STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent) | [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive liromiit attention.] \ Stratford, March 1 •>. The returned soldicro intend organising a concert and dunce it! aid of the funds of the Aotea Convalescent Home, Cairo, in the Town Hull during April. The men who have been in Cairo speak highly of the work accomplished by the Aotea Home stair, and desire to show their appreciation. They are being backed up in this desire by the mothers and sisters. The former are going to attend to the refreshments, and the latter will do their best to make the social enjoyable. Later on in the month the Women's National Reserve will undertake a sale of work in the Patriotic Tea Rooms, and also Dr. Paget's shop, if available. Those leaving for the C'l camp this morning from Stratford were: G. C. Knox, \V. li. Jones, A. H. O'Leary, P. G. Wright, and R. W. Ford (Auckland). The attendance of the public was very good. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) was present, and bade each man a personal au revoir, while the Ladies' Patriotic Committee presented hold-alls. Cheers were given for the young recruits. The police arrested a First Division mail at Tariki yesterday for breech of the Military Service Act. The offender, Campbell, is a married man, and was taken to Hawera and handed over to the military authorities.

A good deal of interest was taken in a five-man disabled event run by members of the Stratford Fire Brigade last evening. The competition was run under novel conditions. Three teams were engaged, but until reaching the starting point no member knew which team he belonged to, and then they were allowed three minutes to arrange positions. Foreman Rawson's team won in the good time of lmin 30sec, his assistants being Firemen B. Burgess, Bayly, W. Brocklebank and .1, Henrv.

Mi-. T. Harry Penn, secretary of the Hospital Board, produced statement at the meeting yesterday, showing receipts for the year totalled .t-11-l-t, against £3221 for the previous year— £OOO batter. The local bodies contributed £3OO, and subsidies showed a similar increass. Expenditure also showed an increase during the same year, the figure.i being £3323, about £3OO over last returns. The Bird Road School picnic was held this year in the lovely bush of Mr. J. Kennedy and the gardens of Mr. J. Raker. The day was an idea! one for an outuig, and the Patea River was made a swimming pool by many. Later on in the day racing for youngsters and adults filled in the hours, all present voting the picnic one of the best held. The thanks of the committee, teachers and children are due to Messrs. Kennedy and Baker for allowing the use of their grounds. A sitting of the S.M. Court will be held on Friday afternoon. For breaches of the Licensing A?l three publics r.s will be prosecuted. Mr. W. 11. I-laselden, S.M., will occupy the bench, proceedings opening at 2.15 p.m. The court sittings in April and thence onwards will be at 10 30 a.m.

At the War Relief Association meeting to-day Mr. Ivirkwood, chairman, extended a hearty wclcomo to Mr. Washer, the Farmers' Union delegate, who succeeds Mr. 11. Dunn, resigned. Mr. Washer suitably acknowledged the chairman's reuuivks.

The dry spell is beginning to become apparent. The recent winds have lifted much good metal from the roadway, and railway travelling is far from pleasant through the accompanying dust. farmers are finding their water supply very low, a condition also prevailing in the Patea River. '

Next Saturday the County Council holds its usual monthly meeting.

Easter is close at hand, and one wonders what to get for suitable gifts, 'fiiere is nc need to worry. You can present your soldier with the Ucan haircutter, the young lady with a bajigle or wristlet watch, the maid with a-< ; book, and the student with a fountain pen. The fretful child will fret 110 more with a toy, and tired mother will be pleased with some of the Doulton ware, and father will forget to growl if you purchase tobacco, pipes, or cigars from C. E, J.uecs, the mail for the multitude.*