SOLDIERS’ DAY.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 83, 14 March 1916, Page 7

SOLDIERS’ DAY.”

FETE ON EASTER MONDAY. A general meeting of the Stratford Patriotic Committee was held yesterday afternoon, when Mr J. VV. .Boon presided, and there were present:— .Messrs Lh J. Malonn C. Jackson, J Shotfcer, A. F. Crane, .1. Masters, W. P. Kirkwood, and M. Gemhbefer. The Chairman stated that the meeting had been called mainly to consider the advisability of holding a garden fete or other function, at an early date, to augment the Wounded Soldiers' P'und. Mr W. P. Kirkwood moved: That arrangements be made for a garden fete to be held on the Show grounds on Easter Monday, the proceeds to be in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. In moving the motion, Mr Kirkwood said representatives of the Committee had waited on the Ladies' Committee, unci they stated that they were considering the holding of a garden fete, but would co-operate with the Patriotic Committee in any action taken. The motion was seconded by Mr J. Shorter, who raised the question of there being counter attractions on that day.

In supporting the motion, Mr D. J. ■M alone said that in his opinion something should be done. Judging by that day's meeting it was very disappointing, there being only one town and two country members of the general committee present. In his opinion a little "push powder" was necessary. He was strongly in favor of holding a fete. They had been lying dormant for a considerable time, and if properly organised, a big thing could be made of the fete.

Mr J. Masters said that_ in his opinion Easter .Monday was the best day on which to hold the fete. Other members present said that though there were other attractions held cm Easter Monday, the fete would receive the support of local and district

people, Mr Malone said if the fete was well organised it would attract a large number of country residents. The ladies would undertake the catering and help in every possible way. He said it might also be possible tojiold ah entertainment.at night.jn thefTown Hall.' v ; .; ..■■,•»■'.' !

The motion was carried. ' .... ,! 'On the .motion of jMv. Kivkwood, seconded by Mr .Masters,, it avhs decided to asH the Ladies' : Committee to cooperate with the committee in .connection with the holding >of. ,the, fete., : , Mr Malone asked hpw ; vacancies there were on the general committee. The Chairman stated that there were four vacancies.,. • , ..,. Continuing, Mr Malone said that it was time that some energetic men were appointed to the committee. He said that at the present time they should all'pull together and help in a manner for which >he committee was elected,..... ■ ;lu. ■ o*'U« r Mr Masters also spoke in a simna| strain. MrKirkwoocbsajd that in his opinion a' public meeting,, should lie called to* the Town Hall to consider the'matter and elect committees to. organise the fete. They had to interest the public to make the fete a success, >,; ■ : Mr Malone said they could rely.on the support of the local band and other hands from the outside district. The Ladies' Committee would conduct tearooms and other stalls. It was decided to ask the Ladies' Committee to cater for afternon tea. The Chairman suggested that they should hold a floral procession. It was decided to ask the members of the Fire Brigade, Lodges, Cadets. Scouts, Territorials, nurses, Borough and County Councils to participate in the procession.

Tt was decided to confer with the Ladies' Committee in regard to the catering and conducting of Malls. Mr Malone moved: That the fete day be called "Soldiers' Day."--! Seconded by Mr Masters and carried. | I Mr Kirkwood said that in bis opinion it was advisable to bold a meeting of the members of the Patriotic Committee and the Ladies' Committee, and nil interested to help to organise the fete. Mr Kirkwood moved accordingly, and the motion was carried. I Mr Masters moved: "That Messrs Malone, C. Jackson, E. Jackson, and R. Masters, with power to add, i.o their number be apopinted a sports committee to bring down a report, to the meeting next Tuesday."—Seconded by the chairman and carried. j Mr Malone said he wanted the people of Stratford to recognise that the fete was their special effort and waa practically the town's first. _ I It was decided to hold a meeting of the General Committee, and the Ladies' Committee, and all interested who will help in connection with the fete next Tuesday, at 2.30 p.m.