STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1915, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, yesterday. FIRE BRIGADE. The Stratford Fire Brigade held a comination sports gathering this afternoon, in Victoria Park, to raise funds for the annual Taranaki Fire Brigades Demonstration, which takes place this year at Stratford. A procession started from the fire station. First came the Stratford Municipal Band, then H.M.S. New Zealand, fully equipped with men and guns. Next came "Big Lizzie" with her 15-inch guns, and then followed the "National Cabinet." They all wore a worried look, presumably on account of the benzine and kerosene tax being objected to. It was a very creditable display, and the secretary, Mr. Geo. Bradley, evidently had the affair well organised, and the mem'bei'3 had evidently carried out their work well.

The "ladies" who took part in the procession wore some wonderful, but horrible dresses. 'Divided skirts and striped blouses seemed to be the favorite attire.

I cannot say the public of Stratford rose to the occasion, and gave the Brigade the patronage they deserved. There was not a very large concourse present to view the procession, but probably they intend turning out and making up for their absence this evening, by attending the "hard up" social which the (Brigade are holding at the Town Hall. The imitation warship in the procession was really excellent, and reflected great credit on the 'builders. A travelling throife, labelled "The Kaiser," attracted a great deal of attention.

[The torchlight procession was on a much larger scale at night. The Kaponga Band, and visiting firemen from the Kaponga and Elthara Brigade, lending valuable assistance. Th« coloured lighting effects on the "H.M.S. New Zealand," and "Big Lizzie" were most attractive. 1 The Darktown Fire Brigade and the roving clown helped to amuse the small fry.

A motor car accident occurred near Tariki this afternoon. It appears that Mr. Percy Healy was driving a car towards Stratford, and in passing a motor cycle the tyre-.of one of the wheels must have burst with the result that the car skidded and collided with the motor cycle, throwing Mr. Healy out of the car, and inflicting severe cuts on the face.

The practice on the Bowling Green was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. Pour rinks were played and comment was expressed on t'he fine green, which was exceptionally good. Good news for the Stratford housewife! The local bakers are reducing the price of the 41b. loaf to 9d from Monday next.

The Lowgarth 'Dairy Company, Stratford, yesterday, deeided to send their season's output o-f cheese, on open consignment through Messrs, Hennyhane and Company, of London.

Most of the dairy companies report an increased daily supply of milk since the start of the coming season. The Lowgarth Company have already an increase of -220 gallons per day. Messrs. Malone and King have been appointed solicitors to the Lowgarth Dairy Company.