STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 221, 18 March 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FUCM O'JR RESIDENT REPORTER.

Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs) Telephone No; 113.

HIS MAJESTY S THEATRE

Tile new programme of pictures to be screened to-night at the above theatre contains an exceptionally interesting series of the latest and best of the Gaumont and l'athe productions, the chief attraction being "The Fall of Constantinople," a grand spectacular drama in colors. The Btory of the present Ottoman Turks is fully told in this I film. From Ertoghrul to the present Sultan of Turkey 36 princes in the male line hava ruled the Ottoman Empire without a break in the succession. In 1258 Ottoman was born, and lie died at the age of 70. He had dreamt of Empire, and hoped to view Constantinople at his feet. Although the latter was denied, the first was accomplished. In the spring of 1453 Jlahommed set out from Andrianople with 300,000 followers. To pierce the walls the Turks brought with them the laigest cannon yet constructed. The Emperor Constantine fought as a common soldier, but all in vain, The Turks sacked the city and ever since they have remained in possession. From an historical and picturesque point of view, "The Fall of Constantinople," must bo considered as- a very valuable addition I to the great photo dramas of the day. ] Another delightful film is that of "The i Master Painter." one of the stars'of the j Vitagraph series. The supp'gwjnfc films | have been selected from the Bftest and i most popular productions pr«!urable. j and should greatly please patrons of all i kinds. The music by the professional orchestra greatly adds to the enjoy- ! ment of the audience. I

TOWN HALL PICTURES The programme which proved such a great success on Monday night will be screened again to-night and on Thursday evening. The powerful acting, thrilling episodes and excellent sotting of the star drama "The Toll of Fear," make this film one of the most attractive that has been shown for some time. "Missing Bonds" is also replete with interest, and engages the attention of the spectators throughout. Of a different type, but to some people a more exciting drama, is "Her Mother's Wedding Dress," one of the,most pleasing samples of the Vitagraph productions. Those who like realistic scenes should certainly not miss "From Havre to New York," and the other films are all highly recommended. The music, as usual, is of the best and latest type,.

LAWN TENNIS NEW PLYMOUTH v. STRATFOEI). The following will represent the New Plymouth Tennis Club in a match with 'Stratford at Stratford to-morrow:--Mibscs D. Simpson, L. Greatbach and G. Shaw, Mrs. Fenton, Messrs. E. Griffiths, C. H. Weston, E. B. Davies, C. B. Webster, and Drs. Home and Fookes. GENERAL NEWS Speaking at the Rpecial free exhibition of pictures given by Madame Bernard on Monday night to celebrate her entering upon the fourth year of continuous picture shows at His Majesty's Theatre, Mr. Diamond, the popular manager, expressed great gratification at tlie support accorded to Madame. Bernard's venture, and also at the large attendance on that occasion. He pointed out that all the money taken by the proprietors was spent in the town, the staff being an entirely local one. The success achieved in the past would further stimulate the management to uphold the good name the pictures had acquired. • Hearty cheers were given for Madame Bernard, whose popularity is well merited. Those who have to make use of liouis frequently find there is no key to the bedroom door, and even wiien this need is supplied travellers omit the precaution of locking the door when going to the tathroom. A case of victimisation

I occurred here last Thursday, when, owi»g to the bedroom door having no key, the visitor, on returning from his'morning tub, found his watch and chain had been appropriated by some as yet unknown "gentleman." In reporting the matter to the Daily News representative the victim writes:—"l say, ibetter keep your door locked, if the proprietor can afford a key." Another, and probably a safer course, is to carry the money and valuables to the bathroom and so remove the source of temptation.

The usual business activity that char, acterises Stratford was conspicuous by its absence yesterday. This was not wholly due to the weather conditions, but chiefly to a wholesale exodus to the Opunake races. From early'morn vehicles conveying patrons of the turf started on tneir long drive, being followed later by all the available motor cars. The only local events fixed for St. Patrick's Day was a picnic for the Catholic school children, which the weather frustrated, and a social at the Town Hall in ! the evening. j People would be well advißcd to be on their guard against taking silvered pennies for half-crowns, especially when the light is dim. Last Saturday one of these faked -coins was passed witnoiit being detected, but -even ■ the - most, cursory inspection would have exposed the fraud. The light weight, the thinness, the absence of a milled edge, and above all tHe total difference of the back of the two coins, should at once be detected,' but, as a rule, most people do not sufficiently examine the coins tendered to r them, so that gilded farthings and silvered pennies are fairly easily circulated. The specimen shown to the writer was such a poor piece of clumsy work in silvering that the won-. %er is how, even 'in a dim light, it escaped detection.

There are doubtless many of the present residents of the district who remember Mr. Stewart Serjeant, who, for many years, was in business at 'Midhirsl as a storekeeper. They will much regret to hear .that Mr. Serjeant was incidentally killed at Te Puke on Saturday last. The technical school is maintaining its 'progressive policy in catering'for the needs of. the day, as to vhich the superintendent, Mr. F. Tyrer, keeps a vigilant look-out. Classes in machine drawing and mechanical engineering, shorthand, precis writing and bookkeeping will commence next Monday, when the mechanical work will be taken from 7 to 9, the commercial subjects being taken on Wednesdays during the same hours. Dresumaking classes will be held on Wednenday afternoons between 3 and 5. Intending students are referred to Mr. Tyrer for further information.

Settlers on the Stanley road, and others using that highway, will be pleased to know that the Government has promised a subsidy of £2OO towards the new bridge over the Ahuroa stream. The grant should be appreciated by the already heavily-burdened settlers who are justly entitled to it. The representatives of the Taranaki Press are not to be the only members of the Fourth Estate to traverse the Olmra. It has attracted the editor of the Auckland Herald (Mr. Lane), who expressed his intention yesterday of journeying by that route' to the Main Trunk line.

On Monday night Messrs H. Boyle and W. Walsh speared an eel in the Patea river, and it proved to be of considerable dimensions, measuring five-and-a-half feet in length, and weighing over 25 pounds!, This is not an angler's yarn, for the eel was on view yesterday in Stratford.

Cricket is taking On in the wavbacks, but the largest scorer in the recent match between Whangamomona and Kolmrntahi was "Mr, Extras," who secured 01 for the former and 30 for the latter team. The total scores of both teams,, excluding the contributions by "Extras," amounted to 236. The winning team should certainly have a good word to say for the most successful contributor.

Complaints come from Whanguniomona as to the delay in finishing the metalling of the main road. If the work is not speeded up it will he stopped by had weather.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have heen expecting one for a long time-don't be satisfied with one taken years ago. just as you are to-day. in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment today with Mr. McAlister, Stratford. Eight sticks of dark Havelock tobacco for Cs; eight sticks of Derby, 69; eight 2oz tins Hnvelock, 7s (id; eight 2oz tins Derby. 7s fi<], These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringcr's, Stratford, There is no questioning the fact that "The Kash" is the best place in Stratford for men to supply theii clothing and mercery wanta. Quality and prije tell their own unequalled story in favor of the store.