) was elected to represent Taranaki on the Board.

Good soaking rain, with an absence of wind, is falling to-day. Yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock many residents were ftaTt'led by the appearance of a miniature cyclone. One could trace the course of the gale by the unusual clouds of dust, whilst those in the immediate track were glad when it had passed over.

At Wanganui last week some excitement was caused by the crowds of women blocking the thoroughfare eager to participate in the bargains being offered in that town. There is no need for Stratford people to visit Wanganui, as bargains in every class are being offered at C. E. James' fancy goods warehouse.*