STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.3 A SUDDEN DEATH. Stratford, June 6. Much regret was expressed here when the news became known that Mrs. l"ryday, wife of N. B. Fryday, farmer, of Ngaere, had died suddenly on Tuesday afternoon. Deceased enjoyed good health, but some time back was'greatly upset at the death of a son at Gallipoli. Later on a second son was wounded, and this may also have affected deceased.

An inquest was held by Mr. C. D. Sole, acting coroner, at the courrhouse to-day, on the body of Johanna Fryday, aged 59, the wife of N. B. Fryday, a well-known farmer on the Climio road. The following composed the jury: C. L. Grant (foreman), J. H. Ford, G. T. Walters, A. D. Stanley, S. Howard and J. Andrews.

Evidence was given by Nicholas Benjamin Fryday, farmer, husband of deceased, that his wife's health generally was good, though some time back she had'suffered from fainting fits, the occasion being the death of a son at Gallipoli. Thomas Fryday, a son, stated he had occasion to go to the house at 3 p.m. and found his mother in good health. R. Fryday, another son, stated he returned home at 5 o'clock, and found his mother lying in the vari dead". With the assistance of his brnihtir they carried the body into the house, arid communicated with Dr. Steven, whu came ■soon afterwards. Dr. Steven stated there were no signs ,or marks of ill treatment. From the evidence he had heard regarding fainting, fits, and observations, he concluded that death was caused by syncope. The jury promptly returned a verdict of "death from natural causes." DRUIDS' INSTALLATION'. The installation of Druids always attracts a large attendance of brethren, no matter in what part of the district it may be. Last night the local body installed the officers for the ensuin? term, and the ceremony was witnessed by quite a large number of visitors from Eltham, Hawera, Manaia, etc. The district president (Bro E. Parrott, Eltham) was the installing officer, and the officers nromoted were: J.P.A., Bro T. Smith; A.T)., Bro Sharrock; V.A., Bro S. Howard; seo., Bro J. W. Jones; treasurer, Bro H. Burnester; J. G., Bro T. Richardson; 0.G., Bro J. King. A framed diploma was presented to Bro Ward for work in connection with the lodge. At the conclusion of business tlio visitors were entertained for a few hours. Several toasts were honored, whilst a capital programme of songs, etc., were contributed by Bros. E. Parrott, Jones, S. Sharp, Neale, Fox and Barlow. GENERAL. The patriotic mart on Saturday will be controlled by Mesdames md Malone. Mr. Hopkins, to help thine;? along, has offered two prizes for the best collection of cakes and biscuits brought to the rooms—and eaten. A live goose will also be ready for a purchaser, the donor being Mr. Sangster. Those with a sweet eooth will be interested in the statement that homemade sweets will be available for purchase. The nimble sixpences and bulkier half-crowns will be welcome in any numbers.

The Midhirst Dairy Company intends discussing a proposal to manufacture cheese, at a meeting to be held next week.

Miss B. Kelliher, of ;he local post office, is spending her annual leave in New Plymouth and Auckland. Mr. W. M. Doughty, of Broadway, received word this morning that his son, Lieut. Ralph Doughty, serving with the Australian Forces, has been awarded the Military Cross. Lieut. Doughty w born in Stratford, educated at the Stratford school, and was for some years in the employ of Hallenstein Bros.

The Eadnor road settlers met the engineer (Mr. Lopdell) of the County Council to-day, and after a discussion resolved to wait on the council at the next meeting in connection with repairing and reinstalling Eadnor road. The settlers are prepared to agree to a special works rate of Id in the £.

Cr. J. Hathaway, chairman -of the County Council, leaves for Auckland tonight, where he hopes to spend a few days. This marks the first occasion on which the chairman ha» travelled north of Waitara.

Crockeryware is becoming more and more expensive as the shipments become more scarce. That being so, on the look-out for tho very best Dalton china and other ware should note that the best variety, combined with moderate prices', will be found at C. E. James' warehouse.