STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

{From Our Own Correspondent.) TAII communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] SOLDIERS' FAREWELL. Stratford, .Time 27. Long before the mail train arrived this morning the railway station was crowd, ed by friends and others anxious to bid farewell to the soldiers leaving for camp Farewell speeches wore delivered bv the Mayor and Father Maples. The Mayor, during the course of his remarks, said wo had promised our last man and our last shilling in assisting to prosecute the war to a victorious finish, and those leaving that morning were doing their share in fulfilment of that pledge. Those who were left behind were deeply indebted to them. He particularly requested to emphasise the fact that they were also I farewelling three returned mcn->-Sergt. 'Brooks, Corporal Barker, D.C.M., and Private Payne, who had seen service at Gallipoli and in France, and were again showing a splendid spirit and noble example. Father Maples also delivered some very spirited remarks that found an echo in the hearts of those present. On the call of the Mayor cheers were given for the departing soldiers, and an extra round for the returning men. Mention must be made of the playing of the Town Band. Reinforced by four Wanganui bandsmen, the hand played two very fine selections in a most creditable manner. The bagpipes were also in evidence, as followers of "Scots Who ffae" were also amongst those leaving, who consisted of:— C. R. Barker, A. E. Benefield, R. G. Brooks, E. A. Bonner, 0. Payne, J. A. Brannigan. T. C. Carter. E. Coffey, X. Fraser, T. R. Healey, J. Keighley, H. Linn, J. Lohtz, H. J. Mail, G. Mantle, J. McMahon, T. Richmond, H. H. Rogers, J. E. Sclmmaeker, W. Wann, J. Sattler, G. Thompson, J. T. Wade, A. R. Walker, J. E. Kundsen, and J. F. Woods. Others entraining elsewhere: A. Grant, E. B. Mills, S. B. Woods, E. Fabish and Potroz. BAND BENEFIT! It is very pleasing to record that although the conditions last evening were decidedly Arctic the band benefit at His Majesty's Theatre drew a "bumper house." I very fine programme was arranged, and the items by the Wanganui Band quartette were much appreciated, particularly those by Conductor Buckley (cornet) and Private Boyd (Euphonium). Messrs Shepley and Spurdle were unable to make the journey, but other Wanganui men made capable substitutes. Mr. Buckley's selections were all good, his triple-tonguing in "Killarney" and Gounod's "Serenade" being particularly pleasing, whilst Mr. Boyd's solo was deservedly recalled. Others assisting were Mrs. Tizard (recitation), Miss Sheahan, and Messrs Alan Betts and T. Wilson (vocal items). The playing of the band on the march, and also in the theatre balcony, also added to the pleasure of the entertainment. , Amongst recently fallen men at the front is Private Martin J. Rea, who left the Dominion as a member of "Lord Liverpool's Own." Deceased was well known round here, his parents being settlers at Douglas. He was 25 years of age and educated at Pohokura, where he lived for 10 years. He had the honor of being amongst the first of the New Zealanders to land in France, and was in the trenches for 14 months going through the Somme battle. had the melancholy satisfaction of being the only one of five left alive in his trench in one struggle, and after so many months' strenuous toil, during which he rarely left the trenches, died like a soldier at Messines on June 7. New Zealand mourns many sons, and the sympathy of the people in the district goes out to the afflicted parents. The Mayor informs me that he is recommending that at future send-offs the business people should close down until after the train leaves, and that the farewelling of troops should take place in front of the post office. The present arrangement must be most uncomfortable for men and their relatives, and it certainly is for the speakers.