DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 308, 7 February 1910, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS

STRATFORD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A good story percolates through from Ohura. On a recent Sunday the Ohura Smashers were playing the Gentlemen of Tangarakau for the ashes. Ohura was a Smiter short, when a bush missionary happened along. The question was put to liiui, Can you play cricket? But the gentleman of the cloth said it depended 'on circumstances, and proceeded to explain that on condition that all the players would attend service afterwards 'he would join in. They agreed joyfully, anticipating a full afternoon's play, but .they reckoned without their host. Tangarakau took the crease, and just for •fun Ohura handed the ball to the expounder of the Scriptures, and the procession began. Ohura's turn soon came, and the missionary took the bat, and dn a little while the game was over. He had not played in the Cambridge eleven for nothing. A full congregation greeted him at service, and to-day out east they discuss the bush missionary as' a firstrate fellow. Such matters as papering a room, helping a sick family with their iwork, all comes as part of his work to Ithis man. Bishop Selwyn did not live in vain. You hear of very little else except the big picnic next Thursday. If the weather proves fine we will bring a large crowd in. Bowlers', tennis and croquet pliers, and other sports are all arranging .matches. The rifle match on Thursday brought forth some good shooting. Our Defence Rifles are prepared to take on any volunteer or rifle club that feels disposed to 'test them.