STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All oommunieations, letters, etc., left with Mr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will reteive prompt attention.] TUNA'S FAREWELL. Stratford, April G. Tf there is anything our country folk excel in it is their farewell gatherings to soldiers for the front. The folk mind Stratford are intensely loyal; consequently, it was no agreeable surprise to find tfie Tuna school crowded to overflowing on Thursday, when the settlers and a fair number from Midhirst and Stratford assembled to bid farewell to five local lads who are upon final leave. The evening took the form of a social the dance music being supplied by Mrs Anderson, of Stratford. During the interval, at the request of >Mr Hathaway, the. chairman of the Education Board (Mr R. Masters) made the presentations. Mr Hathaway remarked that it was only fitting that Mr Masters, as chairman of the board, should make the presentation to Mr J. ,i. Kirkby, who had been chairman of the School Committee. Mr Masters expressed his pleasure at doing so, and appreciation at the honor of being present that evening, especialy in view of the fact that as far as he knew they were farewelling the first chairman of a school committee to leave Taranaki. The board had reason to be proud of those associated with them in the manner in which they had responded to their country's call. A large number of teachers were noiw serving tlie Empire, and he regretted to say in some cases had made the supreme sacrifice. It augured well for the national spirit of our future nation, when the men whose privilege it was to mould the characters of our boys and girls were so imbued with a spirit of (loyalty, self-sac-rifice and devotion to duty that they threw up their all to fight for the reten* tibn of the freedom and liberty we have so long enjoyed. Mr Masters expressed appreciation on behalf of the board to Mr Kirkby for the keen interest taken in school matters during his term of office, and hoped he would be spared to" return and carry on his useful work. Speaking of the he doubted if any small district could present a record better than Tuna. Thirty-five men had left, and there were now only three of the first division left, two of whom had already volunteered. Should the time arrive, and lie hoped it never would, that the second division would be called up, he was confident that the married men would respond in an equally loyal way as their single brothers. The boys were going to fight an unscrupulous foe, one that has already sunk to the lowest depths of degradation, and had dene everything possible to effect their evil purpose, but those being farewelled that evening were strong, healthy fellows, full of grit and determination, and quite capable of looking after themselves and the Germans, too. He wished to refer to one of the boys, viz., Haniblyn, who had now five brothers fighting. This was a fine record that any family should be proud of. The fine spirit exhibited in a practical manner by this family is one that should make all feel proud at having such a class of settlers in our midst. Mr Masters, on behalf of the settlers, then presented each soldier with a gold medal maltese cross (which will be suitably inscribed), and, on behalf of the church officials, with a new Testament. He hoped they would in due course return in good health and the knowledge that they had at least done their part towards the preservation of the peace of the world. Mr Hathaway, chairman of the County Council, added a' few words, stating that he had known most of them since their\infancy. Four of the five men had volunteered immediately they had become 20 years of age. An appetising supper was provided. The remainder of the evening and morning was spent in dancing.

PRESENTATIONS It was perhaps only natural that the executive committee of the A. & P. Association should mark the good services rendered to that body by Mr W. S. Cato, who has been identified with the workings since its inception. He is now, after an association extending over many years, leaving to take up his residence at Tc Kuiti, and it is safe to say he will become as popular there as he has made himself during his stay here. On Thursday evening he had to Hst?n to a lot of complimentary remavkj passed upon his ability as a citizen and as a worker in a good cansv. The first speaker'Vas Mr Percy Thomson, wIl °i as president o' the Horticultural Society, shed a lot of ligho on Mv Cato's work as secretary and as president of that society, The departing gentleman had ever done his utmost to keep the society going, a very difficult task at times. Those now controlling the society appreciated these efforts, and as a memento of his association, the president presented him with a manual on gardening, and trusted that in his new home in Te Kuiti he would find the change beneficial in every way. Mr Morison added his meed of appreciation, and related hoiv Mr Cato had alsj been prepared to shoulder any task, no matter how disagreeable, The president of the A. fi'p. Assertion took up the running, and told some flattering tilings regarding the energy Mr Cato had imbued in hisNvork. He was an ideal man for getting the ladies 'to assist, and there were other matters thai greatly assisted in building up the as-ociation. They were sorry to lose but realised that a man of his ability would have good opportunities for advancement m Tc Kuiti. The association wished to show appreciation of his' work on the executive committee, and had made their choice rest on a barometer which he hoped would show fair weather" to nim in his new home. Mr J. 13. Richards, as one who enjoyed a long association with Mr Cato, also addressed a few words of appreciation of Mr Cato. Their ex-executive man had ever been ready to give his besi on behalf of the association, and it was the same in other matters, business and private. He regretted losing the comradeship of a good friend, and trusted that his removal to Te Kuiti would prove beneficial in every sense of the word. Afr Cato had to mai--t twn speeches, one to the Horticultural Society and later on to the association members. Aftei referring to the generosity of the society in recognising what assistance he 'had given, mention must be made of his reply to the association's gift. He referred to the association's splendid grounds, which he considered were equal to the best he had seen. He suggested a few improvements that might be made to the grounds, particularly a tea kiosk. The setting up of this and some attention to the native bush would re-

suit in making the grounds very popular A'ith the public. He wished the association and members all prosperity in the future. .. V I GENERAL. The Agricultural Association's annual meeting will be held early in June. Mr Spelman succeeds Mr Cato on the executive committee. Messrs C. Meuli and C. F. Volsky have been elected members. The Stratford Gun Club had a buoy day on Thursday. The chief shoot was the first of four s ! hoots for the Ballistite Cnj_». ]"2 birds (clav). Ten competitors faced the traps, and the winner turned up in A. Nelson, 41 points; B. Circcn, :!!),- second; F. Whittle, 3S; A. Scott, Sixteen faced the traps in the contest for the Harris Silver Watch (9 birds), and this resulted in a tie between W. IT. Harris and H. Campbell. In the shootoff the former won, and generously donated his father's gift back to the club. F. Whittle, with 10 birds out of 12, silenced the opposition in the sweepstake, 15 yards; A. Nelson second !Y P. Lnndberg S. P. Whittle was again too big a gun for his opponents in tlie box slioot, A. Campbell shooting into second position. A request that created some discussion was that made by the W.C.T.U. to the Agricultural Association and placed before members at. the last meeting. In effect it was one that the association should abolish liquor and side-shows on the grounds. Messrs Pingle and Lopdell had no hesitation tn opposing any movement in this direction. Mr McK. Morison, on the contrary, believed it a step in the right direction, and from his own observation .{leljeved the liquor bars should not be to'erated. The union should be supported, and lie moved that tlie letter be deferred for future consideration. He ha&no hope of carrying his point, failing to find a seconder, so when November swings round refreshment bars and side-show 6 will be there in force. America has got a move on at last. We have been expecting it. There has also been a great move-on in Stratford, and wise people have been sharing in tha move-on, which operates a.t C. E. •Tames' jewellery warehouse. Easter gifts have had a big run, but the shelves still hold many useful gifts acceptable for Easter. See the fine range of crockery we are clearing.