STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Out Own Correspondent.); [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention ] Stratford, March 25.' Although there was no appearance of bustling and only a little mild "barrack" it must he said that the results of the Red Triangle appeal here on Saturday appear, to he very satisfactory. Up to the present the lion, secretary, .Mr. T. Harry Penn, has hanked £550, whilst promises are expected to bring the aggregate to £SOO, certainly a very creditable figure, and coming so soon after the Gift Auction Sale speaks well for the generosity of the town and district. A special meeting of the Borough Council will be held to-night to consider the suggested road improvements, particularly in Broadway. The report of the flawera engineer, Mr. Sturrock, is a very comprehensive one, running into 20 pages of typewritten matter, and should afford all information on the advisability or otherwise of concrete and tar-sealed macadam. The expenses connected with the Gift Auction Sale, in which £2500 was raised for the Wounded Soldiers Fund, worked out at 1 per cent- of the receipts. This statement was made by Mr. W- P. Kirkwood at the meeting held on Saturday, and indicates that all concerned in the effort were intent on making the most of things for the soldiers. The organising created a tremendous amount of work on the officials, who naturally are pleased at the results. They are deserving of the best thanks of the community for the success achieved.

The town has been conspicuous lately for the number of men in khaki, consequent on members of the various reinforcements now in camp securing their Easter leave. Now that the member for Stratford !ias returned, his supporters are losing no time in giving him a welcome home, as I understand that next week lie is to be tendered a social in the Toko Hall. All Toko will be there, and as many Stratford people as can gain admissionPolitics for the time being are dropped, and one and all are ready and eager to extend the glad hand of friendship to Mr. Hine.

It is not so long back that a car proceeding down Fenton Street had a dispute v/itk a railway engine. Neither, apparently, was to blame, although the car naturally suffered from the contact. On Saturday another collision occurred, this timo in Pegan Street, where a ear driven by Mr. G. Smith, and. containing Mrs. Smith and Mr. and lira. C. Martin, camo into collision with an engine at 7 15. In this instance there were two engines on the lilies, and seeing one pass, and believing the line clear, Smith endeavored to cross and found his passage blocked by the second engine. The cowcatcher caught the ear and gave the passengers a ''nervy'' ride of 30 yards before pulling up. The occupants were uninjured, but Mrs. Martin was considerably upset by the shock. It was a thoughtful action of the Ladies' Patriotic Committee that prompted them to despatch vegetables So the hospital on Saturday, for which the matron expresses her thanks, which are also due to Mr. Fredcrb for fruit forwarded to the institution.

Easter is close at hand, and one wonders what to get for suitable gifts. Tnere is no noad to worry. You can present your soldier with the Ucan haircutter, the young lady with a bangle or wr'stiet watch, the maid with a book, snd the student with a fountain pen. Tin fretful child will fret no more wit.li 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 ciiiars from C. ]i. Jc.mes, the man for the multitude.*