STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1925, Page 11

STRATFORD NEWS.

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY. INSUFFICIENT SUPPORT. UNABLE TO CARRY ON. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Oct. 7. The executive committee of the Stratford Competitions Society met last night. Present: Messrs 8. Ward (president), R. V. Kay, A. H. R. Amess, B. 'Saunders, E. Maylett, J. Forbes and J. Edmondson. The chairman advised that, although the 'Stratford School Committee had decided to give their whole-hearted support and the headmaster (Mr. L. J. Furrie) was prepared to assist, the country schools had not shown any enthusiasm. Mr. Amess was of opinion that the lack of support accorded to the movement was the outcome of the condemnation of the competitions at .the annual conference. ’Both Messrs Forbes and Edmondson said that their experiences went to prove Mr. Amess’ assertion. Mr. Saunders explained that, in connection with the three •productions of the Amateur Operatic Society, no matter what prices were charged, for admission, the takings in no case exceeded a certain sum. The maximum charge for admission could not be set at more than one shilling and these proceeds, in addition to members’ subscriptions, would hardly pay expenses for the original scheme. Since the necessary support for the smaller uniended scheme was not forthcoming, he thought, it advisable to wind up the society. Subsequently the meeting decided to recommend to the general committee that the society be wound up. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK LINE. The chairman (Mr. J. >B. Richards), at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce last night questioned that £lOO, 000 had. been set aside for the necessary work on the proposed StratfordMain Trunk line. Mr. IW. P. Kirkwood remarked, that this was very pleasing, but it was not absolutely satisfactory unless one or more big contracts were let for the tunnelling and construction work on this end. The speaker pointed out that by letting contracts much time would be saved, and he was sure that under co-operative labour the line would never be completed in five years. The chairman stated that he was present when' the Prime Minister had explained that the experience of the Government made them unfavourable to contracts, but he was prepared, if he could get satisfactory tenders, to let contracts.

Mr. Kirkwood said it was not enough to call for tenders in New Zealand alone. They should be invited from all over the world.

During the discuseion on the shipping strike Mr. Richards mentioned that if the shipping companies were to advertise for volunteers they would secure as many as they required without any trouble. Mr. McMillan pointed out that it was far more satisfactory to have each borough organised. GENERAL ITEMS. The, second “Charley's Aunt” dance in connection with the Foresters’ Lodge was held in the Forresters’ Hall this evening, when a fair gathering passed an enjoyable time. Dancing was indulged in to the strain of music by Feek’s orchestra. The hall was prettily decorated with coloured streamers, and an excellent supper was provided by the Marble Bar. The M.C.’s were Messrs S. Norman and C. Fisher. A very pleasant social was held in the Parish Hall last evening in connection with the “envelope system” at the Holy Trinity Church. During the evening songs and items were rendered and dancing was indulged in. A dainty supper was provided by the members of the ladies’ guild. The Rev. J. L. A. Kayll reviewed the position of the “system” during the past year, and thanked contributors for their support, assuring them that the finances were thereby considerably improved. At the invitation of the Lowgarth branch of the Farmers’ Union, Mr. T. C. List, of New Plymouth, met settlers of the district and addressed a wellattended meeting in the Lowgarth Hall last night upon current topics, in which he gave an interesting outline of salient features connected with the industrial, pastural and social life of the Old Country. Mr. List’s observations during his recent extended tour of Great Britain and the Continent were listened to attentively, and at the conclusion he was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks, Mr. Willing, president of the branch, presided, and at the dose supper was dispensed. (PERSONAL ITEM. Mr. E. G. Foster returned from Lyttelton by the express last night.