SOLDIERS' DAY AT STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1916, Page 5

SOLDIERS' DAY AT STRATFORD.

A HUGE SUCCES By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent., Stratford, Last Night Soldiers' Day at Stratford was a great success. The morning broke gloomy, but at 10 a.m. the sun came out and the remainder of the day was fine and warm, The attendance was easily a record, over GOOO being present. The whole province was well represented, trains from north and south carrying a large number of passengers. Motors and bther vehicles 'were also present in as large numbers as on show days. At 10.3 C p.m. a monster procession started from the Defence Office. Headed by the Mounted Rifles, and Pipe Band, it included veterans, cadets, territorials, decorated cars, lorries, etc., grotesque heads, and hobbyhorses, and made a fine sight. On arrival at the grounds, all were out for enjoyment and succeeded right well. All the side shows did big business. The principal Attraction was the Anzac Theatre. The people's stand had been transformed into a theatre. A troop of visiting Maoris from Hasting, including Maori maiden poi dancers, took the great crowd by storm. They gave two performances in the Theatre, and with the railway troupe from New Plymouth and the local "Anzac Minstrels," were the means of raising £lO4, The attractions on the oval comprised a military display and march past. The hoys from the Salvation Army Home at Eltham, gave easily the best performance on the ground. The May pole dance, physical drill and other evolutions by the school children were all carried out with precision, and reflected great credit on their teachers. The Pipe Band and the Highland dancing were other attractive items. The Hon. Jas. Allen delivered a patriotic address, which was well received.

Mention must be made of the efforts of those ladies who assisted in the tea rooms and the various stalls on the ground. All had a very busy day and a good sum should result from their hard work.

Altogether the affair was a gigantic success and the promoters of the function deserve every credit for the result achieved.

Tt was impossible to get an 'estimate of the takings to-night, but the secretary (Mr. R. Masters), says that the result has exceeded their most sanguine expectation. At the picture show in the evening, held in conjunction with the Fete, there was a crowded audience, many being turned away. The Hon. Jas. Allen took advantage of the occasion to deliver a patriotic speech.