STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

[All communications, letters, etc,, left With Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.]

.yfratford, Nov. 1. lliere whs a general feeling of regret in town this morning when the news was made known that Lieutenant Kobt. Spenee had "gone west." Mr. Spenee enlisted with the 17th Reinforcements, and, gaining his commission, left New Zealand with the 22nd Reinforcements in February of this year. News some days curlier indicated that he had been wounded, but the news now to hand shows that he was killed in action on October 12. While in Stratford, Mr. Spenee was a popular figure in law circles, and was a man who had a bright future ahead as a professional man, but now, at the age of 3!), he has "travelled towards the setting sun" (to use an Anzac expression). Deceased was born on the west coast of the South Island, and established a New Zealand record by passing his final solicitor's examinations at the age of 18. He commenced the practice <?f his profession in the offices of Messrs Park and Murdoch, Hokitika, and was subsequently manager of Mr. J. B. Roy's offices, New Plymouth. His brother, S. Spenee, and other relatives, werq the recipients of many letters of condolence during the day. Another Stratfordian killed in action at the same place and date was Rifleman Cecil M. Kivell, one of twin sons of Mr. Harry Kivell. Cecil, with his twin brother, enlisted over two vears aso (February, 1015), in the 3rd' Battalion. N.Z. Rifle Brigade. He was in Egypt and fiallipoli, and then went with the main body to France. Whilst at Armenticres, he was wounded in the buttocks. He went, through the battle of the Somme. during which, for 23 days, he had neither shave nor wash. After a'spell in the hospital at Boulogne, lie was able, to join the forces, and was in the thick of it at Messines. Where he fell is not quite clear, but evidently he was one of the victims of the bog-fighting. Ten days ago his parents were notified by Clem Kivell to expect bad news, and this has now been confirmed. A third son, Erie H. Kivell, left with the Main Body, and from latest accounts is still going strong. At Tariki this afternoon word reached me that Y. Coutts. well and favorably known in this district, had also died of wounds. Messrs R. Masters (chairman) and E. Dixon, of the Education Board, paid a visit of inspection to the Manaia school district this afternoon. A special meeting of the Hospital Board was held last evening, Mr. J. McAllister. chairman, presiding. The business was that of appointing a successor to Matron Fnssell. who has resigned. After considering applications, one was selected, but pending confirmation by tjic Health Department, the. name of the lady is not available for publication. T. LAMASON'S WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday my usual weekly sale was held, when only a small entry of poultry and produce came to hand. We quote as follows: Hens 2s 2d to 3s Gd; roosters 2s to 3s; hens and chicks 13s; ducks 2s 7d to 3s: cauliflowers 3s to Gs dozen; potatoes. 12s to Ms sack; furniture and sundries at usual auction rates. Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sending to soldiers nt 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.