STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] (From Our Own Correspondent.) Strut ford, Feb. S. The decision of the Patriotic Committed. and A. and P. Association not to hold a demonstration of any description at liastcr will occasion 110 surprise to those conversant with the position. The holding of any outdoor function in April lias always the possibility of wet weather, whereas sunshine is a necessity to lira v.- the crowd. Added to the weather problem was the difficulty of drawing lip a programme suHiciently varied to secure the attendance of the bulk of the public travelling at Easter. Trotting and leaping matches were suggested, but tho?e would be curtailed owing to the scarcity of riders —it seems as if our best in this direction are in Franrfr ami Egypt—more lienor to them. The committees have weighed the matter up and looked at it from all points of view, and cannot be accused of using undue haste in arriving at 11 decision. Naturally t!i" desire to continually add to the fund —Wounded Soldiers'—is ever uppermost in the minds of all patriotic people, but the risk of dropping cash and having a debit instead of credit balance, has caus-e-i this decision. The A. and P. Association is also a young body in years, and has certain financial obligation* tlr!. require careful watching. They wn • afford the risk of a loss if they had thoughts of keeping the annual gymkhana going. Probably this matter will he dJfecusse'il at the next general meeting of the committee, but in face of the decision of the combined Patriotic and A and P. Associations .it looks as if Stratford folk will have to move to other centres if they desire sport in April.

The vital statistics for January were: Births 17 (WIG, 20). deaths 3 (1010, 3), marriages 1 (Will, 4). A crowd of happy youngsters left to-day to celebrate the annual picnic of St Andrews' Sunday School scholars at. Nuacre. Tito weather was very good, (he outing proving very enjoyable.

The Stratford Fire Brigade are interested in a challenge shield. At present tin shield is on view at the Elthaiu station. Our men are now in active (raining to allow the selector an opportunity to pick the best six men ir. the brigade to compete against our neighboring townsmen in the annual engagement early in March. T. Lama: 011's usual sale will be held 011 Saturday, when fruit, furniture and sundries will be submitted for private sale and auction.

T LAMASOX'S WEEKLY REPORr. Last Saturday our usual weekly sale was held, when we had a very good try of poultry and general produce. I'ruit appears to be very scarce and we cannot satisfy the demand. We quote as follows: Hcnfc Is (id to 2s fid, cockrells Is 3d to 2s, ducks 2s to 3s, potatoes 9.- to !)s (id cwt., pollard 14s (id, poaches (good) iis, othbrs 2s to 4s, plums 2s to 4;,; furniture and sundries at usual auction rates.

Where there's smoke there's fire, and •.••here there's smoke there's pleasure, rr.vidcd always the smoker knows what he is. reducing to 'ashes. Those who '.•now a good cigar, the taste of the best tobacco, etc., will find these, and pipes, etc.. at C. E. James' Fancy Goods Warehouse.*