STRATFORD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81839, 4 September 1906, Page 2

STRATFORD

(From Our Own Corrcspondent.Mr Jack Shotlcr, of Midhirst, lias purchased from Mr James Grant, Taiporohenui, the purebred Oydcsdale entire General Wheeler. General Wheeler was bred by Mr J. 11. Sutton, of Cliristchurch, and in the show ring has beaten the famed Glengyle and Knight of the Thistle, which should be considered sufficient recommendation as to his prestige. General Wheeler is a splendid lookins hay horse, and for bone and substance has lew equals. lie has massive shoulders, powerful loins, well sprung ribs, immense quarters, and carries an abundance of hair of the finest- quality, and for general good points is a rarely finished one in every respect. lie has a perfect temper, and has on'y to bo seen for his many good qualities and excellent points t > be admired. General Whee'er is to travel Stratford and the surrounding districts, and at Newton King's horse fair, held last Saturday, lie was exhibited, and was greatly admired by farmers, Mr Shottcr (being promised sl))|e'n'd'id support.

A somewhat sensational paragraph appeared in iast Wednesday's issue of the Stratford "Evening Post," to the effect that when the Whangamomuna coach was being put away after its arrival from Whangamomona a young boy was found huddled up in a corner, and that the coachdriver could not account for his presence. When questioned, the boy could only give his name, and ho was taken to an hotel, when a doctor was at once summoned, the boy showing symptoms of illness. The paragraph cnclnded by saying that it was a mystery bow the bov got into the coach at Whangainomoiia. I have been requested by Mr P. J. White, proprietor of the Whangamomona coach, who strongly resents the publication of the "Post's" paragraph, to give tile facts of the case: The boy is the son of Mr James Rodgers, a farmer out Whangamomona way, and was sent out to Slratford by his father, his mother being supposed to meet him on the arrival of the coach. lie stayed with Mr White, the coach proprietor, at Whangamomona on Monday night, and was on Tueday morning placed by him in the coach when it left Whangamomona, the driver of the coach, Mr George White, beinginstructed to look after him. On the arrival of the coach at Messrs Lawless and Co.'s Royal Mail Stables, Stratford, it was found that the mother was not there to meet him, and Mr Jim Lawless kindly took him to Mr Smith Pollock's Commercial Hotel, where his father puts up at when in Stratford. The only grain of truth in the "Post's" paragraph is that the boy complain ed of being ill and Mr Pollock sent for a doctor. Mrs Rodgers, the boy's mother, is staying with friends on the Salisbury road, Midhirst, and the telegram which her husband sent her intimating that the boy had left "Whanga" on Tutesday night she did not receive until next day, hence her not meeting the coacli on its arrival. Mr White's reason for having the matter thoroughly explained is therefore quite evident, as such a misleading paragraph, by reflecting carelessness on his and his driver's part, is calculated to seriously injure his business, especially as other papers have copied the "Post's" par. Mr Tom Goocli, late licensee of the Midhirst Hotel, has bought a farm at Tututawa, and leaves Stratford this week. Tom's many friends heartily wish him success in his new sphere of labour. Last Thursday evening the Salvation Army farewe.lled two of thcii soldiers, viz., Mr and Mrs Pye, who have been for the past six years resident in this district, and who are now leaving for F.ltham. The El tham Army Band, under the conduc torship of Adjutant McLure, gave a musical programme during the firspart of the proceedings, a pro Liiammo t.iat was thoroughly enjoy e d. The second part consisted o! addresses and a coffee supper. M; Pye gave a yery instructive address, which was greatly appreciated by tinaudieni e. and said ho deeply regret ted having to leave this district, aIn- had sustained great help from tin Army meetings. He counselled the younger soldiers to be steadfast anc! to advance the cause for which they al! had enrolled themselves. Adiu tant Lord, of the local corps, presided during- the evening, and throughout the meeting the greatest enthusiasm was displayed.