STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Sir. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will teceive prompt attention.^ FAREWELLIXG RECRUITS. Stratford. July 25. The furewelling of the 32nd Reinforcements this morning attracted a large crowd to the railway station. The Mayor said he desired to compliment the men on their soldierly appearance on the march that morning. He could not help remarking that after three years of war we were able to produce men as physically and mentally lit as those who were the first to leave our shore;. He extended to the men, on behalf of the residents of the district, their best wishes and au revoir. They would he proud to share the great name our men had won, and he <was satisfied they would in no way detract from it, but would win fresh honors for themselves and New Zealand. The people of Stratford would never forget the obligation they were under to tTTose who answered the call of Kinj» and country. The Rev. (_'. Howard also gave an address, in which he reminded the men that they were going to engage in fighting for a great and noble cause, and there would .probably be plenty of opportunities to test their courage. "You are," he said, "in Clod's good hands, and with His blessing we wish you Godspeed. We know you will play your part in this great and awful strife as one of those who have been called upon to fight for the freedom and liberty of the nation." V

Prior to the speeches the ladies of the Patriotic Committee distributed their gifls, and the .Mayor and Mayoress wished each man God-speed. Three hearty cheers were given for the 32nds, and an extra three for Private Priest, a returned soldier, who is going back to his comrades. The Mayor begs to thank the business people for adopting his suggestion and closing down during the send-off; also the band, who played some five selections, and the cadets for their assistance.

The names of those leaving were: P. J. •Pr<v:i, A. E. Brown, J. Coo!;, A. Fraser, J. A. Harrison, \V. Harrc, C. C. Healey, V. J. .Jones, E. T. Kelleher, J. Kiipatriek, U.' Mantle, .1. S. Mcßride, P. C. lie Barron, T. R. O'Connor, F. M. Priest, A. E. Speck. S. X. Stewart, W. F. Tvrcll, \V. 11. Winraill, F. 11. Walsh, C. H. Witt. L. M. Walker.

:-.!f<l-EI, T.AIUY FARM J The committee met on Saturday morning. Present:—Messrs J. W. Deem (Chair), R. Dinsrle. S. Pitt, W. IT. Were, T. W. Koon, F. Ranford and J. D. Richards, lion. sec.

Reports submittal showed: (1) That Mr. E. Xewland had been appointed foreman, and that he will commence duties as soon as the house is ready . (2) tliat the tunnel is well under construction; (3) that arrangements have been made to cart shingle for concrete and roadmaking. It was decided to proceed with initial work of creek crossing forthwith. Plans and cpeciiieations of cowsheds, milkstand, and yard in concrete were received and fully discussed, ami the work authorised. Comparative cost of posts in concrete and hardwood for the yard will lie submitted to next meeting. The purchase of an eleetric irtotor was authorised. The work of clearinc about two acres for shed and yard site was left in the hands of Messrs Pitt and llichards with power to act. Payment of purchase money of farm and delegates expenses to Wellington were passed.

GENERAL. Tlic annual meeting of tho?o interested in the Stratford Patriotic Society will bo held at 1.30 o'clock on Saturday. Particulars are advertised The Medical Board are sitting here today. A man from Tututawa. or sonic other long-distance place, was complain ing about the long delay in getting examined. Perhaps the authorities might place travellers from a distance first on the list.

Mrs J. W. Boon presided at a meeting 0/ the Ladies' Patriotic Committee, at which it was decided to invite Mrs. Colonel Porter to present badges to wives and mothers of men at the front. The following ladies were added to the general committee:—Mesdames Marfeil and C. Bayly (Toko). S. Brewer (Maka--1m), V. Xolan and Castlehine (Tc Wera), Hamilton and Meuli (Bird Road), H. Richmond (Midhirst), Lockhead (Douglas), and Mrs. C. D. Sole, Misses Crawshaiw and Falder (Stratford), and Mrs. Marehant (Cardiff). The takings at the Mart on Saturday arc to go towards "Navy Day," to provide clothing for widows and orphans of fallen seamen.

Great preparations are being made for a "hare day" on Thursday and Friday. ,The intention is to bag or shoot as many as possible to send to the soldiers in camp. Several sport 3 have been busy the last few days in attending to gun requirements, etc. It has been suggested that those who have ears may like to help by running (or rather motoring) gunmen to ,pussy"s haunts, and it is plainly apparent that the mor> guns in use the greater the possibility of a large bag. Some of the ironmongers have generously donated ammunition, and, with ordinary luck, Thursday and Friday will be bad days for the hare family. Stratford main factory and Toko will be receiving milk from Thursday.

There are many useful things to admire (and buy) in Mr. C. E. James' warehouse. In the windows there is l)oulton ware that would please mother to have as a present. For poor old father there is a wide range in briars and G.B.D. pipes, and cigars of varying degrees of strength and prices. Sister Susie would be enraptured with one of the brooches or bangles displayed, whilst 'the "book-worm" of the family would also be pjeased to handle and read sonu of the latest fiction ogering here.* In recognition of the hearty support accorded him during his business term of three years in Stratford, Mr. Ben J. Peters, who has more than justified his claim as a "first-class watchmaker and jeweller, has decided to offer for the period of one month the whole of his high-class stock of watches, rings, jewellery, and plate at a tangible reduction on present prices. The quality of Mr. Peters' stock is well known, and the bargains offering in engagement and diamond rings, watch bangles, etc., will be very real and will afford opportunities to secure lasting gifts. The date fixed for the commencement of tha sale is Saturday, July 21.