STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left witli Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will .receive prompt.attention.]! FIRE PKEVK^TJO.V. .Stratford, Dec. ID. Some, months back "Your Own" expressed surprise that although Stratford iiad demonstrated in many ways its modern ideals, the people' were i-ery dilatory regarding precautious to prevent fires. True, the town possesses a fire brigade quite capable of holding its own in fire-fighting qualifications," but one can realise what sort of a chance the brigade would have if a fire broke out on the past side of Broadway. Here the premises are mainly of wood, and with i fair start and any breeze blowing no brigade could reasonably be expected to ecpe with an outbreak." A vast amount of business is done in Stratford, its cental position, fed by train and motor traPie, making it one of the most important t»wns in Taranaki: yet, realising tliis, the business people "and ' insur-;tn<-e companies are prepared to allow the town to take all sorts of chances regarding possible outbreaks of fire. The "(own needs a night-watchman, and it is poor policy-on the part of those engaged in business that no one should consider it si'ortli while securing a man to pairol the streets in the hours of darkness. So far all has gone well—and mnv it. continue; but it shows lack of wisdom to take the risk on the score of expense. A few pence per week, supplemented by a donation from the insurance companies, would' secure a man for the position. There are s#ne who argue that Stratford has had fires whilst employing a watchman. That is admitted, 'ant? a look-out man may not be able to prevent an outbreak, but having- him there ensures a better sense of (security to those who have their all sunk in business. There is another aspect that should not lie lost sight of, and that is.the protection of the travelling public. A large number of commercial and other men put up at Stratford, and during show week sleeping .accommodation was at a premium, and they claim our protection. The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. J. B. Richards, i? keen on Stratford's advancement. Perhaps he will not be averse to bringing this matter before his chamber. With the exception of Stratford, all towns of importance in Taranaki employ a watchman, and it is up to Stratford to fall into line, lest a disaster, that might have been minimised, overtake our town. A PRISONER OF WAR. Several months ago I was privileged to publish a letter from Lance-Corporal i"!oy A. Stephens. Hth Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who is a prisoner in Germany, and ha? relatives in Stratford. Naturally his letters are censored, as he says there is really nothing he can tell beyond the fact that he is feol"ng well, and hopes that his brother dim has been exchanged for a German prisoner. He is allowed to write two letters and four cards per month, and considers that not too bad, whilst he gets. 3d a day, and believes he is getting quite rich. His present duties are acling as interpreter, and from the cheery tone of his letter he is far from being downhearted, but hopes that peace is not far off. ST. MARY'S SCHOOL The pupils attending St. Mary's school were presented with prizes this'morning, and "broke up" for the Christmas vacation thi s afternoon. Before the distribution of prizes a service was held in the Anglican church by the vicar, Rev. (J. Howard, and an adjournment was then made to the parish hall, where Mr. H-. H. 11. Young delivered the prizes to the scholars. Successful pupils were: Jessie Alexander, Scripture, English; mathematics, literature, drawing, science, history, geography, attendance; Isabel Alexander, Scripture, English mathematics, literature, science, and attendance; Marjorie Besley, English, mathematics, literature, and Latin; Muriel Young, French, Scripture, literature, history, and geography; Gladys Death, French; Kitty Grant. English, science! ™d attendance; Mina Alexander, writing; Alan Budge, Scripture; Helen Abraham. Scripture, reading, dictation; Pat. Abraham, Scripture, and reading; Mary Fookes, Scripture, reading and writing'; Nola Mounsey, Scripture and French; Alice Webster, Scripture, English literature, science, history, geography, French and attendance; Audrey Nolan, geo. graphy, Scripture, and reading; Muriel Rogers, arithmetic; Tom Stronach, geography: Fred Hartley, Scripture, English, arithmetic, drawing, reading; Manu Porritt, literature and drawing. Preparatory, Division I: M. Alexander, writing; A. Budge, Scripture: H. Abraham. Seripture, leading, recitation; P. Young, English, spelling, dictation and writing. E. Ruist, Scripture, reading, writing, English, spelling, dictation, history, and geography. GENERAL, Regret was exprosed in town this morning when it became known that Private Ernest Tichbon, who left with the 24th Reinforcements, had been killed in action. On Saturday a letter was received from him, dated October 1.3. He was then in England and feeling well. His relatives had no idea he was in the trendies in France, and the news of the fatality following so close on the receipt of his cheery letter came as a great blow to his relatives. Deceased was a married man. and leaves a widow and two young children, the youngest under 12 months. For some years Private Tiehbop was farming on the Bird road. Despite the heavy rain falling at Toko on Tuesday the ladies braved the elements and mustered strongly at the residence of Mr. Bain, where presentations were made by the Toko public in appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. Bain serThe Rev. J. D. Madill was the principal speaker and made a very impressive address, during which he touched on the many years Mr. Bain had spent in the district, and regretted, with other numerous friends, that, they were losing one of Toko's best settlers. As a tangible reminder of their appreciation, the presentation took the form of two easy chairs to Mr. and Mrs. Bain, a hand-bag to Miss Bain, and a suit-case to Private Dan. Bain. Mrs. J, B. Hine, wife of our member, also added a few words as to I he assistance given to various works by Mrs. and Miss Bain. Mr. Bain responded on behalf of the recipients, thanking all for their generous gifts, for their kind treatment during the family's stay in Toko and their expressions for the future. The business men of Stratford, at the invitation of the president of the Chamber of .Commerce, assembled in strong numbers to listen to a two-hours' discourse on 'Science in Business," delivered i by Mr. W. Hudson, of Australia. The address, delivered in the Medina Tea'rooms, proved very interesting and in-

struetive to those who availed themselves of the opportunity of being present. The new picture palace in Broadway is rapidly nearing completion, and it can be truthfully said tliat the directors have not been niggardly regarding expense in creating a favorable impression, as the appointments, etc., are very elaborate and a credit to the town. DAYTON AIRLESS TYRE. Motorists iu and around *».rnti'ord have taken a fair amount of interest in the new airless tyre. Those who have taken more than ;: casual glance at the new tyre are convinced that it possesses great commercial possibilities. One of those car-owners who has faith in iiic new tyre is Mr. W. J. Newton, electrical engineer for many years here. So convinced is Mr. Newton of the "wearability" of the tyre, and of the fact that it has come to stay, that he has resigned iiis position on the municipal stall' to take over the agency of the company in South Taranaki, making (Stratford his headquarters. Recently he placed his ear .it tho disposal of "Your Own" to see how the car moved whilst running on the Dayton airless tyres. The route chosen was over borough and county roads, and with the dry season the roads traversed were not ideal by any means. 'Despite this the journey was very pleasant, the ear running freely and with plenty of spring, and in every way appeared to travel as smoothly as one could desire. The tvres are in greatj demand, nnd already Mr. Newton has I>cen booking tip orders for many months ahead. When one considers that there i is to be no loss of time on a journey mending tubes, covers, etc, the value nil the new invention becomes apparent. Full details will be forwarded by applying to Mr. W. J. Newton, agent.—Advt. T. LAMASON'S WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday the usual weekly sale was held, when only a fair entry of poultry came to hand. Quotations are jis follow: Hens Is fld to 3s, ducks 2* Cd to 3s Id. cockerels (small) !)d to Is 4rl, geese to os 3d, gooseberries Cs to 8s per case, new potatoes Us Gd per cwt., plums fis Cd to 7s per case; furniture and sundries at usual auction rates. T. Lamason's usual weekly sale is advertised for Saturday, when he will be selling a quantity of poultry, etc., produce, including Christmas plums, potatoes, furniture, and sundries. There has been a steady demand for the seasonable gifts on sale at C. E. James' jewellery warehouse. The stock nvailablc for selection is easily the best procurable in 'Tararrakj, and patrons from all parts of the province are ptirticipating in the good things. A word to the wise, inspect C. E. James' goods before purchasing elsewhere.'' This is a jewellery Christmas From youth to old age the jeweller furnishes you with love's offerings and mementoes of the brightest,-best, and most honorable events of-our lives. The jewel Vs a gift since time immemorial has been the emblem of the deepest affection. You will be well rewarded by an inspection of the most useful and appropriate season's gifts now displayed at the premises of Ben. .T. Peters, jeweller, Broadway, Stratford. Shop early and at your leisure.* ,: