SICK AND WOUNDED FUND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 99, 27 August 1915, Page 5

SICK AND WOUNDED FUND.

STRATFORD CONVERSAZIONE. A very enjoyaTne.'tfnlte was spirit by n large audience at-the conrersasdonc hejd,{in :thq Parish Hall, ReJflU Siietfi last evening in aid of Hte Wounded Soldiers' Fund. The hall was gm% decorated with the flags of the Allies, bunting of many descriptions, and very choice cut flowers and pot plants.. The musical and vocal items given' by the following artists were much enjoyed : Misses (2) 'violin and pYahoY, -Miss Hopkins (violin solo). Mis's Sangster (song). Mr F. Reader 'song). Mr Hale (song). Mr Lawn (cornet'.

The Chairman (Mr .). W. Boon), Stratford, in a short speech, welcomed the visitors from the outlying towns. In outlining the work of the Lodge, the speaker said one could not tell ol the good work done by the members at a time like the present. They were doing the work quietly and well. Mr Moon said he could not, at the present time, boast of the town, as the streets were being regraded and getting ready for the coat of tar which is to be gvien as soon as the warm weather sets in. Though the town had no .Municipal Buildings at present, it was not the, fault of Stratford, as they had been burnt down a few months ago and they were being rebuilt. Stratford was a very important place, and one generally heard it called the "Hub of Taranaki." Mr Boon said the proceeds of the evening's entertainment w.ereJn aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and he was pleased to see so many in the audience. .Mr Donald. Grand .Master of the Orange Lodge of New Zealand, and Mr Rudder. Grand Secretary, also gave short addresses dealing with the work of the Lodge.

After the concert programme a gift miction was conducted l»y Messrs Fletcher (New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd.), and T. I. Lamason. Mr Fletcher ably wielded the hammer and Mr Lamason acted as clerk. A great quantity of goods were sold, but the prices realised were far below their real value. The main article sold was the pair of oak-mounted ferns, which brought the satisfactory sum of {.'(> 10s. At the conclusion of the entertainment Mrs T. Young presented Mrs Boon (Mayoress) with a lovely bouquet.