STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent), JAM communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. If. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] ( Stratford, .lan. 12. The following were present at tlic meeting held in the Municipal Chambers tins afternoon in connection with the proposed gift auction sale in connection witli the Wounded Soldiers Fund: Messrs \V. P. Kirk wood (chairman), V. Nolan, •J. 1!. Richards, W. H. H. Young, K. Cotcier. M. Gernhoefer, W. Gray. S. Pitt, D. J. Malono, A. Boeock, E. Marfeft, A 7. Smith, and the joint secretaries (Messrs 1!. I'. (.'rant and W. .T. Crawshaw). Apologies were received from the Mayor (.Mr. J. W. McMillan) and Messrs" J. f.ncena and >S. Brewer. The meeting was most enthusiastic, the delegates being fully alive to the importance of the undertaking—the necessity to build up a good fund on behalf of the m?n returning from the front. The whole of the district has been mapped out and canvassers for stock have already secured generous promises. Canvassers will meet at Stratford on the IHtli in't., when lists will be opened and m active start made. As amounts or promises come to hand they are to be published in the press. It. was resolved Ihat. (lie gift auction be held in Stratford on Saturday, February 23. the question as to which of the yards the stock was to be sold in being left in the hands of the auctioneers. GENERAL To day Your Own had a look at the trophies and mementoes sent from the ircnt l>y Lieut. ''Bob'' Wood. Among them is a repeating revolver which /ires IS bullets as fast as the finger can press the trigger. The dagger, too, was ugly, sharp, and of the best steel. In contrast tc the weapons, which were of the best material, were some watches and chains. It should be remembered that all were taken from an officer of rank captured by Lieut. Wood and party. The watches were of the cheapc-st description, whilst one chain was of brass, heavy a fid strong enough to chain a bull-dog, and a second was of white metal and worth about 4d. The decorations secured were two colors, denoting the wearer as having won the Iron Cross. There are other emblems beyond the comprehension of the colonial. French, Italian, and German coins are included (the two jformer in copper and the latter in white metal), also a cap with a small peak- to denote rank. Mr. G. N. Curtis presided at the Domain Board meeting held yesterday, others present being Messrs W. P. Kirk-v.-ood, Percy Thomson, R. McK. Morison, and T. H. Pcnn. The attention of the police is to be directed to the disfigurement of the notice boards, and the caretaker instructed to repair =ame. It was «I«o decided to widen the crossing over the Pa tea river and to erect a turnstile opposite the bridge. Major E. P. Oox, Hawcra. has notified the Mayor that the omission to advise him as tn returned wounded soldiers arriving at. Stratford was due to the negligence of a member of the Defence stall' here, and lie expressed regret that, sueh an omission occurred. IP' added 11int the Defence Authorities in Wellington sent telegraphic advice of the despatch of this and the Mavor should i:;-.vi- been advised some days before the man's arrival.—Comment is superfluous. There are many readers of these lines wh'- will he pleased to hear that. Mr. W. l.ever.-cdae. for the past four years ranagcv of the Bunk of New South Wales here, has been appointed to a similar position in Timaru. In a quiet, nnas;uiuiiin way, Mr. Ltvcrsedge lias worked up a larg.' connection for his bank, whilst, apart from his professional work, he has ever been ready to lielp others along. The good wishes of all Stratford will go with Mr. Lcversedge in his new duties. His successor. Mr. 'Pennant, comes from the Dunediu office. Included in the police charges to heard ne)ft Friday is one of ill-treating two sheep by hitting them over the. head with a stick. This charge may culminate in a civil action. Mr. F. G. Hartley, manager of tlie National Bank, is at present en "route to Dunedin on a holiday. Durinsr his absence Mr. Ashley Skinner will carry out his duties.

II is very frequently a perplexing duty in trying to discover just what would please him for a birthday gift. Don't trouble any longer, but just hasten to C. K. .Tamos' warehouse, and if he prefers a pipe you Will find the best varieties Here, ditto smokes. If he likes literature choice reading will be found on the shelves. If in need of military brushc.-, the shop for the purchase is C. E. James', and don't forget it.* December, 1917, will soon be only a memory. There is. however, an opportunity still to take advantage of the «reat range of artistic jewellery, brooches, and bangles, that Mr. Een. •I. Peters, jeweller, has for sale. Those in search of seasonable gifts can find their wants satisfied by visiting his I premises.*