STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent) [All communicatio..s, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] Stratford, May 23. Arrangements are now very complete for the grand concert being organised under the auspices of the A. and P. Association, to be held in the Town Hall next Thursday. The performers include the Rev. Papapakura, whose singing here on previous occasions lias left pleasant recollections. Mrs. M'Laren will be heard in a 'budget of new songs, and Mrs. Massey should also be heard to great advantage in her items. Miss Rona Kino (Wanganui) comes with a fine reputation for musical ability, whilst Miss Sangster is ever welcome ou any Stratford platform. Much interest will bo centred on Mr. Peter Edie, whose elocutionary work should prove particularly pleasing to the audience. Mr. F Silver will also be making his initial bow, and his ragtime melodies should become very papular. Mr. Robson will contribute violin solos that will certainly prove very acceptable and add variety to a wellbalanced programmme, which will also include items from Mis 9 Edwards' (Hawera) dancing pupils, duets by Messrs G- S. Walters and Tom Raniord, and whimsicalties by Mr. Frank Ranford. A dance follows. Mr. C. H. Fox is accompanist, and will also provide the dance husic. The prices fixed are: Gents 2s Cd and ladies Is 6d, and as these include admission to concert and dance, with refreshments, patrons are getting good value for their money. Any surplus after meeting expenses will be placed to a fund towards improving the show grounds. Regarding the correspondence in the Daily News, stating that the .Stratford lure Brigade had broken records in jihe matter of turning on water, '"Your Own" drew the attention of Captain Grubb to the letter. He said that exactly 1% minutes was the time from the alarm being given till the water was thrown on the Municipal Buildings. He admits that this was for the first showing of water, but did not take the time for the four leads. He also states that the firemen were prepared for the alarm, so probably gained a few valuable seconds in not having to dress. Given this in, the time was very good and shows that the brigade has reached a high standard of efficiency, which is to be hoped will ■ continue.

In common with northern and central Taranaki, last night and this morning has been vile as far as the weather goes. Thunder, lightning, driving gales, and penetrating rains have made outdoor work anything but a pleasure, but below •Vgaere the weather appears to have been much milder. The borough electrical engineer (Mr. Hollands) was anxious a few days ago at the low state of the Patea river. Sow it is extremely high, but owing to its discoloration he cannot utilise much till it clears a lot of the sediment. Word was received that another slip near the tunnnel prevented the Whangamomona train leaving there this morning. It was anticipated that the slip would have been cleared within two hours, but it is problematical whether the train will be able to get through to-morrow. A train will probably be despatched from Stratford to run as far as Pohokura to-day. Owing to the w<!t weather to-day, and to allow of thoroughly disinfecting the schools, scholars were granted holidays that will relievo them from attending till June 10,

T. LAMASOX'S WEEKLY REPORT. My usual sale of poultry, produce, anS snndr.es was held last Saturday. Good liens and pullets are selling well. I quote as follows: —Hens Is 3d to 2s, pullets 3s to 4s 9d, ducks 2s to 3 9 Cd, cockerels Is 6d to 3s each. Potatoes )2s to 14s sack (locals); onions iy a d per lb; apples 3s fid to 7s Od; pears 4s to 4s 9d; oranges G to S for Is; caibbage 2s to 3s dozen; caulibowers 2s to 3s dozen. T. Lamason's usual Saturday sale is advertised for Saturday; also his a line of rugs for disposal The long winter evenings are to handSo 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 ehild and interest the parent. Those who enjoy a good book can obtain great variety here, whilst if in search of a noliday, wedding, or christening gift, you will certainly find same amongst the many thousands of articles on sale at 0. E. James's warehouse. —Ad-4.