STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)'

[All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.]

TRAVELLING SOLDIERS.

Strat'ford, April 12. The railway platform was crowded this morning, the occasion being to farewell another draft of soldiers in the milking for Trentham. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr. ,T. W. Boon) Mr. C. D. Sole introduced the Rev. Father Maples, and requested that he address the departing soldiers. In a telling speech the reverend gentleman stated that tho time was now when they should hold on doggedly, and must never surrender or loosen their grip. Lord Kitchener had divided the war into three periods, and believed the war would last three years. The first period was preparation, the second defensive, and the third sport (offensive). They were now entering the third period. Sir Douglas Haig seems to be playing the ball exceedingly well, and had already kicked several goals. It may be that those leaving that morning would take part in the final goal scored. If so he was sure they would keep up the traditions of our gallant boys who have added a new word in the English language. The word Anzae would last as long as there was a Briton. If ever called on to surrender he was sure they would answer in a similar manner to the gallant Canadian captain at Ypres, who, surrounded by overwhelming forces, was called on to surrender. Instead of doing so he showed the true British spirit, and with "Surrender be d d," did his best for King and country. Rev. Father Maples then gave his blessings, and presented them with blessed medals as a memento of the occasion. He concluded by wishing them God speed and a safe and glorious return. Cheers were then given as the long train steamed from the ■station. The men who left this morning were H. W. Priest, O'Sullivan, S. Brown, C. J. Darragh, A. Dickinson, A. D. Ellis, G. L. Frank, W. Petrie, L. R. Chapman, C. S. Marshall, H. Wiggins, A. H. Eichstaedt, A. Lees, .T. Scott, L. Lyford, A. Vickers, and Belk. The three last mentioned are from

Midhirst. ■ GENERAL'. Election matters are beginning t< create a little interest. Those who are likely to seek' municipal honors are Messrs J. H. Ford, Alf Moon, C. D. Sole, H. Trotter, B. BurgeßS and G. Smith. Fine driving rains have fallen. The electrical engineer, Mr. W. J. Newton, wears a big smile now. The river has boen too low to keep the power going. With a steady rainfall the anxiety of the engineer has been considerably minimised. The borough engineer, Mr. Sumvan, also welcomes tho rain, as does we bootmaker and the farmer.

Mr. Nat. J. King, who has previously filled the Mayoral chair, had to decline the request of a deputation that -o should be a candidate for the honor this year. He finds that he has not the time tiow to attend to details if elected.

While out shooting on Monday afternoon, a boy, named Miuli, residing on the Bird road, sustained a serious injury. It appear? that Meuli, who was accompanied by two brothers, was holding his gun, when the barrel bur.ifc, the 'fragments of metal entering his wrist.

A farewell social is to be tendered to-morrow (Friday) evening in the Kahouri Bridge Hall to Gunner A. Sangbter and Privates E. Felton and J. Paynter. The Whangamomona County Council has accepted a tender for the erection of a new bridge in ferro concrete and hardwood, over the Whangamomona stream on the Ohura road, at Whangamomona, to replace the existing structure. A mile of metal is also being laid down on the Putikituna Road, and will be much appreciated by settlers, as this portion of the road has been almost impassable during the winter months.

' 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 liave been sharing in the move-on, which operates at C. E. James' jewellery warehouse. Easter gifts have had a big run, but the shelves still hold many useful gifts acceptable for Easter. Sec the fine range of crockery we are clearing.