STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) December 8. Mr. W. lieevc, the Clerk of the Court, has returned from his short but enjoyable holiday in the North. Mr. Dwyer, who has been ActingClerk of t'ne Court, returned to New Plymouth to-day. News from Wellington states that Captain W. Wilson, wlio is in camp at Trentham, is still indisposed. Mr. H. Hassell, a well-known resident ot this district, was taken suddenly ill to-day. Another sudden seiz.ure was that of Mr. W. Harvey, who also had to receive medical attention. On Monday next the War Relief Association, also the Borough Council, will meet. The Salvation Army "barrackers" will be all out to-morrow' (Saturday). They desire to rake in £IOO for the Belgian Fund. They are far from that figure, ■but Adjutant Cooke has great faith in the generosity of tflie public. Evidently things are not running too smoothly in municipal matters. The "man in the street" reports that at the Council's meeting on Monday one of the Councillors intends to table a motion to dismiss one of the officials for insubordination, or failing to carry out some . request. One of the soldiers examined Dy the Pensions Board here last Saturday had an unpleasant surprise. At New Plymouth, in October, lie was granted a pension of £7 odd per month for a certain period. On Saturday the visiting officers from Wellington reviewed his case and intimated to the invalided soldier that his pension after six months would be reduced to £l. The last has probably not been heard of this case. The Returned Soldiers' Association promises to be a powerful factor in many ways as the days go by. It is growing in membership, and, capably led, may play an important part in polities. The' Association will keep a keen eye on the Government pensions scheme. In theory the scheme looks generous and reasonable, 'but, judging from practical experiences, the soldiers are not favorably impressed with it. An indication that the summer trade is now reaching its maximum is shown at the railway stations. Travellers by goods train can understand the delay at each station, as at each of these stoppages there is a lot of coupling and uncoupling to be done. At Stratford the 12.50 train was much behind time, due to heavy traffic. Some Stratford folk know, but it is only right that all should know, that we I have in our midst one of the most up-to-date jewellery and fancy goods shops in Mr. C. E. James' premises. Call this week, and note the sterling value he is offering in birthday, farewell, and Christmas gifts.*