STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., loft w.-th Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will leceive prompt attention.]

Stratford, May 7. Saturday was a remarkably busy day. Right through the day''ght hours the street* were lined with country folk Judging by the number of cigars and good fellowship noticeable, one would imagine farmers had received their annual bonuses. Tradespeople generally report that the day was a very satisfactory one. _ The post office had the British ei:> sign floating in the breeze (and pelting rain) to-day. Many thought it indicated an English mail, others a British victory. _ Beth surmsies wera incorrect. Today Accession Day (King George Vl. Tho rivers in anil around Stratford are now carrying large volumes of water, and the high-water mark on the banks is being approached. It is noticeable that although the railway bridge over the Manganui (near Waipukn) gav? some trouble in November, the trains still travel over it very slowly, indicating that the authorities are giving the centre span every chance to become thoroughly set.

The first meeting of the newly-elect-ed Borough Council will be held this evening. The business is expected to be chiefly the setting up ; of new committees, etc. The Visual monthly meeting follows on Monday nsxt. The Stratford boyfi are now well into the football season. Under the control of Mr. J, Thomas the school boys played a drawn game with the Cadets, 3 "points all, last week.

The Army Home League, a band of patriotic ladios who meet on Wednesdays to work the sewing machine and knitting needles, have accomplished much in their own quiet way. Their object is to do sewing work for wounded soldiers, the goods being sent direct to the soldiers. .Last week an opportunity was presented of inspecting the work at the Salvation Army hall. Besides seeing the miscellaneous assortment of inen's goods made by loving fingers, the public wore also treated to several enjoyable items, contributed by Stratford favorites. Mr. .T. Masters presided at the entertainment.

The Ngaere ladies are to' be congratulated on the successful results of their running the tea rooms and mart on Saturday. The rooms netted £5 4s Od and the mart £l4 2s 3d—total £l9 7s. The members of the Patriotic Committee greatly appreciate the assistance rendered by the ladies round the district, and would be pleased to bear of representatives of other places following the lead of Te Wera, Ngaere, Beaconsfield Eoad, etc. "Something's wrong when a man can't keep warm. Just shake things up, Mister," remarked a chilly individual to the writer. "My neighbor has a .bucket of coal, and he's sitting tight on any application for a shovelful, whilst the merchants are in short supply of wood and coal. Do you know what? The trife had to cook the Sunday roast with the wood from fruit cases I managed to buy. Perhaps the Government can be persuaded to send along a few truckloads." As I moved away the ehilly one was warming the air anathematising the miner, the railway, the -war and leaky boots.

Mr. C. E. James has just opened up a fine assortment of Douiton ware, vases, salad bowls, etc. These are of the very best quality, and are original in design. Douiton ware has established a reputation for being the best grade on the market, so those who like the best and nothing but the best, should make their •purchases at C. E. James' right now.