STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 228, 25 March 1912, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. FIRE BRH.'ADE BENEFIT. Stratford, Saturday. The theatre was not eo well patronised on Friday night as the occasion warranted, but, nevertheless, the Fire Brigade will be able to add a few pounds to their fund for the purchase of new fire appliances. The programme was principally a repetition of a remarkably fine series of iilina shown the previous night, with the addition of several attractive fire numbers, the Wellington Terrace conflagration (preceded by a peep at the Empire City's fire-fighters in their station home) being a true reproduction of that exciting scene. The up-to-date appliances were shown side by side with the out-of-date methods, and although j the well-trained galloping horses that once were wont to do duty in conveying men and appliances to a* fire were no doubt a sight worth 6eeing, the new order of things—motors—quite put the animals; in the shade so far as utility is concerned. ''The Chiefs Daughter" was a fine fire drama, and gave a splendid idea of the risks run by brigademen. Another fire picture, but one that it is to be hoped none of Stratford's brigademen will be called upon to view in reality, was that entitled ''The Devil oil mischief bent." It was remarkable for the introductory scenes as well as the extraordinary capers of his Satanic Majesty in the streets of Paris. The picture really wanted seeing to appreciate. The drama "And You'll Remember Me" was full of interest. The concluding scene, where memory is awakened by hearing the above song, was very affecting and realistically portrayed. Lieutenant Rowson, in the absence of Captain Grubb, briefly returned thank* to the audience for their attendance and Madame Bernard for her generosity in giving the benefit. On Monday night there will be an entire change of programme, when some j exceptionally fine numbers are promised. i I | A. AND P. SECRETARYSHIP. \ ' Out of twenty applicants, Mr. B. Fearon was on Saturday afternoon appointed secretary to the Stratford A. and P. Association. Mr. Fearon has been on Mr. Newton King's staff in thii town for some years, and is well-known throughout the district. ''Barney" is also a football enthusiast, and has donned' the jersey for Stratford in many i an exciting battle. j GENERAL. j Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Marlow returned to Stratford by the mail train on Friday evening. It was reported at the general commitee meeting of the A. and P. Association on Saturday that the showgrounds had been let to Mr. T. Colson at £3B per annum. Applications for the position of secretary of the A. and P. Association were received from Canterbury in the south I to Waikato in the north. The weather has certainly taken a pull so far as rain is concerned, but it I is still cold in the mornings and even-1 ings. In fact there have been several j severe frosts of late, which have left their mark on pumpkins and the like.