STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(l-rom Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, v. ill iceeive prompt attention.] Stratford, July 4. There may ho fireworks flying in the United ,States to-day, a!? '.hilV 4 is what the Americans', term "Independence Day, : ' but there certainly are no 'lireworks at Stratford. On the contrary, the elements arc too rough for any celebration, were it necessary. A stiff northerly gale atid heavy rains are making •.natters unpleasant for those who have to move around. To-morrow (Thursday) evening socials are 'being held at Toko and Pukeugahu. It will 'be a disappointment to many if the weather does not hold up, as both socials are Worthy of every support. The Anzae Minstrels, who helped along the (patriotic funds to a considerable extent last winter by their concerts, have been revived, and in due course will visit Tariki and other towns in the neighborhood of Stratford. Contractors interested in ferro-eon-erere bridge work, ditching and metal supplies, are reminded that tenders in this direction for the Stratford County Council close on Saturday. The Dominion ShoHv at Hawer'a has attracted a fair amount of support from this district in entries, and it 19 pleasing to record that many have got into the prize-list. In the competition for vegetables, Messrs G. H. Boyles (Stratford) alid E. .Jones (Toko) were succof I'ul, whilst Mrs. H. 13. Kerr (Tariki) scored in fancy work and Mrs. G. 11. Boyles in home industries. Competition in each instance was good, so their positions were well earned. The latest revised list of Justices of the Peace has been gazetted, and contains the names of the following Justices for the district:—A. E. Copiping, G. N. Curtis, S. B. Hunter, F. Lehrke, J. Masters, W. F. McCuliough, J; McCluggage, F. J. McDonald, M. Power, A. W. Reid, \V. 'Rogers, H. X. Silk, C. D. Sole and G. 'l'indle. Whangamomona: V? A. McCutchan, Douglas: A. Neodham and F.. Walter. Toko: J. Butler, E. Marfell, W. H. Were. Huiroa: 'Mr. Kerrick. 'Puniwhakau: F. W. Court, 11. B. Worthington, C. Watchorn. 'Kohur&tahi: E. J. Hi!i. Tahora: W. Hallett, W. McL. 'Kennedy, 11. A. MclLeod. Tariki:' J. Jemison, J. Therkleson. Midhirst: W.I | Hathaway, G. G. Harkness, X. Schumacher. There 'was a big run on the Daily Xews this morning, and many disappointed would-be buyers, as the supply was nowhere near the demand. As usual, farmers in and around Stratford ifigure prominently in the list of latest recruits (per ballot) to the Expeditionary . Forces. Many hearty congratulations were made in Stratford when it became known that two Stratfordians had been awarded the Military iMedal for bravery during the capture of Messines. The first, Sergeant H. T. Masters, is well-knoKvii here, and has been at the front for a considerable period. He is at present in a hospitaj, having been wounded in the same battle that won him the honors. Sergeant A. E. Gorton, prior to the war, was engaged in the offices of Messrs Malone and King, and was a very popular man. His success is also a pleasure to record, and 'Mrs. Gorton, nee Miss Cramer, was the recipient of many congratulations on her husband's valor, and in coming safely through the great fight. Cattle sales (clearing) are now in full swing. Curiosity prompted me to count the number set down for July, and the total is over 50, which, leaving Sundays jut, means two a day. Should each of those sales average £2ooo—surely easy to obtain with the high prices ruling—it means a vast sum of money is changing hands. It was currenly reported in town today that tlio Midhirst Dairy Company had disposed of the butter in stock, some 7000 boxes, to Messrs Nathan and Co., at Is 3d per lb.