STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] THE WHANGAMOMONA FIRE. Stratford. Oct. 13. Mr. Ted McCluggage informs rae that the fire had a good hold in the Temperance Hotel, Whangamomona, on Friday. He was awakened by the smoke working through to his room, and had to get a move on. After rousing the other inmates, he notified the police and sounded an alarm. There was no time to save any goods, so spectators reserved their efforts to protecting the hall. This building was about CO feet from the hotel, and workers had an unenviable time working a hand-pump and short hose, the pump being placed in a bath and buckets used as a means of water supply. Sheltered behind blankets the "firemen" stuck to their task, and deserve commendation METHODISM. The quarterly meeting of the Stratford Methodist Church showed excellent results. Finances are in a very excellent order. During the year £7+ was paid to foreign missions, against £29 for the last year. Rev. Tinsley was invited to remain a third year, his work being highly appreciated. The Rev. H. Bridgeman was also invited to remain for another term. Messrs Lacey, senr., and J. Fenwick were elected Synod representatives

At the Parish Hall on Friday evening Miss Hilda Wilson, who is to marry Rev. G. K. Moir, was tendered a farewell social, and during the evening the vicar (Rev. C. Howard), on behalf of the vestry, etc., presented the lady with a silver tea service. The Rev. Moir responded on behalf of the recipient. Songs and other items were contributed bv Mrs. Tizard, Mrs. Matthews, Misses' Fyfe, Black, Phillips, and Revs. Moir and Harvey, whilst acceptable instrumental numbers were contributed by the Rogers orchestra. PATRIOTIC SATURDAY. Mesdames Crawsliaw and Budge controlled the tea rooms run by the Ladies' Patriotic Committee- and gathered £7 10s, whilst Mrs. 0. Curtis netted £7 12s in the Mart. Next 'Saturday will be a Red Cross appeal day, and the rooms on that day wi|l be controlled by the Ngaere ladies. Efforts are being made to make this a big day. The Xgaere folk promise to eclipse all previous efforts. They are now scouring the district for goods, and promise to have a big cargo to dispose of, and if the buyers clear them out the financial resmlts are assured. ' THE BULL FAIR. There was keen interest taken in Mr. Newton King's bull fair to-day. Prices for pedigree Jerseys wera hardly up to expectations. 'Shorthorns were in good demand, whilst Holsteins went to 15 guineas. Most of the lines were quitted. THE GUN CLUB SHOOT. The final "shoot" of the Gun Club on Thursday attracted a good attendance of sports, but the day was unfavorable for shooting. The sparrow shooting created great interest, the first competition falling to H. Harrison, A. Nelson, and F. Collins. In the first miss-out F. Whfttle triumphed, and was also successful in the "double rise." A box competition went to F. Collins after a keen struggle with F. Whittle. The handicapper (Mr. W. J. Hamblyn) has generously promised to donate a £3 3s medal for the first clay shoot of the next season.

Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sending to soldiers at the front, and friends in the Home 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. James' stock.