STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

A BLAZE IN BROADWAY. Stratford, Jan. 14. A liltlu after 11 o'clock on Saturday night an alarm of lire was given, the scene being premises owned by Mr A. H. Herbert, leased to Dixon and Co., 11aweru, and temporarily occupied by travelling auctioneers The lire had 'a good grip when discovered, but the brigade, controlled by Captain Grubb, soon mastered the outbreak, four leads of hose speedily minimising the danger of a serious conflagration. Happily, the breeze was light and the waten pressure good. The whole of the auctioneers' stock was destroyed, whereon, it is said, there was no insurance. Mr. Herbert's drapery business was in danger for some time, and one portion bears visible signs of fire in broken windows, charred woodwork, etc., whilst he must be a fairly heavy loser through having stock damaged by fire, smoke, and water. The premises of Mr. S. J. Cuff, pork butcher. :ilso sniftered some damage by fire and water, but his business was open for trade as usual to-day. The good work of the fire brigade was speedily recognised by the large crowd attracted by the fire alarm, and practical sympathy was shown by the following donation* to the brigade's funds: J. Morey £5 ss, Rawles and Rawles .Co ss, A. Manor £5 ss, P. J. Cuff £2 2s. There was 'a trifling delayin coupling up with the plug, owing to the accumulation of silt, but apart from this the brigade's work was very commendable. The building in which the fir; 1 originated wns completely gutted, and this, with the premises occupied by Air. Herbert, carry an insurance of £-250. Mr. Clarke, who was in the building at the time of the outbreak, had an anxious experience, as he was hemmed in by the flames, which were accelerated b'v an "xplosion that set up a big blaze on the footpath. GENERAL. ! - Dunns the Septemher-Deconibci quarter the sittings of the S.M. Court here totalled 17, 07 civil summonses being issued, whilst 35 criminal charges were heard. The total amount sued for was CI4OO, and amount recovered CSOO. Thirteen judgment'summonses and 0 distress warrants were issued during the same period, and 21 old age pensions and 1 widow's pension was granted. On Wednesday next another batch of men are leaving for camp, namelv: P. Rndgeman, W. E. Jones. W. E. Lucas, R Marsdor. E. J. Perrolt. -T. S. Watson, C P. Wicksteed, and 0. 0 Phillips. The .'ppin.r.>WToT (Mr .7. Masters) and Rev. R. Tinsley will address the men in front of the post office prior to leaving. Something moiv than a shower Ml vestcrdar, and while it lasted the water tables were quit: inadequate to cope with the downfall, which seemed to be confined to Stratford and vicinity, as a few miles outside the town there was no rain falling. It is very frequently a perplexing duty in trying to discover jn-4 what would plea*p him for a birthdav gift. Don't trouble any longer, but just hasten to 0. K.'.lnm.'s' warehouse, and if In- prefers a flip? you will find rhe best varieties '■ere. ditto smoke?. If be likes literature choice reading will be found on the -helves. If in need of military brushes, Hie shop for the purchase is C. K. .lames', and lon't ferret it.' December. 1017. will soon he only a memory. There is. however, an opportunity still to take advantage of the «reat range of artistic jewellery, brooches, and bangles, that Mr. Ren. •T. Peters, jeweller, has for sale. Those in search of seasonable gifts can find their wants satisfied by visiting his premises.*