STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 81, 7 April 1900, Page 2

STRATFORD.

(FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) JI A FAREWELL meeting in connection with the departure of Rev, Reid was held in tho Wesleyan Church last evening. The night was stormy and wet, which bold against the attendance, but had no effect upon the meeting, for everybody | seemed to be intent on having a good time, and, as usual, they got what they intended. Mr. Boon occupied the chair, and, in his- opening speech, sketched the history of the church during the six years of its existence. During that time it has reached a membership of about 120. As those who were to provide the musical part of the programme were unable to be present, the whole audience became the choir, and did fairly well. The first speaker was Rev, G. Clement, Primitive Methodist, who spoke of his great regard for the sister church and his desire for union of the two churches as one. He referred to the welcoming and farewelling of ministers as part of the ordinary routine of Methodist life. Rev. Hutson, Presbyterian, followed with words of cordial appreciation and sympathy, and spoke of the great possibilities before the Wesleyan Church in Stratford. He, as well as Mr. Clement, wished Rev. Reid and Mrs. Reid God-speed and prosperity in his new sphere. Ensign Crisp, S.A., gave a short hearty speech, and humorous withal. Mr. Hill and Miss McAlister gave a recitation each during the evening, which were well received. At the close Mr. Burrough, on behalf of the Christian Endeavour Society, presented Rev. and Mrs. Reid with a handsome set of table serviette rings in a case. Mr. Reid, on behalf of himself and wife, thanked the young people for their kind thoughtfulness in giving them a 1 memento of their sojourn in Stratford. ; He spoke of his work in the church, , and said he had striven to be faithful to his duty, whether successful or not. The meeting was brought to a close with votes of thanks and singing a hymn and the benediction. At the close of the meeting the friends partook i of the good things the ladies had pro--1 vided in abundance.

I notice two of our prominent townsmen have returned from a visit to the Mother Country—Mr. N, Liardet and Mr. T. L. Lockton. They both appear to have enjoyed their holiday, each in their own way, and are quite content to be back to Stratford again. Mr. Liardet and family are staying at the Club, and Mr. Lockton at the Stratford Hotel.

" Who would be a Council slave ?" was suggested to my micd the other night in reading a complaint in a local luminary about the logs on the East. Road to the great risk of life and limb Our well-meaning County Council have undertaken the re-metalling of the East Road as far as Toko. They have widened and in every way improved the roadway, hut they have macadamised it properly, and Macadam is not wanted in fine weather. Hence, to dodge the old gent., drivers try the soft side path and run against logs and capsize, and do all manner of such foolish and dangerous things, so the sapient editor seriously warns the Council of the liability in case of serious accidant. 15 would be a rich joke to sua the Council for damage because the plaintiff would not use tht. road prepared for him at a great cost by the defendent. However, I have one suggestion f>r fch-j County Council, whivu i hey h ive the cash to do it. I; is to clear the logs and lov*l tho road on both sides cf the mota', where it can easily be done, betwei n Stratford ami Toko. If they do eo they will make a pleasant drive for fi'ie weather, earn the thanks of travellers, avoid making people say foolish and bad words, because they don't like Jock Macadam, and save the wear and tear of the metalled track for most of the year. April 6tb, 19Q0.