AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1926, Page 8

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES.

SERVICE BY CHRISTMAS UNLIKELY / Despite the jocular promise of the then Postmaster-General (Hon. J. G. Coates) when replying to a deputation on his last visit to Stratford, that the automatic telephone system would serve? as a Christmas box to the people of Stratford, it is extremely unlikely that anyone in the town will experience the long deferred pleasure of spinning a dial to order his Christmas hamper. Enquiries at the post office to-day expressed the opinion that unless the workmen at present engaged in altering the Hawera system are in a position to commence work at the local exchange before long there is very little hope -of the new service before the New Year. There is, however, considerable satisfaction in that, if out of time in his promise, Mr. Coates will only be a few weeks out, and most of the business of the New Year will doubtless be done without the familiar “number please” of exchange. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. STRATFORD BRANCH FOB MED. At the Medina last night Mr. R. W. Tate, S.M., was the guest of the Justices of the Peace in Stratford and district when it was decided to form a local subbranch of the Justices of the Peace Association <V New Zealand, with Mr. W. L. Kennedy as first chairman, Mr. N. B. Fletcher was appointed secretary. It was decided to elect a committee at some future evening. Several of those present stressed the advantage of a sub-branch of the association, especially to justices in country districts. Subsequently Mr. Tate gave au interesting talk on the duties and privileges of J.P.’s, which followed the same lines as the address he gave before the Justices of New Plymouth, and already reported in the News. A vote of thanks to Mr. Tate concluded the meeting. RE-LAYING FOOTBALL GROUND. Workmen are at- present engaged In laying drains in the western playing field in Victoria Park. The field is being laid in the same manner as the east end last year, three main drains from three to four feet deep being put in running towards the lake. Tiles are placed in the bottom of these trenches and covered with coarse metal before the earth is replaced. Between the main drains will be similar ones, 2 feet 6 inches deep, and there is one running round the foot of the terrace. It is hoped that the drains will take off all the surplus water and effect considerable improvement to the playing area. PREPARING FOR THE SHOW. The arrangements for the 16th annual show of the Stratford A. and P. Association are now well iu hand, and all indications are for a most successful show. A number of improvements have already been effected ou the grounds and to the buildings, and on Wednesday a working bee will be held to attend to numerous matters on the grounds. Special features of the show this year are the bullock buck-jumping competition, for which a large number of entries have already been received, and the weight-guessing competition. In the latter competition special prizes are being offered, and tickets are now being sold. Judging from the schedule issued ’the show to be held on December 1 and 2 has every promise of being up to the society’s best efforts. All breeds of stock are particularly well catered for, and every attempt made to induce breeders and farmers to exhibit. The horse section is full of interest, and contains new classes and fresh ideas. Particular attention has been given to exhibitors this year in the Jersey section, who have not been awarded a first prize in the show ring. A series of novice classes has been introduced which will enable the smaller or new breeder to compete with a much greater chance of success and at the same time will not preclude them from entering in the open classes. Taranaki breeders should make particular note of the fact that the North Island championships of the Friesian Association have been allocated to the Stratford Show for this year. Attractive classes have been arranged for the Ayrshire, Shorthorn and Red Poll pedigree cattle. A large number have also been provided for grade Jersey and Friesian, and a special series devoted to crossbreds. Additional, interest has been created iu the sheep section by introducing the system of score card judging. Exhibitors will thus be able to see exactly where their sheep succeed or fail over fellow competitors. The pig section has profited by the large entry received last year, and which lias resulted in provision being made for purebred Tamworth classes. The home industrial section

covers a wide range, and has included in its classes all cooking and needlework, which are finding favour in the home'at the present time. The photograph section is particularly attractive. The junior section has inserted all subjects at present included in the Education Board’s syllabus, and gives ample scope for the younger generation. GENERAL ITEMS. The opening of the shield bowling competition in the central division takes place on Thursday, when Stratford will play Tariki on the Stratford green and Avon will play Kaponga at the Avon green. The following will represent Stratford: Hunt, Sanderson, Frogley, Lyons (s); McKay, Knewstubb, Peters, W. McDonald (s). A match for the Stratford buttons will also be played on the Stratford green the same afternoon. The holders are Battersby, Carman, Smith and Leach (s), and the challengers Wilson, Reid, J. Smart and G. Smart (s). During the month of October 22.48 inches of rain fell in Stratford, the heaviest, fall (4.56 inches) being on the 16th. Rain fell on 21 days as follows: Ist, 1.17 in.; 2nd, .34111.; sth, ,18in.j 6lh, l.OSin.j 7th, 1.35 in.; Bth, 3.33 in.; 9th, 2.85 in.; 11th, ,38in.; 12th, 13th, 14th, traces only; 15th, 1.18 in.; 16th, 4.56 in.; 17th, trace; 18th, 1.35 in.; 19th, .18in.; 26th, trace: 28th, 3.65 in.; 30th, ,06in.; 31st, .79in. In October last year the fall was 7.39 in. The fall for 1926 to the end of October is 92.38 in., as compared with 81.77 in. for the same period in 1925. Despite the strong wind on Sunday, three young men from Stratford made an ascent of Egmont by the Dawson Falls route. They found it impossible, however, to advance into the crater be cause of the strength of the wind and the ice blowing in their faces. At the Children’s Court at Stratford yesterday the man recently arrested on a serious charge was committed to the Supreme Court at New Plymouth for trial.

PERSONAL ITEMS.

At the meeting of the local Justices of the Peace in Stratford last night a vote of sympathy was passed to Mr. C. D. Sole, J.P., in his present illness, and hopes for his speedy recovery were expressed. Sir. N. B. Fletcher has been appointed to represent the local A. and P. Association at the Manawatu Show.