STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(i'rom Our Own Correspondent-) J All communication!:, letters, etc., left with Mr. 11. .1. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] FAREWELLING REINFORCEMENTS. Stratford, May i. There was an excellent attendance of the public at the post "office to farewell the 41st Reinforcements leaving this morning for camp, those entraining l>euig: A. Goodwin (Midhirst), E. ,1. Williams, O. J. Walsh, B. M. YVilson, T. W. White, W. J. Sharrock, L. A. Sclmlt/,, W. L. Stock.!, S. Reynolds, F. A. Rich, H. H. Bennett, D. Morrison, W. J. Harrison and F. C. Elgar. The Mayor, in his address, said that never before bad a draft been so urgently needed. Fighting was on a colossal scale, and all were proud of the way our men were doing their duty. All men worthy of the name must be anxious to take part in the struggle. He concluded by wishing the 41sts all the best luck possible in their future work. Chaplain-Captain C. Howard said the draft on the bank of national life was running low, and the longer the struggle lasted the longer would the fibre of the nation be tested. He wished the men God-speed, and the best prayers of the community would be with them. The Town Band played several selections, which were enjoyed by all present. Cheers, on the call of" the Mayor, were given for the soldiers, as the train steamed away. WANTED—A BRIDGE. Some months ago a deputation of rate-, payers in the vicinity of Cordelia Street waited upon the council, and desired a bridge across the Patea river. The council considered the quetsion, but Ariel Street was suggested as a more suitable locality. The engineer prepared estimates for the two localities—Ariel £7f>, Cordelia £220. At Monday's meeting the question was reviewed in discussing the estimates, the Mayor moving, "That Ariel Street be bridged." Cr. Thompson moved an amendment. "That Cordelia Street be the site, and that the engineer prepare plans for next meeting." The speaker said there was a resolution on the council's books approving oi Cordelia Street, and this had not been rescinded. Although there would be some difference in the cost, he believed Cordelia Street site would be more suitable.

C'rs. Hunter, Jackson and Lawson favored Cordelia Street, the latter reminding tiie council that this was the site favored by the deputation. On the matter of finance C'rs. Masters and Malone thought Ariel Street would meet the requirements. The Mayor pointed out that the railway crossing would be avoided by adopting the Ariel Street site. After a little further discussion Cr. Thompson's amendment ws\s carried— Crs. Thompson, .Jackson, Lawson, Hunter and Walsh for, and the Mayor and Ci's. Masters, Malone and Macdonald against. • GENERAL. The director of the Technical College, Mr. A. Gray, received a very attentive hearing at the householders' meeting held here on Monday. In speaking on the proposed continuation classes, he said there were some parents who imagined that a boy's education was completed when he passed standard VI, but in reality it was only beginning. The classes — two evenings or afternoons—were in working order at New Plymouth, Hawera and Eltham. There might be some objection to girls going out at night, but he thought employers might see their way clear to allow their girls off in the afternoon. The classes would be of great value to the girls, as they would be instructed in domestic work, etc. Regarding the boys, the success of the classes would depend on the co-operation of the parents. After answering a few questions, a motion by Messrs -I. W. Boon and F. .1. McDonald, instructing the new committee to favorably consider the question of introducing continuation classes, was carried. The secretary of the Red Triangle Appeal announces the final figures at £IOOO 3s 4.Jd. A cohtrast.—The Cardiff factory, one of the oldest in Taranaki, erected its building for £204, but the cost of the new building will be £6OOO. Captain J. B. Hine, M.P., has been successful in again passing the Medical Board, and will go into camp again on the 20th instant. The appearance ef so many ladies in town to-day indicated that something was moving, and so it was —a municipal contest. Mr. 11. H. Cameron had a wellorganised committee at his back, but the other two candidates—C. D. Sole and T. Richardson —beyond the efforts of a few persona! friends, had no "barrackers." The polling was very steady throughout the day. The result was announced very promptly by the town clerk, Mr. Skoglund, as follows: R. H. Cameron 515, T. Richardson 138, C. D. Sole 83. Private G. T. Fookes, New Plymouth, brother of Mr. T. C. Fookes, is in hospital, suffering ffom gunshot wounds in the chest received whilst fighting in France. The wounded man is no stranger to gunfire, as he was in the South African campaign, and was wounded at the battle of Bothasberg.

The long winter evenings are to hand. So those who find time tedious will be pleased to learn that Mr. C. E. James has just opened up some fine winter pastimes—games that will instruct the child and interest the parent. Those who enjoy a good book can obtain great variety here, whilst if in search of a holiday, wedding, or christening gift, you will certainly find same amongst the many thousands of articles on sale at C. E. James's warehouse.—Advt.