STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our. Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H.. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] MAKAHU CONCERT. Stratford, June 2. The residents of Makahu mustered in large numbers at the schoolroom on Thursday evening, the occasion being a patriotic social and dance. A very fine programme was drawn up and the several items met with demonstrative anproval. The Makahu Glad Eye Company delivered several choruses that went with a swing and showed evidence of careful training; their items were particularly pleasing and included, "My Gal's a High-barn Lady." "Whoops, Let's Do It Again," and "Half-past Nine." A trio by three little mites (Marjorio Brewer, Mona Martin, and Reo Martin), in Chinese costumes, was also a popular item, a recall being demanded. Vocal items were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. Martin, and received unstinted applause. Mr. C. Hill, the possessor of a fine bass voice, was heard to great advantage in "The Mighty Deep." Mr. Peters, of Stratford, the possessor of a fine baritone voice, was in fine form, and his items were in great demand, "Father O'Flynn" being perhaps the best of all. A pianoforte duet by Mr. Mounsey and Mrs. Martin proved very acceptable and added variety to the entertainment.' The comic element was in fho capable hands of Mr. Rowe, who had the audience in high glee, "Uncle Joe" and other iterns meeting with the popular fancy. At the close of the concert the hall was cleared for the dance, and Mr. A. R.« Walker, M.C., soon had all tripping the light fantastic to music supplied by Mesdames Brewer and Mounsey and Messrs Speight and Martin.. The ladies provided an abundance of eatables, so much, indeed, that Mr. Rowe was prevailed upon to dispose of the surplus delicacies, from which 30s was raised. The total proceeds, about £6, will be given to the patriotic funds. The Stratford visitors speak in high terms of the hospitality showered on them by Mr. and Mrs. Brewer.

FAREWELL AT OABDIFF. There was an excellent attendance of settlers and others at Cardiff last night, at the farewell social tendered to Privates Brown and O'Sullivan. During the evening Mr. W. Hichards, chairman of the Cardiff Dairy Factory, presented both Boldiers with wristlet watehes, and in so doing said he was getting on in years himself, but the devilishness of the enemy often impelled him to wish he was younger and could get in with the others. He was proud at the manner in which the Cardiff men had met the call, and trusted that their guests that evening would be spared to return sound in health and with the consciousness they had done their duty. A really fine concert was given and encores were numerous, the talent offering being especially good. Mr. Tom Eanford contributed "The Young Brigade" and "Up from Somerset," and Mr. J. Lister gave "Jack's the ,boy for work." Mr. Tom Wilson's first number was "Thora," and the audience clamoring for more he obliged with "Youth." Mr. Frank Ranford's humorous songs, "Gettin' awfu' lazy, A "Three Men went a-hunting," and "All o' a Ditherum," were thoroughly enjoyed, as were Mr. Kanford's recitations, "Pa's Imitation" and "The Burial of Paddy Clancy." The (lance that followed was controlled by Corporal Barker, D.C.M., and our returned soldier made things go smoothly as M.C. The dance music was contributed by Mr. C. H. Fox, with his usual well-known ability. Extras were played by Messrs F. Xorcross, F. Eanford, and K.enimpett. The accompanists at the concert were Mrs. J. Lister and Mr. F. Ranford. GENERAL. To-day (Saturday) was a gloriously fine day. Probably the heaviest frost of the year arrived during the night, but the day was all sunshine, bright and warm. It was a surprise to those returning to 'New Plymouth to learn that rain had-fallen there during the day. M* ■ Monday will'be observed as a close day here. So far indications point to a very quiet day, there being no sports or tournaments in view.

The Stratford performers assisting at the Makahu social had an unenviable experience going out. Good progress was made until within three miles of the destination, when the car came to grief. The plight of the mud-marooned songsters was eventually discovered by two ladies on horse-back, who quickly moved on for, assistance, and in due course, per medium of a horse and gig, the motorists concluded the journey. The tired, disgruntled, mud-bespattered travellers were quickly brought to a more amiable mood by the care and attention shown to them by Mr. Brewer, who soon made light of their troubles in true backblock spirit.

A final reminder is given of the entertainment to be held in the Town Hall on evening, in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' and Bed Cross Funds. A bumper house is expected, the programme to be submitted being one of the Best drawn up in Stratford.

It is surprising what one can find if he or she only takes the trouble to investigate. Stratford possesses a shop where the wife can obtain the best crockeryware and most pleasing bangle, bracelet, or watch she desires. Hubby can obtain his choice of smokes, pipes, and reading matter; the eldest girl and the youngest boy can get what they covet most, be it jewellery, thimble, or pocket-knife, and the place where this wonderful variety is obtainable is C. E. James' Warehouse,*