Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 7 June 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

STRATFORD BRASS BAND I The Stratford Municipal Brass Band is an organisation which has had a lengthy experience of creseendos and diminuendos, '"ups and downs," we usually call them. Conductors ihave come, and conductors have gone, and the fortunes of the band have ebbed and flowed. To-day the band has made up a good deal of the lost ground, due to the good work of the conductor, Mr. Henderson, and a most energetic secretary, Mr. T. Marshall. The people have not heard the band since the day of the Toko sports, but another opportunity is to be given on Sunday afternoon, when a eoncert will bo given at King Edward Park. The conductor has done wonders with the raw material which was but recently enrolled in the band, and the concert should be a musical treat. In the circumstances the programme will not be such as Mr. Henderson and some of the more experienced players would love to interpret.

THE JERSEY MEN. The Jersey men are evidently making a big bid for an increased use of the famous Island cattle. The Jersey Association has taken a bay at the Manawatu Winter Show and the Stratford Jersey men are going to be well represented. Mr. J. McAllister, who must be regarded as something of a specialist in animal photography, is now finishing a series of photographs of Jersey herds and individual members of the breed owned by Jersey breeders in this district. "Molina's General," owned and imported by Messrs. Healy, Bayly, and Hancock, is pictured, and other pedigree animals owned by Messrs. R. T. B. Mellow, V. Harkness, and others. It is rather regrettable that the exhibit was not secured for the New Plymouth show as well.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Primitive Methodist Church was 'held yesterday, when delegates from all parts of the circuit were present. The business was enthusiastically dealt with, the reports from the various places revealing that good work had been accomplished during the past term. The services had been well sustained and the congregations earnest and receptive. The balancefcheet showed that there had been extraordinary expenditure, but the finances were sound. Arrangements were made to .hold a week's evangelistic mission during the present month at the Stratford church. The home mission position was discussed, and arrangements were made for a missionary gathering. The collectors in this department had done well, and the amount when finally made up will eciipse all previous home mission efforts. At the meeting reference was made to the very cordial relationships existing with the sister Methodist Church, which was pleasing in view of the approaching union. Officials were appointed for the forthcoming quarter, all being re-appointed. In the evening the quarterly tea was held, followed by a congregation gathering, at which addresses and musical items were given. At the afternoon meeting it. was decided to send letters of sympathy to several members of the church, including Mr. C. Burkett, choirmaster, who were laid aside by illness.

COMMERCIAL T. LAMASON'S REPORT. Last Saturday I held my usual weekly sale at the mart. Owing to the very wet day only a medium entry -was catalogued. I quote as follows:—Hens, Is 3d to 2s; roosters, 2s Id to 2s 6d; cockerels, Is 3d to Is 9d; cauliflowers, 5s per dozen; cabbage, 2s to 2s Od sack; carrots, 3s 6d per sack. Furniture and sundries at usual auction rates.

BERNARD'S PICTURES. "Arrah-na-Pogue" undoubtedly deserves all the good things that have been said about it. The story concerns the troublous days of Ireland, when any patriot clamoring for justice for Ireland was liable to be arrested and imprisoned, even condemned to death. Such a one was Beamish McOoul, but he escaped by a trick of a sweet Irish girl, Arrah Melli&h, afterwards known as "Arrah-na-Pogue," or "Arrah of the ldss," because her plans for McCoul's escape from gaol were conveyed to him from her lips during a farewell kiss. Two escapes from prison and several other exciting scenes are pictured. "One Touch of Nature" is a story of the re-union of hearts and families as a triumph of "His Majesty the Baby," and is ini tensely interesting and divinely human. I All the other items are capable of standing by themselves. This programme is I to be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, and at Saturday's matinee.

GENERAL NEWS. Yesterday was observed as a halfholiday hv the stock auctioneering firms. The retailers remained open. There did not seem to be a great amount of business doing, and the principal topic of conversation seemed to be the wisdom or otherwise of closing for the usual half-holiday on a Thursday following a general holiday. On Saturday night last Mr. Arch. Rawles, who was leaving the "Economic" drapery establishment, was presented by , Mr. Lewers and the -me- bers of the \ staff with a handsome shav:ig mirror, as some slight token of their approointion ' of his good qualities and his geniality lat all times. Mr. Rawles is joining Mr. I John Watson, well and popularly known | in connection with Mr. Herbert's "Up- [ to-Date," in a business venture, and the. new firm of drapers and clothiers will open in premises next Messrs. McCluggage and Co.'s on the 20th of this month. Mr. Stewart, of Mr. A. Spence's staff, succeeds Mr. Rawles. The Defence Department lias moved into new offices in Broadway south, opposite the Courthouse. Captain Lampen leaves this morning for Wellington 011 leave. Tie has just completed heavy work in charge of three camps (he relieved Captain Cardale at the mounted camp), and no one will grudge him the pleasure trip he is now undertaking. Our energetic stationmaster, Mr. J. B. Campbell, is away to South Canterbury on a well-earned holiday. Mr. J. A. Rodio is relieving. Miss Tooman, who succeeds Miss Butler 011 the High School teaching staff, has taken up her duties. The Taranaki Hardware Company | (Mr. Rimniington, manager) has something in this issue concerning comparisons, and the statements made are well worth studying out by housekeepers and purchasers of ironmongery generally. The Druids' social committee were again unfortunate on Wednesday night, I the bad weather militating against the I attendance at, their social. But the good time provided is being talked of, 1 and there should be a good crowd next j time. Mr. Rogers' Bijou Orchestra proI vided excellent music, and the ladies | a succulent supper, whilst Mr. J. W. Jones was M.C.