STRATFORD

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD

irom Our Own Correspondent.)

Stratford, Saturday. O i 0 K»a.d settlers rolled up in force at the Egmont Club this .ifternoou to 'id huewell to Private C. James, who id on final leave. Mr K Marfell, who presided, expressed pleasure at such a large attendance of ladies and settlers to do honour to their guest. It was intended to farewell Private dames at Toko Road, but this was found impossible, and the Egmont Club had gla<lly rome to their assistance, and bad offered them the of the line rooms to hold the function. Private James had lived amongst them for the past two years, and all whom lie had come iiii contact with spoke highly of liini, and he hoped lie would return amongst them in health and strength. Mr J. Lucena paid a tribute to the good .qualities of Private .Tames. Private James ha.d waited until he was of age, and then immediately enlisted. More than that, at first he was rejected, and submitted to a small operation in order to become fit. He set an example to any street dodger. Toko Boad.had sent many fine fellows nwav, and some had fallen, but those who knew them could rest assured they had done their bit. This was the third sone of Mr S. H. .Tames who had enlisted. One had already given his life for the cause of freedom.

Mrs C. Bayly then presented Private James with a safety razon and money belt , . .

Private James briefly returned thanks, and hoped lie would prqve himself worthy of all the good things that had been said about him. ill' S. ! ir. James thanked them for their kind expressions: also kindness shown his son during the two years ho had been amongst them. Cheers were then given for Private James and Mr and Mrs James and family.

During the proceedings songs were given by several members of the ;Egmont Club, while Mr J. H. Thompson kindly acted as accompanist.

The 'Ladies' Patriotic Hart and Tea Rooms had a busy day to-day. A sheep-giiesing competition was held, and should add to the day's takings.

The death is announced at Gisborne of Mr Archie Brodie, who was for many years buyer in the Whangamomona distri 'i for Messrs. Borthwick's, and was well liked and respected by all. For many years lie was "mine host" of the Toko Hotel. Mr Brodie was a single man, and a'bout 50 years of age. At the Domain Board yesterday a deputation from the Borough Council again waited on the Board, asking it for a piece of the Domain in Page street for a crusher site. As there was not a full meeting of the Board the matter was adjourned till Friday next, when a' special meeting will be held to consider the matter.

Mr R. Dalton, his Majesty's Commissioner, mot a representative gathering of business men in the Council Chambers last evening, and addressed them on trade matters.

Card ill' schoolroom was crowded last evening, when a farewell social was given to Sergeant Rogers and Corporal L. C. Marcha.nt, now home on final leave. Each with a memento.

Stratford's Wounded Soldiers' I'und has reached £71)33 Ws lOd.

Lieutenant Ken Watson, reported died of wounds, was formerly in the local Public Works Department, and was assistant engineer on the railway cut east.

Midhirst had a "full house" on Thursday evening, the occasion being a iarowel 1 social to Privates Hughes, Hartigan, Hamblyn, Bryant, and Treves, Each of the departing soldiers was presented with a suitable gift. Quite a novel sight was to be seen in Broadway this afternoon. The County Council's Straker waggon was pulling two buses through the streets. At first it was thought the Council intended going in. for a. bus service to some of Stratford's suburbs, but, on inquiry, it was learned that the buses liad been purchased with the idea of converting them into workmen's huts. Fitzroy and Breakwater people will be pleased to know that the old buses which did them service foi' many years before the advent of the trams are still being put to a useful purpose.