CENTRAL TARANAKI NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1931, Page 8

CENTRAL TARANAKI NEWS

(FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTERS)

Telephone Nos. Stratford Exchange 552 Office 2220 Private

Telephone Nos. Stratford Exchange 552 Office 2220 Private

PROBLEMS OF FARMERS

CONCERTED ACTION NEEDED. ORGANISATION IN STRATFORD. “It is gratifying to report that good progress has been made in respect of interest in and attendance at all meetings held during the year,” states the report to be submitted by the president, Mr. M. G. Trotter, to the annual meeting on Saturday of the Stratford subprovincial executive of the Farmers’ Union. The report adds:— “This indicates the wise decision of officers and members responsible in forming a sub-provincial executive in Stratford, with represeiitation of back country interests. Problems peculiar to their localities can now be dealt with in our centre and so facilitate, the dispatch of business to the mutual advantage of all concerned. During the year the executive has held I’2 meetings. General business, remits and discussions on matters arising from requirements of rural activities and common difficulties of settlers generally have been debated, together with matters of present day legislation.

“Unfortunately for everybody we are coming through a very doubtful and uncertain time in respect of our economic position. Prices of our primary products have fallen very low and the result has been reflected in business and trade generally. “The Dominion is at present being severely tested to find work for a large number of unemployed. It is being strained financially in an endeavour to meet the position by taxation and levy. The executive has been represented on the local unemployment board by the president and the secretary where we have attained a clear insight into the position locally, and. have done what we believed to be our duty to the common good of all concerned. , I would now like to make an appeal to those farmers who may be able to assist us to absorb labour, preferably by the No. 4a scheme, and thereby relieve some of the distress that is evident.

“I would like to draw your attention to the losses incurred annually through various diseases in the' dairy herds, mammitis to my mind being the chief difficulty. To combat mammitis and sterility in dairy stock is a problem which is engaging the attention of specialists with scientific laboratory experience. This to-day is a definite question which we must follow up through the stock division of the Department of Agriculture in the hope of getting some assist- ! ance and relief. Innoculation with vaccines from reputable laboratories when correctly applied is proving more or less, successful in minimising and arresting the spread of mammitis. I estimate the annual rejects by farmers due to the diseases mentioned to be about 15 per cent. “Some time ago, as a measure calculated to give relief to ratepayers and to make for the equitable adjustment of road finances a Highways Board was set up by the Government, but to-day we are convinced that in the direction indicated it has not succeeded in its main objects—the relief of rates to the settlers and making the fuser of the road pay; hence we suggest to the authorities a scheme well established in other countries, the derating of farm lands. To this we must give our united support and attention. “On December 18 at Hawera a rally and mass meeting of farmers and others was held to discuss the position relative to politics, the result of which is now history. However, the meeting served to, indicate the need of a more direct contact between the farmers and Parliament than that which obtains at present. The question of fusion can well be overcome by the unity of farmers of almost identical political interests. This, to my mind, is in the hands of individual constituencies, and where properly applied a distinct possibility. Already there are indications along these lines. “I feel a sense of duty devolves on me to make reference to the activities of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. In this direction our appreciation goes forth for the good work so well begun. They have been a succour in times of distress and a relief to the backblocks mothers and families—a work to be appreciated and encouraged by the community. “Financially the past year has been most successful and I must congratulate members on having a credit balance of £42 13s 9d. During the coming year we hope further to organise our district and thereby strengthen the position of all our branches. I would like to place on record the able manner in which the secretary (Mr. H. A. Hunt) has carried out his duties. The secretarial work has increased considerably and Mr. Hunt has devoted a lot of time, which he has •given ungrudgingly for the benefit of the farmers. During the year in conjunction with myself he has attended every meeting of the North Taranaki executive and in every way watched over your interests and most ably supported me in my position as president.” r ■ —■*/ “MARIETTE” AT STRATFORD. Given a story such as “Mariette,” it would be difficult for the most inept cast of players to kill its interest, so strong and ingenious is the thread of romance which runs through it from curtain-rise to curtai. -fall, while in the hands of an exceptionally talented cast, such as will interpret the story at the Stratford town hall on Saturday, “Mariette” is something in the nature of a masterpiece of entertainment. The story—three distinct romances interwoven upon a background of war—is full of action and unexpected situations. High-lights of singing and dancing supply brilliant colour and movement, in no way hindering the swift action with its alternating drama ad comedy, and long before the curtain falls on the startling revelations of the third act the audience realises that it is getting wonderfully generous value for its money. Although Saturday is late night in Stratford there is nothing to prevent late-comers to the theatre enjoying the glamour and thrill of romance in war-time, as exemplified in the second and third acts. The second act, particularly, has been described as one of the finest war-sketches ever staged. 'Die proceeds ..re to assist the fund for electing the Lance Gibson Memorial Hut, the Mountain Club being in charge of the “front of the house.”

DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK

AT LEAST FOUR CASES.

SEVEN OR EIGHT CARRIERS.

1 Further investigation of the diphtheria f outbreak at the Stratford primary school . was made yesterday by Dr. R. J. R. 3 Mccredy, health officer for the district. “Swabs” have been taken from 70 child- -’ ren. There are four definite cases of . diphtheria, and another is doubtful. ’ Seven, or possibly eight, “carriers” have been detected. All have been isolated t and every precaution is being taken to . prevent the spread' of the complaint. Dr. Mecredy is hopeful- that the out- . break has been arrested, but will main- - tain a strict watch. f* '• “ ' * j ELTHAM BRASS BAND. ; ANNUAL MEETING HELD. ’ The 27th annual meeting of the El- ’ tharn Band was held on Tuesday. The report of the president, Mr. A. 0. Casey, stated that the band had had a very successful year, both from a financial and musical point of view. At the Taranaki Band Union’s contest held at Hawera the band had gained first place ; in the quickstep, second in the selection, ! and second in the aggregate, and the judge’s report reflected great credit on the conductor (Mr. A. Beesley) and members. During its career the band had competed in seven quickstep contests and had been placed first three times, second twice, and twice unplaced. In the four selection competitions it had entered it had gained two firsts and two seconds. The band had rendered a number of public programmes during the year, among them being two special programmes, one in aid of unemployment and one in aid of earthquake relief. The secretary and treasurer and various members of the band are to be congratulated on their fine efforts in running the euchre tournaments, the net result of these being approximately £25. Hearty congratulations were to be extended to the drum-major (Mr. W. Ricketts) for the fine results achieved through his efforts in training the band for the quickstep. The balance-sheet showed receipts amounting to £142 10s and expenses to £l3O 14s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £ll 15s 9d. Mr. G. W. Peebles, who presided in the absence of the president, congratulated the band on its performance at the recent contest. Mr. T. E. Trask suggested that it would bo desirable if the band came more before the public in the way of , playing out in the streets. Mr. I. J. Bridger voiced congratula- ; tions on behalf of'the public, who, he said, greatly appreciated the band’s ser- ( vices. Mr. J. D. McKay also eulogised the band and said that although the public , were not present at the meeting they ; greatly appreciated its usefulness.. The j election of officers resulted: President, j Mr. G. W. Peebles; vice-presidents, , Messrs. T. E. Trask and A. W. Packard; bandmaster, Mr. S. Murray; sergeant, < Mr. H. Andrews; corporal, Mr. H. Tay- < lor; larice-corporal, Mr. H. Ward; secre- j tary, Mr. H. Taylor; treasurer, Mr. H. ■ J. Drabble; conductor, Mr. A. Beesley; j committee, Mpssrs. A. Beesley, L. Egarr, j H. Ward, E. Trask and H. J. Drabble,; j librarians, Messrs. A. Hargraves and G. < Cruden. The conductor’s salary was discussed ( at length, members expressing a desire ' to increase it. It was eventually de- ; cided that the amount be not less than i £6O per annum and that the matter of increase be reviewed at any time dur- ; ing the year. i 1 Mr. W. Ricketts pointed out that the! j president, vice-presidents and life mem- < bers were not technically entitled. .to vote owing to being within the definition < of non-playing members, and he gave ] notice of motion to remove this anomaly, j

GENERAL ITEMS.

The Toko branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held a children’s ball on October 10. The amount donated to the children’s prizes was £l, not £7 as stated in the annual report of the branch. A free bus will leave Sutton’s office, Stratford, to-day at 1 p.m. for the Huiroa sports. For variety and attractiveness the sports promise to eclipse anything of a like nature hitherto held in the “district, outstanding events being the 12in. Taranaki championship chop and the New Zealand single-handed sawing championship. Refreshments may be had on the ground and the Stratford Boys’ Band will render a programme of popular music. A dance will follow. The following will represent Stratford in the Dewar Shield ten-a-side Rugby competition at New Plymouth on Saturday: A. Collins, J. Hamilton, T. Boniface, E. Owen, H. Taylor, J. Walter, P. Bottin, R. Hinton, A. Robson, J. Young. Emergencies: J. Henry, R. Young. The following players will represent Eltham in the Dewar Shield ten-a-side tourney at New Plymouth on Saturday: V. Anderson, F. Bocoek, R. Bocock, R. Bourke, L. Casey, J. Groves, E. Hughes, D. Knuckey, F. Martin, M. Prince, H. Potts, T. Taylor and Ron Taylor. The inauguration of an annual seven-a-side junior Rugby tournament will take place at Toko to-day when teams in the central division will compete for the Kerin Cup. A representative selection of teams has entered and spectators may be assured of fast, competitive football full of interest The Celtic team is: J. Kofoed, B. McMillan, W. C. Clements, D. Jones, L. Dodd, J. Carryer and J. Weston.

KING’S THEATRE PROGRAMME.

“WHAT MEN WANT.” Warner Eabian, possibly the foremost writer of modern jazz life and the author of “Elaming Youth,” has written another of his incomparable comedy-dramas based upon the vivacity and allure of present day life in the fast young society set. This story was written especially for use on the screen as the Universal special production, “What Men Want,” which comes to the King’s Theatre, Stratford, to-night. An outstanding cast portrays the story, headed by Pauline Starke, Ben Lyon, Barbara Kent, Robert Ellis, Hallam Cooley, Carmelita Geraghty and others. Production is on a. most lavish scale, with many beautiful settings in the country club, the elaborate apartments, and many sumptuous locales of the enticing plot. Directed by Ernest Laemmle, the great contrast in the lives of young people of the present day is forcibly dramatised in the conflict of two sisters for the love of the same man. All the froth of the giddy whirl in which they move, the butterfly gaiety of their existence, is portrayed in a ■veritable paean of pleasure.

NO ELECTION FOR COUNCIL

WITHDRAWAL FOR MR. PHILLIPS. Public spirited motives have actuated Mr. M. T. Phillips in his decision to withdraw his nomination for the Stratford Borough Council. His action will leave the nine nominations for the nine seats on the council and will save the cost of an election—between £2O and £3O. Mr. Phillips accepted nomination in the first place only because some difficulty w." being experienced in securing nominations to fill the seats left vacant by three resignations and when he found that four nominations had been received, making an election necessary, he took steps to withdraw.

ELTHAM THEATRE.

“YOUNG MAN OF MANHATTAN.” Katherine Brush’s widely-read novel, “A Young Man of Manhattan,” produced as a talking picture, will be shown at Eltham to-night. The captivating story has won even greater success on the audible screen than it enjoyed as a book. Claudette Colbert, Maurice Chevalier’s favourite leading lady, has the stellar role, and the rising actor Norman Foster is her screen husband, while Charles Ruggles, comedian, Ginger Rogers and Leslie Austin have prominent roles. The thoroughly human story deals with two clever sporting writers on big daily papers who marry and start out to'carve their way to fortune, but Tody, the husband, is afflicted with that tired feeling and a fondness for alcohol, while the wife is full of energy and “go.” The result is that while the clever husband is always threatening, to write a great novel his wife sets to and does it. Professional jealousy creeps in, and the husband departs. The wife loses her eyesight, and hearing of her affliction the husband realises his responsibilities and returns. A first part consisting of all Paramount featurettes .will support the main feature.