STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

( (From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, Mill lereive prompt attention.] BAND BENEFIT. Stratford, June 25. His Majesty's Picture Theatre should be well filled to-morrow evening, when a benefit performance will be given in aid of the band funds. Besides a very full picture programme, several vocal and instrumental items will be contributed. Principal interest will centre round the performance of the Wanganui quartette, .Messrs Geo. Buckley, cornet and conductor of Queen Alexandra Band (Wanganui); G. Boyd, euphonium soloist; Shipley, cornet and concertina; and Spurdle, bass soloist: Lovers of music will have plenty for tlieir money, and may rely on spending a very entertaining evening. Prior to the concert the hand, augmented by their Wanganui comrade?, will play in the march to the theatre. 'Recently the band lias .been making every effort to bring its strength and quality up to the best, and trusts that the public will assist its efforts by financial assistance in attending. SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE. The recently formed Second Division League in Stratford promises to become a very live body. It lias already held meetings, and is now making every effort to awaken the interest (and secure the membership) of every man in the distri-'; eligible for the league. Reports to hand indicate that Midhirst, and elsewhere are willing, and in some instances anxious for membership. That being so, the Stratford body should hav(T a large roll and, as numbers tell, may be able to effect some good purDos'e. Messrs Malone (chairman) and Skoglund (secretary) are fortunate in being backed up by a strong committee, who may be depended upon to see that the interests of the reservists are closely watched.

PATBWrrC MART. The Ladies' Patriotic Committee state that the takings of the Mart on Saturday totalled £l9 and the tea rooms These were controlled by the ladies of the Presbyterian Church Guild, who deserve every credit for the übstantial results achieved. Next week the Mart will be controlled by the ladies of Mahoe. who will have a big range of produce. poultry, etc., to depose of to the public, the latter being invited to attend in large numbers and buy. The tea rooms, 011 the same date, will be under charge of St. Mary's School. In connexion with the above the president. (Mrs. J. W. Boon) reports that she has had a good response to the News suggestion that the ladies in small neighboring towns might take a cum at running these marts. Appreciation like this shows that the (public will gladly help if only appealed to in the right reetion. We liope that the Mahoe ladies, led by Mesdames Mann and Whittington, will have a "record day," and that later on other district ladies will take up the running. , , , • An accident that fortunately was r attended with serious results occun on Saturday evening, at 7.30. A motorcar and gig came into collision, the force of which hrew the two men in the gig out on to the street in Broadway, near the new theatre. The driver fortunately hung on to the reins, and brought the horse to a standstill. A broken shaft was the total damage, plus a few bruises to the men who were hurriedly ejected from the vehicle. ' The annual meeting .f the Bowling Club will be held this evening. The report shows that the revenue received hardly comes up to previous years, but this is accounted for by the fftct that four members have gone to the front, and others have been obliged to refrain from attending games on account of lack of time. The club had been represented at three Taranaki tournaments, also the Dominion and Palmerston (Easter) competition. The most successful rink was that skipped by Stan. Sharp, and comprising Messrs Lvons, Foley, and Sk'og.liiTid. The 0. M. rtis trophy was won by Stan. Sharp. Lack of time prevented finality in the pairs and beginners' competition. The sum of £7 13s lid had been collected for the Wounded Soldiers Fund. This would have been increased,' but some mean thief stole a collection box from the pavilion. Thanks were duo to the ladies, Mr. Martin (for use of the office), and the press. The farewell social tendered to Mr. Alan Walker at 3tfathmore, on Thursday, proved very successful. After paying for hire of iiall, music, etc., the promoter (Mr. J. Eowe) has handed over £5 to the local Patriotic Committee. The lists of casualties are still coming to hand. On Saturday, Mr. Jonas Masters received a cable that his son. Sergt. Harold Masters, had been wounded and was now in hospital. Sergt. Masters, who left with the Main Body, was twice wounded at Gallipoli, and like others of the pioneer corps, lias had a very rocky time. He lias also the honor of having been, mentioned in despatches.

Next Saturday, 30th inst., positively marks the last occasion ; of Mr. C. H. James' great stock-reducirlg sale. Tliere still remains ample time to secure some sterling bargains. His shop is replete with articles suitable for farewell and wedding gifts. (Presentation souvenirs, Whether for mistress or maid, father or boy, are available. These are to be turned into cash,, so the public are invited to take the opportunity to purchase goods that later on may not bp obtainable, except at much increased cost*