STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.J Stratford, Dec. .Some ol" tlic unfortunate soldiers invalided homo by the last ooiit arc due to arrive here to-night. .Severn! soldiers on final leave will also reach 'Stratford by train. In the absence of the Mayor, Cr. J. Masters will welcome the returned men to Stratford. The police have had a quiet period so far, and the few cases that have been brought before the justices were generally offenders from other parts. With the warm weather prevailing there are not a few who cast longing eyes to snow-topped Egmont. Some go further, and are making their annual pilgrimage to the pride of Taranaki. Others would like To go. but farming pursuits make this impossible, as just now the man on the land is extremely busr. The Stratford bowlers have returned, and, although unable to get into the firtV als, report spending many pleasant hours in Wanganui. The greens in the southern town were keen, which in this instance is another way of saying that the surface of some rinks was destitute of gTass.

Bii:-i?T*—here during December has been verv good, in several instances being ahead of expectations. Farmers appear to liave the cash hapdy. Some nf the cheese companies have advanced suppliers Is per lb, but pending the Government pay-out a lot of cash i= being held up. -Stratford, .Tanuarv I. The first day nf the year opened disastrously for Stratford. Early this morning rain set in, and it was a sorry and disgruntled crowd that railed and motored into town. The races wore postponed, and then it. was a case nf packing up and leaving, and the trains ;uid cars again reduced the streets to something like normal. It was unfortunate n postpoiu'inunt was decided upon as the weather improved at noon, but it is hoped there will be better luck tomorrow (Wednesday). King's Cinema Theatre held an interested and delighted crowd of screen admirers la-t evening, the takings being stated at over which gives some idea of the holding capacity of the building. All tlie films were shown to the "est advantage, whilst the music was excellent and far ahead of the. average for tli>~ ciass of amusement. Prior to the opening, the Town Hand, mustering 21 players, played four selections on the balcony, the items being much appreciated l>v the public and promoters. The proceeds go to the Wounded Soldiers Fund. Tn-night the Band benefit is being held at the Town Hall, and should draw a largo audience. Several Wanganui artistes arc assisting. BOWLIXO. Oiving to the Stratford races being postponed, the bowling match between flawera and Stratford, at Hawera tomorrow, has been postponed.

The business done in Stratum; during Giliri=tmas week was quite up to expecta- | ions. There was a good run on the iewollery store of Mr. C. E. ,Tnme?, and this w.i? not surprising, seeing the great variety and excellent value he was offering. It is some years since Mr. James opened business here, and his thorough study of tlie district's requirements is perhaps tlie secret of liis success—plus good value in every article.*

Pecember, 1917. will soon be only a memory. There is. however, an opportunity still to take advantage of the areat range of artistic jewellerv, brooches, and bangles, that Mr. Ben.' •T Peters, jeweller, liaa for sale. Those in search of seasonable gifts can find their wants satisfied by visiting his premises.'-