STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention] CONCERT AT STRATHMORE. Stratford, Oct. 23. Despite the persistent rain, there was a good attendance of Strathmore and Makahu settlers at the concert and dance given for patriotic purposes by the Anzac Minstrels. Visitors were also present from Wanganui and New Plymouth. This marked the second appearance of the minstrels at Strathmore, and all the performers received encores, the entertainment showing that Conductor Listen of Midhirst, had worked up a good com. bination. During an interval Mr. Meredith warmly thanked the performers. Mr. S. Ward replied. Those who contributed items were: Miss Greenhaugh, Mrs. Claude Carter. Miss Wade. Mr. G. T. Walters, Mr. T. Wilson, Mr. S. Ward, Mr J. Andrews (step dancer). Messrs Rowe and Ward (sketch), the accompanists being Airs. Burgess (piano) and Mr. Lister (violin). Before concluding, mention must be made of the hospitality shown by the Strathmore and Makahu people, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Mere> dith and.Mr. and Mrs. Brewer. The thanks of the performers are also due to Messrs Newton King and F. Norcross, for providing ears for the performers. LAID BY THE HEELS. Owing to persistent rumors in the district of Stratford, to the effect that a young man named Robert Horace Phillips, who had been drawn in the 27th ballot, had failed to appear before the Medical Board, was in hiding somewhere in the bush, on property belonging tt> his father, at Alatau, iPnrangi, the police investigated. The Inglewood police had previously taken the matter up, but under the impression that he had gone to camp. A few days ago two constables visited Matau,- but were compelled to return unsuccessful. The police were persistent, and, ascertaining that the family concerned had a property at Huirangi. Lepperton, communicated with the Waitara police, with the tesult that the young man was arrested yesterday, and will, no doubt, be conveyed to camp. This incident goes to show that it is almost useless for young men to behave like this, as the long arm of the law is sure to gather them in. A. AND IP. ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the executive last night, the tender of the Stratford Town Band for music on People's Day was accepted. The A.W.R. Milking Machine Co. was granted permission to erect a permanent stand, on the same conditions as Mr. Newton King. Mrs. J. W. Boon presided at the meeting of the ladies' committee, when the main business was that connected with the luncheon rooms. Entries close next Thursday for the hutterfat milking competition, to be con* ducted on the farms of competing owners. So far, the entries to hand are trom Midhirst, Kaponga and Cardiff, but a little energy should secure a big field. GENERAL. The funeral of the late .Tas. Mclvor, a well-known Whangamomona identity, took place here on Thursday afternoon. Deceased had not been ailing very long, and received medical treatment at the hospital. He leaves a widow and one married daughter. He was engaged by the Public Works Depratment, and a number of deceased's comrades attended at the cemetery, where the Rev. Father Maples officiated. A meeting of Midhirst residents and suppliers of the factory there was held last night. Those who had subscription Hats out sent in their repoftsj It was resolved to make a public presentation to the late manager of the factory, Mr. Kleeman, on a date to be fixed. News was received by Mrs. Arthur Gorton, of Stratford, yesterday, of the death on the Flanders front of her brother-in-law, Private T. J. (Tom*) Gorton, who, prior to the war, was for fourteen months a valued member of the staff of Kerr and Co., Stratford. Private Gorton was about 23 years of age, and enlisted at the commencement of hostilities, and was a member of the Main Body. At Gallipoli he served in the Army Service Corps under Colonel Manders, then as a despatch carrier, and later as orderly to General Godley. While on Gallipoli an attack of dysentery invalided him to an Egyptian hospital, where afterwards he served as an attendant. He next saw service in France, but Was sent to England through illhealth, and there also served as hospital attendant. At latest news he was in the Ambulance Corps at the front. In pre-war times iPrivate Gorton was an enthusiastic member of the Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade, and also the Presbyterian Church choir, and had a wide circle of friends who will much regret to hear of his death. A brother of deceased, Sergeant Arthur Gorton, was recently awarded the Military Medal for distinguished service in France. 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.