STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) JERSEY BREEDERS. Dec. 13. A meeting of the Stratford branch of the 'New Zealand Jersey Breeders' Association was held this afternoon. Mr. V. Ranford presided over a good attendance. The Auckland branch forwarded for endorsement the following resolutio": "That it be a recommendation to tnc Council that all pedigree calves be branded with an individual number, before attaining the age of one month." After discussion, it wag decided to inform the Auckland branch that while sympathising with the object in view the proposal was considered impracticable in New Zealand. Messrs. A. H. O'Sullivan (Cardiff), and F. W. Green (Pembroke Road) were elected members. It was decided to hold a field day on Thursday March 11th, when Mr. H. '&. M. Watson, who judged at the recent show, will demonstrate.

The president apologised for the absence of Mr. Griffiths, who had promised to read a paper at the meeting on "the value of the imported sire," but had been prevented by indisposition from attending. Notice of motion was given by Mr. Belcher as follows: That the period of testing be reduced from twelve months to nine months.

The president e\"pressed his personal appreciation of the way in which breeders had entered their stock at the recent show. Their willingness to come forward and exhibit even though they had no hope of winning the prize, had been responsible for a splendid show and had made it possible for another to win the big prize money. The classes as a whole were very strong, and demonstrated the wisdom of offering large prize money. It was the best show of dairy cattle lie had ever seen, aim probably a better had never been seen in New Zealand.

Mr. Huggett said he had been asked by Mr. R. Dingle to mention that thoy were rather short of accommodation for bulls at the show, and it was proposed to ask all breeders to present a Jersey bull or heifer to the Associaton. The animals would he grazed for a time and then sold, the money realised being used solely for the purpose of providing more bull pens. The president said the scheme had difficulties with some of them. He supposed the Association would accept a donation instead. Mr- Huggett: Yes. The matter was not further discussed. Mr. O'Sullivan referred to the disgraceful condition of some of the railway trucks used for carrying stock to the show. The slush and mud was sometimes knee deep, and was a disgrace to the Department. By such means disease might easily be transmitted from one animal to another.

The president said bo knew from experience that what Mr. O'Sullivan hr.d said was perfectly true. When he | brought his prize bull from Palmerston North lie was knee deep in slush. Another member said that before using a truck .assigned to him for his stock he had to borrow a shovel and clean it out. It was stated that no provision wa~ made for cleaning cattle trucks at Stratford and thq work had to be done either at }lr\v Plymouth or Haweva. The president stated that the Stratford stationmnster was always most considerate and always gave any help lie con Id. A resolution was passed under which the attention of the Railway Demulcent is to be drawn to the filthy condition of many of the trucks used for eonvfryinjr pedigree stock to mil Fri-m the show and requesting that the matter be remedied. It was decided to ask other societies io take similar action, and the president undertook to have the matter brought before the Council. GENERAL.

At a well attended meeting held in the Town Hall last evening, over wliith the Mayor presided, addresses iv;r; given on the liquor question by a number of returned men. The speakers were: Mr. Hensley (Tnglewood), Major Urqnhart (ifoko).'Surgeon-Captain Gordon (Stratford), and Mr. Rim (Xew Plymouth). The speakers were accorded a respectful hearing, and at the conelusion they were accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr. W. Power, who said he did not think the average returned soldier was in sympathy with the arguments adduced. Tenders closing at 4 p.m. on Saturday flight are invited liy Mr. J. D. Hea.y for the erection of two-storev offices' in Peiiton Street, Stratford, for Messrs. K.ntherfurd, Maealister, and Coleman (solieitO''Sl. In cuiwtion wit.li the catering at the Show and Mr. Boon's remarks at. the recent meeting of the A. and P. Association relative to four waitresses; from Hawera disappointing them at the last moment, it appears that about a month before, the show, Mr. Boon was asked for authority to engage Dustin's stnff ■•from Hawera, But he preferred to rely on local assistance. A week prior to the show, however, he asked Mrs. Crofts to obtain five helps from Hawera, naming the terms, and steps were immediately taken to that end. These, however, failed, as the terms were not acceptable, the reply to this effect not being received till the day before the show.

Xmas Pair now in full swing. Fancy floods, Toys, China, Books, or anything needed for presents. Shop early; shop now. (!oods can he. 1 eld till Xin'as Eve, and be called for -r delivered anywhere. —Charles K. James. School comn ittees and teachers, in selecting school prize -,, should inspect the large stock of reward and gift books at H. J. Hopkins'. The books are direct, from the publishers, and are low priced, well bound, we 1 ! printed and illustrated, and in every way well got up. Special consideration'shown to school children. Reduce the depreciation in your motor ear- by taking it to C. D." Mathews. Stratford, and if it.is mechanically sound he will return it looking as well as when you first bought it, at a very small cost The best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade. There is still time to have that photograph done for Xmas. McAlister. Stratford, has made arrangements to have all work ordered by the 10th completed before the 23rd. ' The early customer gets the advantage. Hurry.