STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(I'rom Our Own Correspondent.) ' [All communications, letters, etc., left} With Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.]

LADIES' PATRIOTIC QOMMITTEE.

Stratford, Nov. G.' Mrs. J. W. "Boon presided over a good attendance of members of the Ladies' Patriotic Committee this afternoon. Mrs. ,T. S. McDonald desired information regarding the lied Cross funds. Shu said it was-generally understood that there was a fair sum lying at the bank, Hid this might by made use of. Mrs. White (treasurer) said she could pot make any grants unless authorised. Mrs. Boon said that £2OO had been granted to the Red Cross funds, the recipients to place it to whatever purpose was considered most desirable. Mrs. McDonald thought this little enough, and considered they might forward another £l5O to their own boys. She then moved that a .grant of £l5O be forwarded to the Red Cross Society on behalf of the boys in the trenches. This was seconded by Miss Orr and carried. Mrs. Boon stated that they had obtained good results in their patriotic rooms during October. The tea rooms, including the efforts of Mr. Xewton King's staff, secured £248 8s 2d, and the mart takings brought the total to £472 10s 4d. This must bn considered very satisfactory, but they should be careful in their grants and must, provide a fair margin to work upon. The remainder of the receipts for the present month will h:> placed to the credit of the Y.M.C.A. hinds. On the motion of Mrs. C. D. Sole it was resolved that the money secured during the month should be cabled direct to the trenches, placed to the credit, of the Y.M.C.A. funds, and to be known as from the Stratford and district ladies. Mrs. McDonald then touched upon the parcels work. They were averaging !2fl parcels per month, and she thought they might bring it up to 144, and a motion to this effect was carried. In answer to a question, Mrs. Boon said they had always devoted a portion of the receipts to the Wounded .Soldiers' Fund. The habv competition as a means of getting funds was next discussed. It was stated that the men did not appear particularly keen on the matter. Mrs. Paynter said they would go ahead with the competition. If the men were independent, well and good. The women could push matters forward, and they could place the results to the Red Cross or Lady Liverpool Funds or any other deserving purpose.

After a little further discussion the baby competition was fixed for February, -Mrs. Moon stated that there was a pantomime company that had showed to good purpose in Hawera, and they might be persuaded to repeat the entertainment here in aid of one of the patriotic funds. Mrs. Moon and Mrs. Reira were instructed to visit Hawera and ascertain the best terms the company would make for a visit to Stratford. It was resolved to take out a fire insurance policy on the machines and goods in their rooms. After passing accounts the meeting adjourned.

GENERAL A short sitting of the Magistrate's Court wa3 held this morning, before Messrs J. MeCluggage and C. D. Sole. •T'sP. Herbert Carty was charged that he did, between August 21, 1009, and Xovember 20. lftOfl, steal from Charles Rnsfoe and George Adams, tailors. Stratford, the sum of £57. Owing to one of the firm (Adams) being .it the front in France and another witness being unavailable, and as the hooks- were not available, Ruscoe could not offer any evidence, consequently the case was withdrawn by consent of the court. Accused, who was discharged without being askedto plead, was arrested at Bbnheim. Cattle, except milking stock, seem to have slumped somewhat during the past fortnight, young cattle having dropped 10s a head. The Stratford branch of the Women's National Reserve, held the first monthly meeting on Friday. some discussion it was resolved to hold the first mothers' social afternoon on Tuesday, November '2O, in the Foresters' Hall, from 2.30 to 4.30, and all mothers of soldiers are cordially invited to be present. The Mayoress (Mrs.-McMillan) is president, and Mesdanies J. B. Hine and T. L. Paget vice-presidcfita. and Mrs. ,T. S. McDonald secretary. It is to be hoped the ladies of the district will see that all the mothers of soldiers are present, as I understand badges will be served out to the mothers, whilst several musical items will be contributed by friends and visitors.

Considerable interest was taken in the first ballot of the Second Division men, and several well-known Stratford and Eltham business men are down to become units nf King George's army. Tariki appears to have had the luck 'in" or '•out." according to the view, as four of the five in this section have been captured at the first plunge. '

Messrs \V. Lovett and W. Kelly have kindly donated a. baritone instrument to the Stratford Town Band. The donation is very acceptable, as the hand was in need of this instrument. Probably if a few more citizens combined the band would b" able to secure what they are striving for —a complete set of instruments.

Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some very appropriate and beautiful Christmas cards for sending to soldiers at, the front, and Iriends in (he Home Land. A very lar<,rf 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 .Tames' stock.