STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [AH'communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will tweive prompt attention.] MORE MOXEY WANTED. „ „ July 27. I'rom time to time during the war direct appeals liavp been made to the public of Taranaki for funds for patriotic purposes. In the early stages the pall .was for Belgian refugees. Then, as the area of the war increased, appeals were made for French and Serbian folk suffering from the effects of the war. Later on the needs of our own gallant men were given attention, and so the appeals have been persistent, to the credit of Taranaki it must be stated that the average contribution per head lias been very good. The Wounded Poldiers' Fund was inaugurated by pro: !n----fial appeal between August and Noveml"<r 1915. Efforts on their behalf have he:: purely local, and although the results are gratifying, the amounts received are inadequate to meet the. anticipated future demands on the Tarahaki War Belief Association's funds. Recently the question of holding a gigantic art union has been considered by delegates attending the monthly meetings, ond the wish has been expressed that all patriotic committees shouldycombine and hold an art union or similar effort to gather in a largo sum.

There is a good deal to commend the idea, and the value of the art union lie 9 in the apparent cheapness in running. The-desire of the Association is that Farmers, business men and others should donate building sections, Hand, sheep, dairy cows, motor ear or anything that will secure the support of the public. In a rich province like Taranaki one Would believe there should be no difficulty in receiving donations of the above description for the purpose named. If ever ii purpose deserved recognition surely this is one, and several definite offers have been made in anticipation of the art union being set going. The war is with us and likely to continue, and so long as a hostile enemy menaces the freedom of the world so long is it necessary for us to do our part. All cannot take their place in the field of battle, whether the parching sands of Arabia, the snow-clad Alps or sunny, stricken l'ranee, but those who remain behind have surely a duty to perform as well as the man who gladly and freely moves forward to combat. The soldier deserves every consideration, and it is for the purpose of seeing that he secures fair, if not generous, treatment that has brought the Wounded Soldiers' Fund into existence. The delegates to the Association are actuated bv no selfish motives in attending meetings, often at considerable inconvenience and expense, but purely imbued with the idea of making the returned soldier some recompense for his efforts at the front. Those who attend these meetings can readily understand the >reat demands made on the funds. In making grants the Association alwavs take precautions to see that there are' reasonable chances of success before loans are granted. This is to p ace the wounded man on the land, thus cn-Burin-r for him a practically independent future. Loans generally are up to say CWO The reason why the Association has entered into this branch of assistance is because the Government assistance generally is totally inadequate. Any man on the land readily concedes that it takes something just. now to purchase stock, implements, eic. The public must understand tha, no grant is made .without a charge of interest (lowest). Interest is charged because funds loaned are looked upon m Hie nature of an investment, hence security is required. Rates of interest depend upon the circumstances of each individual application. Tn some cases no Interest is charged for the first 12 months and then a low rate is struck. In all cases the interest is at least \ l /-< to 2 per cent, below current rates. Claims for £IOO and less are continually being paid and now some of the money advanced in the earlier stages is beginning to return interest.' Against this it must be'remembered the number of applications are monthly becoming larger until the chairman (Mr. Kirkwood) has had to announce that either the grants Will have to be reduced or the funds increased. No one desires to stint the soldier in the least, and in looking for ft means to build up these funds the Association believes the art union the most workable. In a few .weeks' time it Is hoped the committees will get a move on. In the meantime gifts from farmers, etc., are desirable and would set the ball rolling towards securing a sum that should greatly assist the Association in Its self-imposed task. The success of Hie art unionimainly depends upon the Enthusiasm s'hbwn ,by the branches of the Association. Several have definitely Btated their intention to givo it every Bupport, provided it is taken up by every branch. Will those who are dormant in the matter make an effort to galvanise Borne life into their branches?

FAREWELL AT TOKO. Stratford, July 27. The popularity of Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Milne was amply demonstrated at the farewell tendered them last night at the Toko Hall, which was illuminated for the first time by the Wizard light, a decided improvement. Two presentations were made to the guests, the first by Mr. W. Were, who, on behalf of the Toko Settlers' Association, presented them with a motor rug. The speaker stated that although Mr. Milne had not reached the age of some in the room, he was nevertheless an old settler as far as Toko was concerned, having been in the township about 19 years, and had always identified himself with anything that 'meant progress to the district. Mr. Milne was the first secretary of the Toko Hall, and it was in a large measure due tp his efforts that the hall was practically free of debt. He had also taken a keen interest in patriotic work, and had endeavored to get to the front, but had failed to fulfil requirements. Mr. Kilpat'riek, on behalf of the Toko Football Club, then presented Mr. Milne with a gentleman's dressing case and in doinn- so said that although Mr. Milne had not donned the jersey, he had alwavs assisted the club in other d.rec--1 Uons, and luul been secretary for some Aears Mr Milne suitably acknowledged the "ifts and the, kindness always bestowed on Mrs. Milne and himself. He then «ave several amusing reraimscenses of early days in Toko. A fine concert •■ro«™mme 'was rendered, encores being n feature of the evening, .those ccntrib.il'T" being: Mrs. C. Carter, Miss Shea- ■ '"Messrs B. .T. Peters, J. Lister, T. 1 b-on, Kelly. Mr. 'Fred Foley added i, .•;.'.(v, pleasure and bewilderment to liic "v'r.'grammc with his conjuring work. i'l'e M.'sC. were Messrs M. Gernhoefer and i. Kilpatrick, and. the music, espe-

cially good, by Mrs. Bianehi (piano) and Foley (cornet), EGMONT CLUB. j There was a large attendance of members and friends (ladies) at the annual "social" evening last night. The early part of the evening was devoted to eards, the prizes being won by Mrs Sole (ladies') and Mr. fl. Ford (gents'). The prizes for those at the other end of the list went to Mrs. Boon and Mr. 11. Bailey. The club orchestra (5) /were responsible for several well-played selections that were much appreciated.' Items were also given by Messrs G. T. Walters, Aitken, 11. LI. Betts, and a male quartette by Messrs Belts (2), Xorth and Tissiman, all being much enjoyed. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. S. A. Ward, and were very complete, the evening being voted, one of the most pleasant in the history of the club. - The value of the Daily News as an advertising medium was exemplified to the writer yesterday. Chatting to a man about labor difficulties, lie remarked that a recent advertisement, in the Daily News for the position of engine driver brought forth 33 replies, ar.d from all parts of the Dominion. Wages are moving upward. A 17-year-old factory boy was receiving £2 10s a week, and now at 18 years lie has joined a factory at a salary of £3 10s. Not a bad wage for one who has had only a few seasons experience. The weather was abominable for the hare hunt yesterday, and' the "sports" are to be commended for braving the elements. The results were very satisfactory, but the total is not known yet.

The' Patriotic Society will hold its annual meeting to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m.

There are many useful things tn admire (and buy) in Mr. 0. E. James" warehouse. ■» In the windows there v, Doulton ware that would please mother to have as a present. For poor old father there is a wide range in briar'; and GJB.D. pipes, and cigars of varying degrees of strength and prices. Sister •Susie Would be enraptured with one or the brooches or bangles displayed, whilst the "book-worm" of the family would also be pleased to handle and read soim of the latest fiction offering here.* "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," and the place to secure beautiful things is in an up-to-date jewellery stock. Mr. Ben. J. Peters, of Stratford, in announcing success attending his sale effort, which is now in full swing, lays stress on the class-value of the bargains now offering, and whether it be to-day, to-morrow, or the next day, you aro sure to have the choice of quality goods, nothing else. The romantic side of life must not be lost sight of, as romance has a direct bearing on our stability. Young men' are requested to fall in love and then into Ben. J. Peters' sale for a good engagement ring. A nice choice in presents awaits reciprocating young ladies.*