STRATFORD'S "SOLDIERS' DAY."

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1916, Page 4

STRATFORD'S "SOLDIERS' DAY."

With the very commendable object of raising money to be devoted to the assistance of our wounded soldiers, the citizens of Stratford have organised a great Provincial Demonstration aa the holiday attraction in that district for Easter Monday. Those who know the strenuous efforts which invariably characterise the public spirited residents of Stratford'when engaged in any important object take it as a matter of course that the various entertainments organised for Soldiers' Day will in every way be worthy of the patriotic spirit which is such a marked feature of Stratford. It was an excellent idea to Kaster Monday to the noble cause of helping our wounded soldiers, and as the town is so centrally situated in Taranaki, the promoters are rightly endeavoring to make the function more a provincial than a local effort. We ail recognise that the sacrifices made by our brave lads, who .lmvc willingly responded to the call of duty, cannot be overrated, and that no efforts should be wanting on the part of the people of the Dominion to ensure that after those who are fighting for the safety of New Zealand, as well as for the peace of the world at large, have discharged their duty, and in the process been more or less incapacitated, they shall find that a grateful people will see to it that the needs of the wounded men shall be fittingly provided, A holiday could not be utilised for a better object than raising funds for this purpose, and residents throughout the province may well take advantage of the opportunity to foregather at Stratford and take part in the Soldiers' Day demonstration, and thereby contribute to the assistance of the object in view. The care of the wounded men is a duty that devolves oil the whole country, so that every project which furthers the fulfilment of that duty should be heartily supported, the more so when pleasure and duty go hand in hand. We cannot too warmly commend Stratford's patriotic effort to the people of the province, and it may confidently be expected that. Soldiers' Day in our sister town will be a record success. The wish is certainly father to the thought.