STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1915, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) ) Stratford, Last Night. Inspectors Gray and Middleton, of. the Health Department, are at present making a general inspection of the Borough. The proposed bazaar, to take pliaec in November, that was suggested by the Ladies' Patriotic Committee, in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, has been indefinitely postponed. To-day tho Christmas gifts for the boys at the front are being packed up for shipment. Several largo eases have been filled, and the boys aill no doubt appreciate the goodwill of tho donors when enjoying these gifts in the trenches. The local Patriotic Cbmmittcc has written the Minister for Defence urging that a certificate be given to those men who liave offered their services and have not been accepted through physical unfitness. This is as it should be. Many young fellows have been accused of shirking, and although thoy'have stoutly denied the accusation they have nothing to show that they have offered their services, and a certificate would enable them to prove their bona fides. Besides, it is not now that the certificate is needed so much, but in the years to come, when there is sure to be a line of demarcation between the man wlio did his duty to his country and the man who "stayed at home." The little piece of paper will then be much appreciated. The Cardiff residents gave a send-off last night to Privates Harvey and Blackstock, who are leaving with the next reinforcements. Occasion was taken to give a welcome home to Private Darragh, who has been invalided home from the firing line. Eight of the members of the local Oddfellows and Foresters' Lodges arc leaving for the front. The members of both lodges arc giving them a send-off on Monday night.