STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

GENERAL (From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Nov. 2. Constable Andrew Jlc.lntosb, formerly stationed here, and now at Fairlie, is at present on a visit to friends litre. To-day was gloriously fine at all towns down the line. We had variety here, however, as a tropical downpour occurred between 2 and 3.30, making everything damp underfoot. Still, it was refreshin", and cleared the atmosphere somewhat of the muggy, drowsy feeling engendered by the extreme beat after the coolness of the past few weeks. In conversation with Mr. F. YV. Sandford, woodwork instructor, the writer was informed that the progress and interest shown in this class ot technical instruction was very satisfactory, the schools in and around Stratford being particularly forward. An Eltham business man assures me that the decrease in population in Waverlev as shown by the census returns will not prove an isolated instance in Taranaki. This is hardly to be wondered at as the number of yomig men who have gone to the front greatly exceed the arrivals. The note appearing in these columns about the need for a nigbtwatchman elicited comment from a prominent business man. He stated there had been nine more fires and other troubles than when they boasted a man than now. The cost of wages was only a mere item, but getting the man necessary for the job was the real question. Mr. T. Lamason advertises full particulars of his usual Saturday sale. Those on the look-out for suitable household furniture should make a note of attending. The parade, of Territorials last evening was well attended, there being 45 present. Sergt.-Major Jlaboney was in , command. The men were inspected by Captain Furby, Assistant AdjutantGeneral. At the close of the parade, and before dismissal, the inspecting officer reminded the company that the Defence Minister (Hon. J. Allen) would be visiting Stratford shortly to present the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Corpora' Barker, who happened to be one of his men of the 11th Regiment. He requested a good music: on the occasion of the Minister's visit. Mr. A. C. King, son of Mr. N, .T. King, now occupies the position of Q.M.S. of the 22nd Reinforcements. Before enlisting Mr. King was in the office of „ Messrs. Wright and Lawrence, solicitors . of this town. Messrs. R. Masters (chairman), C. A. Wilkinson, and E. Dixon, members of the Taranaki Education Board, were engaged yesterday inspecting the schools in and around this district.