STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

A. ANI) P. SHOW. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Nov. 28, There were many anxious eyes cast ni Hie barometer and old Egmont to-day, and they had cause to be anxious. Yesterday the weathei was vile, to say the least, but to-day glorious sunshine is with us. Yesterday the gutters were running flush with rain water; to-day a dust storm is with us, indicating the value of a few hours' sunshine. Many 'show folk'' arc already here, whilst exhibitors with stock are to be seen making their way to the grounds. Indications point to president E. Jackson and secretary A. D. Stanley having a successful meeting for 1910. The catalogue has received liberal support, thanks principally to the vigorous policy of "barrack" from the enthusiastic executive. Cattle will prove a strong feature, and the quality shown should be edueathv to those interested in farming pursuits. The horse events have also dosed with large entries. The competition should see some fine contests, the open hunters' event having secured 1C horses, whilst other similar competitions have filled well. The ladies have also nomi Hated freely in the home industries, so that those not keenly interested in a Clydesdale or Jersey will find something more to their liking—the latest cookery ideals, crochet work, painting, etc. The juveniles will have a big day in the judging ring. The grounds are already well dried by the breezes, and the water lias entirely disappeared. On Thursday (People's Day) the Kaponga Band will be on the grounds. As mentioned previously the show will be strongly represented in variety shows who have already pitched their tents.

"BEAUTY AND THE BEAST." The entertainment staged by the (■Strafford Amateurs at, the Town Hall this evening was distinctly good and much appreciated by those'present. The pantomime "Beauty and the Beast" allows full scope for character singing, marching, grouping, etc.. whilst some very effective dancing was performed, The choruses went very well and the principals wore in good voice. Miss Payne had a heavy evening's work in the part of "The Beast." Her solos were all excellent, receiving unstinted ap plause. Perhapn her best numbers were I "Sands of the Desert," "Chinatown." and 'The Regimental Pet." She made an exceptionally good "boy," and altogether save a most attractive performance. As "Fairy Gold Wings" Mrs. Mcßeth put plenty of jspiiit into her actins, and her duet with Mr. Drury, "I live up Town." was a - welcome number, whilst the stepping of the pair was loudly anplauded. It was a popular item. As "Beauty" Miss Belle Kirkwood had a congenial part, speaking her lines clearly and making the part one of the features of the evening. An item that -was particularly good was rendered bv little Nellie Robson, "Teddy Bears." during which several juveniles as teddy bears promenaded the stage. It was warmly received and repeated. The "Two Sisters" were well placed in the hands of Misses Muriel Sanderson and A. Crossan. The male principals, Messrs Drury. J. Crossan, P. Kirkwood and P. Sutton, helped to make the pantomime swing smartly. The music, seven instruments, was ably led by Mr. V. Lester, and greatly assisted in the pleasure of the performance. The objects of the entertainment, Fire Brigade and Boy Scouts, should receive a good lift along. The entertainment will be repeated again tomorrow (Wednesday) night, and should merit another large house.

PATRIOTIC CONCERT. An entertainment that is already attracting some attention will be given ;n the Town Hall 011 Wednesday, December G. Th; well-known and popular Hawera Male Choir will take a prominent part in the entertainment. They will contribute several popular pieces, and will also be heard in individual items. Several Stratford leading amateurs will also appear on the, platform, whilst a fine orchestra, led by Mr. Cottier, will contribute several selections. The proceeds will go to the Wounded Soldiers Fund. Particulars are advertised on page 1 to-day. GENERAL

The usual 3.20 p.m. north train from Stratford was 70 minutes late in moving from the station. The delay was occasioned by an accident at a bridge near Whenuakura, south of Hawera, The middle pier as down? necessitating the transhipment of passengers. A dug plague seems to have struck Stratford. "Swat that fly" is nothing to the pleasure amateur gardeners have In flattening cut slugs and snails here There is reason for this, as the ''animals" possess such healthy appetites that garden patches are patches in more sense* than one. The lettuce and radish that pater like are non-existent; the slug gets there first; whilst a Christian gardener assures me that a row of peas that were in pod and premised good for Christmas had gone the way of lettuce down the throat;, of snails and slugs. The continuous wet has been responsible for many evils, and many seedsmen have been "bandied" by irate amateurs, who should really blame the slugs for the unfruitful nature of their gardens.

Visitors to Stratford this week will focus their attention 011 the show. really fine show can also be seen in the windows of 0. K. James, who is selling genuine handbags, suitable for ladies anil young girls, at prices that are lowest and of quality that is highest. 5