STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent) [All communications, letters, etc., left tritb Mr. 11. J. liunlitiut, fcuoi.ae:ier, uill reccitc uronii* uuuiition J Stratford, March 27. CAPTAIN HiistJ VViiiX'OMED. All tftralford appeared to turn out last evening to honor the return of T.'ap-. tain J. B. Hine, Ml'., who is up for four weeks' leave; It iij a long period since he perfcrred the trenches to the Parliamentary benches, and, although he was laid aside for some time through being wounded, lie still prefers the trenches—at least he hopes to return to the front and he with his men to the finish- On arrival ho was greeted with cheers, audi when these had died down, the Mayor, on behalf of the townspeople, expressed the pleasure it gave in honoring and welcoming home-Captain Hine, who had returned with a line record of having done his duty. He contrasted the action of their member with that of another member who had refused to go to the front unless his constituents deprived him of his seat in Parliament The Mayor trusted that their member's health would steadily improve, and that in due eoures he would be able to continue hi* duties in Parliament, lie also referred to the able manner in which Mrs. Hine had assisted to carry out her husband's political work. Un the Mayer's call cheers were given .jv Captain and Mrs. Hine.

Captain Hine returned thanks to the Mayor for his kindly remarks regarding himself and Mrs Hine. He was pleased to say that his health had been quite restored, but he had no desire to desert his men in the trenches, and hoped that at the end of four weeks' leave he would be able to go back and finally bring home the boys, and then take up his Parliamentary duties as in pre-war days.

\ GENERAL. The Raetihi Fire Fund is moving Ahead, the latest contribution,; to hand bringing- the total to £3O. I As a result of the, Stratford Dairy Company's concert last week it is expected that about £'..Q will be available for the Red Triangle Fund, a result very pleasing to the promoters. Farewell scrvii es to the Rev. F Bridg:nali, .Midhirst. attracted hrge congregations on Sunday The morning service was taken by tha Rev. Bridgman. a:;d that in the evening by the Rev. T. V.. Tinsley. On Monday evening the Midhirst hall was crowded with an interested congregation, who thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided, visitors bein? present from KHham and Tariki. The departing Minister and his wife have been stationed in Midhirst for a few years, and during their stay have ever done their utmost .on behalf of their church, and the good work was recognised by the many kindly and feeling remarks m.ulc by the speakers during the evening. Something tangible in the way of a monetary gift was alr.o made. Being harvest festival tune there was a quantity of farm produce on exhibition, and before the evening Air. T. I. Lamason, auctioneer, who was in good voice, cleared the lot, the proceeds going to the church funds Several choir items, solos, etc., made the evening pass very pleasantly, those ass'sting in that direction being Mcsdames Hridgman and Hatcher. Misses Clements and Taylor, Me-srs B. Turner and W. SpiiiW, whilst a quartette by Mc.-dames l.acev and Bennett and Messrs Bennett and Smith was one of the items of the programme. Those oi our boys from file front who are now residing in this district are proving themselves very much alive. 'Hnving formed a branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association, they certainly do not intend to let the social side ilron. At Midhirst last night the hall was well filled with men back from the front and friends, who found th.it the hall was in splendid order for the dance, for which Mr. Harris acted as M.C., the music supplied by Mrs. Bianchi being all that could be desired. Mr. A. Jury's two songs were well revived. A bountiful supper was provided by the ladies, who are deserving of the thanks of ,al! for their generous assistance in this direction.

Easter is close at hand, ami one wonders what to get for suitable gifts. Tiiere is no nec-d to woivy. You'can present your soldier with the Ucan hairwitter, the young lady with a bangle or wristlet watch, the maid with a book, and the student with a fountain pen. The fretful child will fret no more with a toy, and tired mother will bo pleased v.itli some of the Doulton ware, ami lather will forget to growl if you purchase tobacco, pipes, or cigars from C. E. James, the man for tho multitude.*