Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 147, 8 November 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

From Ouv Resident Reporter. CYCLE ROAD RACE Not even the slushy roads and heavy showers could damp the ardour ot the Stratford youths yesterday, although -their elders were forced to abandon their . open-air pastimes. The youths' cycle road race was promoted by Messrs. L. H. Wann and B. Hume, and duly eventuated, but the course was shortened, the turning point being at Tariki instead of Ingle wood. Five started. The race was won by 13. Richmond (ser.), in the fairly good time of 51 minutes for a good twelve miles hilly course. The second to finish was P. Uhknberg (20sec), who took a minute longer to cover the distance. The other starters were: J. Dodd (2flsec), B. Terry (losec), and R. James (35sec). The promoters offer prizes for a similar event in a fortnight's time, and youthful aspirants for cycling fame should enter with either of the two before-mentioned gentlemen by the 19th inst. WESLEY SUNDAY SCHOOL The Wesley Sunday School anniversary tea at the Foresters' Hall was well attended, although the weather was just about atrocious. This did not affect the children's appetites —unless it

•sharpened them—and the manner in which these tasty edibles disappeared was a credit to the providers and the devourers. But the supply easily exceeded even this demand. Mr. J. W. Boon, superintendent of the school, occupied the chair at the subsequent concert held in the church. Despite the wet night, there was a very fair attendance, and the concert was fully enjoyed. Special hymns were rendered by the children, with orchestral ■ accompaniment (Miss Hopkins at the organ), and Miss May Hopkins played a violin solo. The Rev. B. Metson gave an interesting address. The pastor, the Rev. A. Reader, distributed the Auckland Sunday School Union's certificates to successful scholars at the annua] examinations, -and the meeting closed with the Benediction by the Rev. Frost. The annual report on the Sunday School recorded another year of successful work, although the wet season and the epidemics of mumps and colds had had their effect on the attendance. The number of scholars on the roll was 110, and the average attendance 61; teachers on the roll 12, average attendance 11. The school had been unfortunate in losing Mr. Dillon, who had always been a very reliable teacher. Mention was made of the introduction of the sand-table as a means of interesting and instructing tiie younger children. Twelve scholars had sat for the Auckland S.S.TJ, examination, and all received certificates. These were: Charlie Clemow, Francis Clemow, Ruth Clemow, Francis McAllister, Don McAllister, Iluddy Clemow, Ida Boon, Dorothy Riera. Jean J Laurcnson, Ivy Masters, Myra Butcher and Campbell McAllister. On Decision Day practically the whole school decided to serve Jesus Christ. The Band of Hope had been amalgamated with the Primitive Methodist Band of Hope, and the united organisation had been working well in the winter and spring months. The balance-sheet showed that £ll had been added to the building fund, which now stood at £l3 5s lid. The sum of £C 0s 3d had been expended in the introduction of the new hymnal, and there was 17s lid in hand, a very successful financial position. THE CO-OPERATIVE STORE i The Stratford Co-operative Store Com--1" pany, the sole surviving co-operative store company of the many which once existed in the district, but which have ( mostly "gone under" through under- ! capitalisation, held its annual meeting of shareholders on Tuesday. The report stated that the year's business had been satisfactory, although the net profit was not as great as in the previous year, attributable to the high cost of many lines leaving a smaller percentage of profit. The turnover showed an increaie on last year's, and the directors were pleased to record a greater interest shown in the business by shareholders. After writing off £43 5s 9d for depreciation, and } £fio 10s id for bad debts, a net profit of I £305 15s 5d remained. The directors recommended a dividend of 5 per cent. on paid-up capital, and that the balance go to the reserve fund. The report was adopted. One shareholder criticised the management, but the meeting considered the results of the year's trading very satisfactory, the turnover having, exceeded £IO,OOO. Messrs. R. Orr and J. Paul, retiring directors, were reelected, and Mr. T. H. Penn was reelected auditor. Complimentary remarks were made on the improved position of the company's affairs under the control of the manager, Mr. Wm. McDonald, who had given unsparingly of his time for the benefit of the business. STRAY PARAGRAPHS Wet yesterday. The Bowling Club opening and the St. Andrew's Tennis Club opening were postponed for a week. The Egmont Clothing Company lias greatlv improved the appearance of its 1 premises by the installing of a fine plateglass window. Messrs. Bellringer Bros, did the work, and seemed to be "no time at all." BERNARD'S PICTURES The programme screened last night, and to be 'shown to-night and to-morrow 1 night, is one of undoubted merit. The star drama is "The Black Chancellor,'' the features of which were explained in yesterday's issue. It abounds in excitI ing situations, and is cleverly acted. AnI other popular drama is "The Frontier Girl's Courage," a lesson for town-bred girls in what' their less fortunately placed sisters have sometimes to do imd undergo. Some fine scenes of Persia and its people, and of Lucknow in India are undoubtedly well worth seeing, and , are distinctlv educative, whilst "Ramh- ' les in Yorkshire" reveals some, lovely English scenery. The best of the spleni did comics are "The Haunted Rocker" and "How he Papered the Room." Same programme to-night and to-morrow night.