STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). [All communications, letters, etc., left tvith Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] DKUiDS INSTALLATION'. Stratford, Dee. a. There was a larj;.' attendance of the loeal 'Druids and visitors at the installation of ollicers for the next half-year, held last evening at the Foresters' llall. Visitors were present from Inglewood. Hawera, Manaia, and Eltham. The District President, Bro. E. Parrott, Elthain, presided. The balance-sheet showed the finances to be in very sound condition, the lodge having enjoyed a very satisfactory year. Nineteen members had gone to the front, two had returned invalided, and one of tiie latter returned to the trenches. The oflicers installed for the new term are: —A.D., Bro. W. Abraham V.A., Bro. T. Richardson: secretary, Bro. J. W. Jones (re-elected); treasurer, Bro. H. Burmester (reelected) ; 1.G., Bro. J. King; 0.G., Bro. J. Mills; A.D.8., Bros. A. Drake and M. Aagaard; V.A.8., Bros. J. Ward and A. Ross. The toasts honored wore: '"The King and Druids," "Grand Lodge." "Army and Xavv," "Xewly-Installed Officers,''' "Retiring D.P." (Bro. A- Drake). •'Local Druids," and "The Press." Songs, etc.. were contributed by Bros. E. Parrott, J. Lister, 0. Fox, H. Blake. Morris, and J. King. The remarks of the District President touching on various matters connected with the order were well received. He touched on the fine record established liv the Druids and other benefit societies regarding enlistments, and explained in detail other points in which Druids were particularly interested. In conclusion he expressed appreciation, on behalf of the visitors, of the generous hospitality shown by the local lodge. The supper arrangements were in the r .apbl.j hands of Bro. J. IT. Sharrock. GENERAL.

At Midhirst to-day a welcome home is to he extended to Private .T, .T. Enwright, who has been invalided home. Occasion will taken to present him with a handsome illuminated address (framed), the work of Mr. ,T. McAllister, Stratford.

Tliei Midhirst Sunday School anniversary services concluded last evening, when the scholars provided a really excellent entertainment which, attracted a largo audience of adults. Prizes won during the year wer<! distributed, and included two irfven by the Auckland Schools Union and won bv Misses Beryl Masters and Dorothy Hoard. At noon to-day rain fell very heavily, but soon gave way to sunsiiine. awl later on in the day the heat was as great as ever. The rain was purely local, other towns missing the downpour. At the meeting of the Ladies' Committee yesterday it. was very noticeable that the members (at least some of them) were very busy with the knitting needles. I'nlike mere.Mnan the ladies are capable of doing two things .at once—making socks and speeches.

Ladies visiting Stratford are all invited to look through C. K. .Tames' stock of hand-bass. They range from 3/fi to fJS/-. Watch his windows as they and Ins shop are bristling with new goods from now on, and every article is suitable for a seasonable present.—Advt.