STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 October 1915, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Sorrespondent.) Stratford, Yesterday. Stratford's send-off to the men leaving with the next draft of reinforcements for Trentham took place at the Egmont Club rooms last evening, when the building, which had been nicely decorated, was filled to overflowing with a fine representative gathering. The function was held under the auspices of the Stratford Home Defence Corps and the Egmont Club. The programme was a line one and delighted all present. The Rev. Dent and Mr. Hill Johnston (of Eltham), and Messrs Martin, Malone, Ranford, Wilson, and Foley gave items during the evening. The star attraction was the fine speech made iby Mr. J. T. Hornsby, M.P. This gentleman had, at great personal inconvenience, come iby the mail trairi from Wellington, at the request of the promoters, in order to give the "hoys" and the public an idea of our duty to our Empire in a time like this. Mr. Hornsby is certainly one of the finest speakers that has visited Stratford, and those who were present will not forget his speech for many a day. At the conclusion of the speech the large audience rose and cheered the speaker. His Worship moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Hornsby. Mr. W. P. Kirkwflod, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, seconded it, and again the meeting showed its appreciation by the hearty way the motion was carried. Captain McMillan, of the Home Defence Corps, ably presided over the gathering, which broke up at midnight, after the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Midhirst also held its farewelh last night to the "boys," and to a crowded house a fine programme of items was provided. Mr. Hornsby kindly motored from Stratford and gave a fine address, which was greatly appreciated, and also presented each of the 'boys leaving with a wristlet watch.

Prior to the "send-off" at the Club, Mr. Hornsby gave a patriotic address in front of the post office to a large audience.

The "Dardanelles" Market will be again open on Saturday, this time in the shop formerly occupied by Mr. M. H. Brooking (next Egmont Clothing Co.). The market will be under the supervision of Mesdames J. W. Boon, A. W. Budge, and Charlton Robson, and is sure to do good business. Complaints are made by travellers at the smoking accommodation provided on the morning trains to New Plymouth, especially on Saturdays, The small carriages provided for smokers are like pigeon-iboxes, and are quite obsolete. Of course the Department provide an3 r sort of carriage in Taranaki for passengers, Ibecause Taranaki people will put up with anything rather than grumble. But one finds carriages of the latest style on the trains running into Wanganui. Perhaps some Chamber of Commerce or M.P. will move in the matter.