STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). LETTING OF TOWN HALL. Stratford, Fob. 6. Following up the attitude of the Mayor (Mr. J- W. McMillan) in declining the u»e of the town hall to the Protestant Political Association, a circular letter addressed to his Worship is hcing taken round for signatures, protesting against his action and requesting the withdrawal of the embargo placed upon the use of the town hall and that he give permission for the lecture to \>c held there. Interviewed this morning, the Mayor said the council had discussed the matter and had declined to allow the use of the town ball to the Rev. Howard Elliott. 'Since then the position of MrElliott had not changed, and he (the Mayor) saw no reason why they should rescind that resolution. He had no knowledge of the meeting till he saw it advertised; and he then acted accordingly. He could uot sec his way to alter the council's resolution, and had no desire to do so. Cr. J. 11. Thompson will probably preside at the meeting this evening. FAREWELLtNG SOLDIERS

There was again a large attendance of tlie public and friends to farewell the men leaving for camp this morning. Prior to embarking on the express train the Mayor and Rev. C. Howard (the latter in bis khaki uniform) briefly addressed tlie men, who were also presented with hold-alls by the Ladies' Patriotic Committee. Owing to the absence from town of two cornet players the Town Band was unable to take part in the farewell, which, consequently, was very quiet, cheers being given as the train sfea.med nut. Those proceeding to camp were: L. H. Cnsky, N. u. Dov.nca. i' 1 . IT. Gall, n". 11. Linn. D. Mci". Smith. T. H. S Wilson. R. Well*. C Staee (Uunterville), and L. MarMlGENERAL. In a certain Taranaki town one of tlie representative*, on the patriotic stated that in his part of tlie district donations would be limited, as grwit umbrage was taken by a number of his people at the shabby treatment meted out to a returned soldier. When the details of the case were elicUed and the man's name disclosed, it appeared that the alleged returned man had been in camp, but had never been out of New Zealand. He caused the Defence authorities a good deal of trouble, and at the time he was telling doleful tales of his treatment by the patriotic organisation he was wanted i n charges of vagrancy. This is jusi another ease warning the public to make careful inquiries from the proper quarter before acting on stories conceived to deceive. There was nothing in the nature of heavy booking for the north train this morning, but the motor traffic for a couple of hours was decidedly brisk conveying patrons to the New Plymouth racws. The police arrested a man named Edward George Hansen at Cardiff this morning on a charge of failing to report to the Medical Hoard. He was taken to Hawern and handed over to the military authorities. A lengthy sitting is expected to-mor-row at the trial here of John Kenjnmin Clark, remanded from last week in connection with the Broadway fire on the Hth inst. There are many Stratford identities who will be interested to learn that a cottage on the Mountain roan, just beyond Flint road, is being demolished for the iron and timber it contains. The bii'lding, however, is historic for the reason that it was probably one of the first, if indeed not the first, hotel constructed in the province. Although standing the winds and rains of Egmont for so many years the house was good enough to afford habitation to tenants. It is also stated that when, several years back, there vas a danger of prohibition being carried in Stratford this house and section were acquired as being .just outside the electoral boundaries, and thus suitable for a hostelry The vote of the neoplc did not go in the direction anticipated and the dream of tl*> hotel there again did not materialise. During February visitors to Stratford "re advised to keep a watch on the many excellent lines of jewellery, stationery etc.. being offered by Mr. C E. James' It is surprising the sterling value being given in the many lines he is offering. Ladies' handbags are selling freely, satisfied customers realiisng that here they obtained the very best at lowest prices. Just step inside and note the grand bargains.