STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[All letters, etc., left with Mr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention,]' Stratford, March 21. At the meeting of the School Committee last evening (Mr. J. McMillan, chairman), the report' of the headmaster showed that the school generally was making good progress. Some of the classes were cramped, but preparations are nearly complete to allow portion of the assembly hall to be used as a classroom, and this will somewhat relieve tiie congestion. There were 737 pupita on the school roll. Mention was made that Misses James, Palmer, and Kelleher, pupil teachers, were successful in the lecent examinations in gaining partial passes for teachers' certificates. The Stratford Borough Council requested the committee to trim a tree in Cloton Street that was obstructing the pole and electric wires. This was left to the caretaker to attend to. The application by the caretaker for an increase in salary was referred to the- incoming committee. Nearly 200 tickets were issued at Stratford for the seaside demonstration to-day. A photograph that is attracting some attention just now is that of the late Private A. Robson, well-known in this district, wh'o was killed in action in France. The enlargement is on view in Mr. J. McAllister's studio, and is a fine specimen of photographic skill. Recent contributions to the local patriotic funds are £IOO by Mr. G. N. Curtis, and £lO each from Messrs J. Masters and A. W. Budge, making the present total £2433 17s. Sheep are valuable nowadays. One settler in for the breakwater demonstration, was overheard to remark that he had recently cleared a line of sheep at 35s a head —a price that a few years back would have secured a. yearling heifer. Mr. H. G. Sergei, one of the Education Board's agricultural instructors, mot several of the Toko Settlers' Association at Toko last week. At the close of the meeting it was decided that the next address and demonstration would be made on some farm in the district, arrangements to be made by the Settlers' Association. No less than six motor cars and passengers reached Stratford from the Ohura last evening. Those travelling continued their journey this morning—bound for New Plymouth to be present at the celebration of the Home-loading steamer at the port. The country is dry, very dry, and county and borough engineers are having busy times supervising the crumbling roads. Three days' steady rain will prove beneficial to roads and farms. Mr. Edward McCluggage, of Whangamomona, has been appointed agent at Whangamomona for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., in succession to Mr A. H. Perry, who who has joined the Expeditionary Force. At the Wesley Church last Thursday, Miss Edith Neilson, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Neilson, of Eltham, was married to Mr Stanley Garfield Robinson, fourth son of Mr and Mrs R. H. Robinson, of Stratford. At the last meeting of the Stratford Oddfellows Lodge (Manchester Unity) Sister Wasley was presented with a framed portrait of herself in regalia, by the Grand Master of the District, on her being the first lady Noble Grand of the Stratford Lodge. The presentation was made on behalf of Bro. James McAllister.

The great Allies' march continues. First we have the capture of Bagdad, then Eapaume, and now Peronne is wrested from the enemy's grip. Writing of grips, reminds one that there has been quite a run on ladies' handbags in Stratford. This is scarcely to be wondered at, se-eing that C. E. James, of the Jewellery and Fancy Goods Warehouse, has been offering some, which for price and quaJity are unequalled in the Dominion,