STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 186, 12 January 1912, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

(From our Resident Reporter.)' THE WEATHER. I Numerous citizens moved to action by the two days "drought" were noticed to ! he vigorously hosing their prize flowers yesterday. It is a remarkable fact that so soon as the clerk of the weather turns off the tap, vegetation in these districts visibly wilts. Otherwise there were smiles at the continued goodness of the weather gods, and consequently local business men report 'brisk business with those -who were lured forth by blue skies and bright sunshine. Egiriont wore his white sleeping cap, however, and the weather wise residents prophesied some sort of a change. THE OPERATIC SOCIETY. There is much enthusiasm over the forthcoming production of "Pinafore," a famous opera beloved of all amateurs and attempted by most. It was necessary to go, outside Stratford for the •scores of the opera, and the Society intend getting busy with rehearsals and costumery at once. THE TERRITORIALS. There is every evidence that our yduig men will take to soldiering like the proverbial duck'to water, and the result will probably be attained because of the assiduity of the officers, who are remarkably keen. The Department has systematised visits to corps in a way that stimulates emulation, ,and produces the results intended. Captain J. H. Whyte, D.5.0., Brigade Major of the Wellington District, is at present here officially. ■ The career of Captain Whyte is likely to be a stimulation to any young Territorial. He Was eleven years ago a private in the Auckland College Cadels, and when the war broke out. in South Africa he was one of the first to ask for service with the First Contingent. He went to Karori (Wellington) with other recruits, and'was one of the youngest men there. He wore a khaki drill suit (the uniform of his corps), and it was from the pattern he supplied that the whole.of the uniforms for the First and subsequent contingents were made. Because he was drafted from an infajitry corps, and because of his youth, he feared that .he. might not be allowed"t"o join, b'ut n'e was a first-class horseman, and easily passed/ the severe riding tests imposed. He was ] on every "trek" with the First, and did: splendid service. Subsequently, on the return of the "First," he accepted further ■ service, became a regimental ser-geant-major in the field, and for distinguished conduct earned the distinguished service medal. He obtained a commission in the field', and at the conclusion of the war returned to Auckland and became Adjutant (volunteer) to the Auckland Mounted Rifles. When the exchange of officers idea was put into operation Captain Whyte was ehosen to proceed to the Old Country. He distinguished himself in his examinations, and obtained his present appointment in the staff corps. •■ ' , ■ ' ' •

Captain Cardale waS also of the"First," being a troop sergeant-major. Since that time, with a short spell of civil work, he has been soldiering in New Zealand. He was credited with being the smartest ."drill" in New Zealand, with the exception of Captain Rogers (now of New Plymouth), and who was curiously enough Regimental SergeantMajor in the corps wherein Captain Whyte was a private and Captain Cardale a Troop-'Sergeant-Major. GENERAL NEWS. Dr. R. M: BeaUie, superintendent of the Avondale Hospital, is visiting Stratford. Rev. B. Metson has left Stratford to attend the Primitive Methodist Conference at Christchurch.' ; | Mr. R. McK. Morrison's little daughter, whose condition gave grave anxiety to her parents,'has been declared out of danger. " , Little Kenneth''Wilson, who recently underwent an operation for appendicittt, is making atf excellent recovery. •