STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 199, 20 February 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

from our resident reporter. Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs) Telephone No. 113,

"QUO VADIS?" AT IIIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE, To-night- Stratford people will have an opportunity of seeing one of the greatest of picture films, "Quo Vadis,'' at His Majesty's Theatre. A conspicuous figure throughout the picture is that of the Imperial Caesar, Nero—vol- ■ uptuary and tyrant. The inad monarch's stupid conceit of his poor powers as a poet and singer were pandered to by sycophants and flatterers, until, in tke end, the monster and imbecile, at the suggestion of Tigellinus, caused Home to be fired that lie might seek in the awful spectacle of the Eternal City's destruction an inspiration for bis latest Iliad. "Quo Vadis'' is a picture-play masterpiece. The story of the Roman Empire is told by the master hand of Henryk Sicnkiewiez, in his notable book, and scarcely an incident in all that great work, the omission of which would blur the understanding and mar the heautv of the author's conception | and treatment, has been allowed to l drop. It is a picture remarkable for its beauty, its extent, its completeness, and its magnificence. The film, which is the work of the Cinea Company, is 8000 feet long. To the story told in "Quo Vadis," which is well known, the pictures bring added delight. The determination to make this production a triumph of cinematographic representation is evident in every detail, and is shown alika in the magnificence of Nero's sumptuous feasting halls, the splendour of the great ampitheatre, the gathering of the barjiest Christians in the Catacombs, and the lowly dwellings of the humbler figures in the great moral conflict. A striking picture shows a banquet given by Nero, which concludes with a scene 1 of mad revelry; and an impressive section of the great film is that which reveals the Christians in the Catacombs, worshipping in secret and listenting to the Apostle Peter. Again, the Apostle and Nazariu6 are shown walking along the Appian Way toward the Campania. Gradually, thore grows into vi'ew a figure of Christ unseen by Nazarius, but Toko, competitors to travel at stated and ask, "Quo Vadis, Domine?" ®n the screen is thrown ttie reply which, as the author wrote: "To Peter's ears came a sad and sweet voice, which said, ..'lf thou desert my people, I am g#ing to Rome to be crucified a second time.'" The Apostle is seen to rise and turn towards the seven hills of the city; and to his companion, who asks "Quo Vadis, Domine?" he answers: "To Rome," and returns. The spectacle of Rome burning is one of awful grandeur, and while the great and beautiful city is flameswept to destruction, Nero comes forth to sing. This is one of the most thrilling sections of the film. The densely-packed Colliseum with the thousands of spectators, is also a magnificent picture. Here are seen gladiatorial contests, chariot races; and the might of Ursus as he overcomes a wild bull upon the back of which the maiden Lydia has been tied. Into this arena alss arc driven the doomed Christians, and to them are loosed twenty lions. The tragic death of Petronius and Eunice, his faithful slave, at a farewell banquet, given in accordance with the prevailing custom, is followed shortly by the end of Nero, hastened by the hand of a slave. This grand spectacular and historic picture is also the feature of Saturday night's pictures.

FIRE BRIGADE CARNIVAL A "washing-up" meeting' of tlie general committee of the Fire Brigade Carnival was held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday evening, the Mayor presiding. The several committees presented their reports, and judging from the interest shown, everything tends to make the carnival a grand success, no effort being spared in this direction. Present indications are that there will be a big entry in the hunters' jumping competition. The doll for the naming competition is about three feet high. A list of namcß is provided, one name being chosen by the committee, the winner of the competition being the person who guesses the name chosen. Entries will be received at Moon's. Still n few workers are required to look after various things. The arm with the magic thumb is still operating, though he is being searched ¥or by many, STRATFORD MOTORING CLUB SI'KKD JUDGING CONTEST, The Stratford Motoring Club held a contest yesterday over 1 a distance of 20 miles. The course was from Stratford to Douglas and back to Toko. Competitors to travel at slated speeds, and the one who arrived nearest to the time allowed was adjudged the winner. Neither speedometers nor watches were to be carried. .Messrs. R. Masters and B. Fearon had charge of the arrangements. There were 17 entrants, and the winner turned up in A. Sangster on a ''King Dick," who was set to travel at 25 miles per hour, and who finished within three minutes of the allotted lime. Mr. K. Okey. on j a U.S.A. (20 miles) was second; 1). Finlay ("Triumph" (15 miles), third; and I-I. Masters, B.S.A. (13 miles), fourth. During ihe race a competitor named Ollivcr met with a mishap as the result of which he was considerably cut about and had to be taken back to Stratford in a motor car. SWIMMING SPORTS The following are the remaining results of the sports meeting held on Tuesday: Boys' Kate, 30yds— First heat: R. Kiveil. Hisee., 1: L. Robinsin, 4sec., 2. Also: started Cramer 7sec., It. Evans 8 sec. and Miscall !lscc. Time, 17 4-5-ce. Second heat: .V. Kiveil, sir., 1; W. | Kiveil. scr., i. Also started: K. Dobson j Usee, and (i. Bailey Usee. Time, 4Gsec, ! Third heat: E. Campbell, ,'lsee., 1; W, Morrissey (llawera). scr., 2. Also started: Fennell (llawera), owe 2scc. Pcleisen (llawera) scr. and X. Johnson Usee. Time -13 :!-3sec. Semi-dual--First heat: Morrissey 1, X. Kiveil 2. Also started: W. Kiveil and Robinson. Time, 42»ee. Second heat: R. Kiveil 1, S. Rogers 2. Also started: I!. Campbell. Time, 44 sec. Final: K. Kiveil, ltisee., 1; fcS. Rogers, ser., i. All <|uu.lified started. Won by 3 yards. Time, 50sec. . lftllyds Open—Claringbold (llawera), ser., i; A. Spratt. L2sec., 2; Billiard (fuglewood), Bsec.. 3. Also started: Dar-

low (Inglewood) Msec., Jones 1-ieuic. and E. 11. Kivcll 3sec, Six proved rather too many in one heat, and a collision occurred at the turn. The limit man had nearly completed a length before the scratch man took the water, but Claringbold, swimming strongly, over- ■ hauled the field and won a well-judged race by a yard. Time, lmiu 19 3-ssec. Ladies' Race, 50yds—Miss M. Hignett, ser., 1; Miss M. Leech 2sec,, 2; Miss G. Sangster, 2sec., 3. Also started: Misses 0. Paget 2sec. and L. Copping 4sec. The scratch lady, swimming strongly, won a nice race by two yards. Time, 52 2-5 see. 225 yds Open—J. Grant (Ilnwera) scr., 1; Mahoney, 20sec„ 2; E. 1). Kivcll, 10 sec., 3. Also started: C. 11. Kivcll 10 sec. This was a. fine race. • Mahoney had swam more than a length when Grant dived off. Kivcll brothers soon overhauled Mahoney, who was taking matters easily. Meanwhile the Ilawera champion, Grant, was making up a lot of water, anil a length from home was close up with the field, Spurting gamely, ho beat Mahoney, who was going strongly, by little more than a touch. Time, 3min 25 3-Bsec. Boys' Race (12 years and under), 25 yards—R. Kivel, 6cr., 1; Williams, lsec., 2; Miscall, lsec., 3. Also started: Cannon 2scc., W. Grubb 2sco., R. Grubb ,'lsee. and Freer osec. Won with a little to spare. Time, 2(lsec.Neat Header—Keen (Han-era) 1, S. Rogers 2. Awkward Entry oil' Chute—Olliver i. Relay Race, 100yds—Hawera (Dodds, Mahoney, Claringbold and Grant), 1; Inglewood (Darlow, Grant, Sutherland and liullard), 2. Also competed: Stratford (Curtis, B. V. Kivcll, C. M. Kivell and Jones) and Eltham (Howell, Lewis, Spratt and Cloutt). Time, 58 2-ssec. Water Polo After an interesting game Hawera, who showed too much science, defeated Stratford by two goals to nil. The game was closely watah«d and proved exciting, Stratford being within an ace of scoring on two or three occasions. Goals for tke winners were shot by bullock and Grant. Tfie winning team comprised: Malioney, Grant, Claringbold, Bullock, Kyne, Bennett and McNiven. Eight sticks of dark Havelock tobacco for 6s; eight sticks of Derby, 8s; eight 2oz tins Havclock, 7s 6d; eight 2oz tins Derby, 7s fid. These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringer's, Stratford. A gift to please those yc i would favor with a mark of your personal esvteem —your portrait. Nothing could be "more appropriate. Make an appointment with Mr McAllister to-day. Broadway, Stratford. There is no questioning the fact that "The Kash" is the best place in Stratford for men to supply their clothing and mercery wants. Quality and price tell their own unequalled story in iavot of the store.