STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 January 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

THE EASTER DEMOXSTRATIOX. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Thursday, Jan. 24. There are several weeks yet before the Easter holidays are due, but already a few cnthusiastio Stratfordians are wondering wltat form the Easto sports held annually, will take this vesu\-What-ever scheme is decided upon, it can safelT be said thero is ample timo ahead tocomplete details, and perhaps those who are now enjoying the summer holidays find Easter so far away that they have not given the matter much thought. In the past Hie Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Association set aside Easter Monday as a day to hold sports, the proceeds from which were placed to the credit of the funds necessary in building up a young body. The last'two Easter's have been devoted to sports on behalf of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. These gatherings have proved most successful, socially and financially and naturally the desire is to keep' them going till things throughout the world once again become normal. Just now there is a danger that a little friction may creep in that should be prevented. There appears to he a feeling in some quarters that interest generally in patriotic matters is lessening, and that to run a successful function at Easter those controlling the sports will need to branch out on new lines. The mere fact that the gathering is for patriotic purposes should prove sufficient inducement to ensure success, but unfortunately there is a certain section of the public who cannot be persuaded to donate without receiving some pleasure or excitement in return. It is understood that a meeting of the Patriotic Committee will be held this week, and possibly the officials then will discuss ways and means of running a carnival. To work up a big sports meeting entails a considerable amount of work, and means the drawing up of a liberal programme, and against this has to be taken the Chance of wet weather—always a probability in Taranaki at Easter. A wet holiday might easily mean a loss to those controlling affairs, so if they net "canny" none can say them -nay. Whatever the outcome of the decision, it is certain that those who take the lead will do their best. There has been mooted a suggestion that the Patriotic Committee and Agricultural Association should combine and make this Easter, as in the past, worthy of Stratford and Tarsinaki. Combined action spells strength, and with a fixed determination to do their best, no matter on what site the sports may he held, must ensure success. iPerhaips the ladies may be invited > to assist in arranging the programme, and otherwise help to make the day a memorable one. If the committee can enlist the sympathies of the ladies, much will haye been" accomplished, but, above all, harmony must prevail, and there appears no reason why this should not exist.

GENERAL. Mrs. W. F. Tforbury, wife of Captain Xorbury. of the X.S.S. Co.'s Manaia, is on a visit to her parents, Jlr. and Mre. Rouse, Stratford. It is understood that the Stratford School Committee's annual picnic . will be held on Thursday, February 22. A young man named James Shallue, who is farming in the EH ham district, got his fingers badly cut and jambed a few days ago whilst working a fanning implement.

It ia always pleasing to record deeds on the battlefield by our Stratford boys in khaki. The latest to tome into prominence is Sergeant A. A. McQueen, who has received the Military Medal for bravery., When McQueen left with th? Main Body he was a private, In the meantime he has been on continuous active service, and has also been granted the three stripes, indicating sergeant's rank. His father, Mr. Duncan McQueen, resided her for many years.

Evidently School Committees will have to make their seaside outings earlier in the year, as there seems to be a. big run on Thursdays in February. Next week the Hawera races claim all spare railway conveyances; the following Thursday, February 8, the New Plymouth races are down for decision. Wanganui races next claim attention, and the following week the Stratford Committee hold their picnic. The Thursday next in nickers will probably have to wait till March S for their visit to the seaside, succession marks the Taranaki A, and P. Association's Show, so Elthain pic-

T. LAMASON'S WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday our usual weekly sale was held, when a very fair entry of poultry and general produce was catalogued. We quote as follow: —Hens, 1/li to 3/-; ducks, 2/- to 3/3; cockerels, 1/3 to 2/0; potatoes, 10,'- to 12/- per cwt.; onion,s iy 2 d per lb.; bacon, fac-tory-cured, lOd per ib.; plums, 2/- to 4/-; peaches, 4/- to 5/-; cucumbers, 2/to 3/- per case. Other produce, etc., at usual auction rates.

T. Lamason's usual weekly sale is advertised for to-morrow (Saturday), when intending purchasers would do well to attend his sale and secure some of the bargains in fruit and boots which he has for sale.

We all wish to possess nothing but tlio best. Sometimes ■\\c are successful, but frequently disappointed. There is no disappointment awaiting the purchaser of goods at C. E. James' warehouse. Just note the sterling value offering in Doulton ware.*