STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

Tlie l!)tli Reinforcements are now on their final leave, and speak highly of the ramp life, also of the oilicers. The work of the'' Y.M.C.A., the Salvation Army and other institutions eomc in for a good deal of thanks for their considerate treatment and kindly actions to the men. Above all, the women of Masterton are on the Victoria Cross list, of the l!)tlis. A large number of soldiers now spend their week-ends in that town, and the people there throw open their doors, and there is always a kindly welcome to the boys from the women of Masterton, who entertain and feed the boys really well. And when the trains return, they say what a difference there is between the weekenders from Wellington and Masterton. Cod bless the women of 'Masterton! they say. And so say all of us! It is tne kindly actions like these cited that takes off some of the seamy side of the war.

The Hon. James Allen, Acting-Prime Minister, will probably visit Stratford next week to present the D.C.M. to our Cardiff man, C. Barker, from GallipcU. "Charlie" is now busy thinking what to say about it. 'He does not talk much, but is a great "doer"!

Tlie Trade Commissioner (Mr. Dalton) will make his bow to the Stratford

business men on Friday night. Tlie chairman of the Chamber of Commerce will attend to tlie premilinary details, .it is anticipated a large number will be present. The people are wondering why there are no delayed trains or excursion fares to New Plymouth on Labor Day, where the big effort for comforts for the soldiers takes place. It is said that the railway authorities are putting 1 all their efforts into making a success of a ruce meeting. What do Colonel Hiley and the sports think of if; Races hr-.t, the soldier boys who are fighting for 113 all —second! v

A small electrical storm developed at the picture theatre last night. During

the interval a merry individual trod on the toe of a fiery citizen, and there was a short circuit set up, and a daml individual was wondering what struck him. It was just an episode, hut the war is making people wonderfully short-

grained. The farmers are taking the fixed price of butter in a calm spirit, and the harassed mother and wife of the worker are pleased at knowing that they will not be a?ked to pay more than Is 7d uer II). They are wondering if cheese will be fixed on the Australian basis of 8u to the consumer. The last rains have done untold good

to the dairy and farming industries, and while other countries are in dire distress and want, experiencing all the horrors of war, we can truly say, like Tom Bracken, v.e live in ''God's own country." Mr. G. N. Curtis, chairman of the Stratford Belgian Belief Committee, is

issuing an appeal for further, subscriptions, and for second-hand garments.

In the matter of population Stratford and Hawera are fairly close together, just over 3000, but Stratford lias more than twice the area of her southern neighbor. Word has been received from Private C. S. Kelly, who is in hospital at BrocKenhurst, to the effect that his wounds are not serious, and that he is doing well. Stratford residents are reminded that Mr. T. Lamason's mart sale to-day includes a Hudson motor cycle, general produce, furniture, boots, etc., details of which will be found in his advertisement in this issue.