STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] fire at whangamomona. _ Stratford, Oct. 12. This morning at 5 o'clock, a fire was discovered on the premises of the Temperance Hotel, a two-storey building erected five years ago. Fortunately there were not many on the premises, the inmates being the keeper, Mr. Schneider, his wife and family, and Mr. E. McClnggage, one of the owners. Details are meagre, but the fire had a good hold when the occupants were aroused, and practically nothing was saved, there being only the chimneys standing a few hours later. The building was insured for £IOOO in the South British, and the furniture and contents for £4OO in the Commercial Union, I 1 INQUEST AT TARIKI. An inquest was held this morning at Tariki, before Mr. C. D. Sole, coroner, on the body of a 7-months' old child, Fred. •Tames Saywell. Sergeant Dale represented the police, and Mr. James Kettlewell was foreman of the jury. The evidence of the parents went to show that the whole of the family of eight children had been attacked with whooping cough, and it was form this complaint that the infant had suffered. A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence. TOKO'S SOCIAL. The attendance at the social held at the Coronation Hall last night was verv satisfactory. It had been intended to make the function a farewell to Riffeman G. Morrison, but at the last iSoinent the soldier was detained in Wellington. Under these circumstances the promoters had to carry out their arrangements, and succeeded admirably in their task all present voting the evening one of the tnost pleasant spent. Songs were rendered by Miss Cooper (Toko). P,. J. Peter?, T. Wilson, and J. Lister, encore; I being demanded and generously responded to. The dance music by Mrs. BiancV, was all that could be desired, and Mr, Gernhoefer made an efficient M.C.

A. AND P. MEETINGS,

The executive and other committees met yesterday, the president (Mr. .T. W. Boon) presiding 1 . The executive resolved to advertise the same as last year Mr. Richards is to be requested to attend to press readers and advertisements. The Gun Club's contribution of £3 3s was accepted with thanks. The action of the president regarding repairs to cottage chimney was confirmed, and the matter of repairs to the cottage left to the president and Mr. Huggett. A tender for the sale of fmit, sweets, and cordials on the showgrounds was accepted. Messrs R. Masters and Lopdell were appointed judges' stewards. . A rest tent was ordered to be put up and placed under the control of the Salvation Army. The Stratford Town Band is to be asked to qudte price for playing on People's Day. A most enthusiastic meeting of ladies was held yesterday to discuss ways and roean3 of assisting in the catering. Mrs. Boon presided and stated it was intended to purchase their requirements, but the committee would gladly welcome donations for this particular purpose. Several committees were then set up, and promises of help accepted thankfully. FAREWELL AT NGAERE. The Ngaere Hall was well filled last evening, the occasion being a farewell to Private E. Shuttleworth. The presentation of a wristlet watch was made by Mr. W. .f. Morrison in a very neat anil appropriate speech. Th» valient briefly acknowledged the gift and kindness of the Ngaere residents. The dance musie, which was voted first-class, was contributed by Miss James (piano), and Messrs S. Parker (cornet) and W. Walsh (violin). FOOTBALL. The football match played here yesterday between teams representing New Plymouth Rovers and Stratford, resulted in a win for Stratford by 8 points to 3. At the opening of the play it was anticipated that the visitors would win, but, after a strenuous yet friendly game, victory went to the local boys. In the first half Coutts_ kicked a penalty goal, and this was the only score. In the second spell Coutts scored a try and converted same. The Rovers also scored a try, but failed to find the cross-bar in the place-kick. Mr. D. J. Malo'ne was referee, whilst one of the'line umpires was the redoubtable "Johnny" Eowe, who, 30 years or more back, used to wear the Auckland jersey.

0 GENERAL. The full financial results of Mr. Newton King's Day held here on Saturday, September 22, show that thf members of the staff, their wives and friends, must have worked hard, and those a|, the head of affairs desire to mention Mrs. Abraham, the New Plymouth Pierrots, and Mr. Gormley, of Hawera, for assistance. The receipts were as follows: Shop, £95 "9a Id; tea rooms, £l6 12s fid; flowers and sweets, £18; hoop-la, t'lfl 0a 3d; sheep guessing. £l2 8s; sales of gift stock at haymarket, £lB lis 6d; donations, £7fi 6s Gd; raffle's and street collections, £147 12a 4d; total, £305 Os 2d. The expenditure totalled £6 9s 6d, leaving a balance of £3BB 10s Sd to be placed to the credit of the patriotic fund. One of our large co-operative factories has found it necessary to replace one of their old officials, who is, unfortunately, an alien by birth, and, owing to our attitude of the straffe, the directors decided to part with a man who has done good and faithfiil service to them. It may be added that in South Taranaki a bitter feeling is coming to the surface that too many foreigners are "mopping up" the freehold, and there are quite a number of farmers and others who hold that the Government should refuse the freehold to either German or Swiss, but rather allow them the leasehold, so that In due time it will revert back to the men who have sold out and are at the front.

T. Lamason's weekly report.—Last Saturday otir usual weekly sale was held at the mart when a very good entry of poultry was catalogued. The demand is still-good and prices are satisfactory. Produce and furniture was very limited. We quote as follows: gens, 2s to 3s, ducks 2s 33 to 4s, rooster 3s, cauliflowers 4s and potatoes 13s to 14s sack, rhubarb Sd per bundle; furniture and sundries at usual auction vates.

Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sendine to soldiers

at the front, and friends in the Homo Land. _ A very large and varied assortment is available but already a steady demand has set in, so those on the lookout for seasonable gifts of this description should lose no time in inspecting Mr. Janiea' stock.