STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) j [All communications, letters, etc., left with ! Mr H. J. Uopklaf, bookseller, will receive prompt attenUun.] Stratfrod, July .6 SOLDIERS NIGHT. Considerable interest was taken in the "Soldiers' Night" tendered to soldiers, their parents, and wives, at the Town Hall last niglit. The stage arrangements showed great taste and ingenuity, the stage presenting a very pretty appearance. Occasion was taken of this opportunity to farewell Captain W. R Foley, Lieutenant R. Woods, and Nurse Cameron. The Mayor presided, whilst several prominent citizens were on the stage. In addressing the meeting, Mr. M'Millan stated that he was pleased to welcome the mothers there, and they were to be commended for the spirit they showed under trying circumstances. He also desired to welcome Nurse Cameron, who had seen a lot of service. Mr. Wilkinson, member for Egmont, paid a high tribute to the men who had left from the Stratford district. He j also aulogised the work of Captain J. B. Hine, the member for Stratford, in the Palestine campaign. Referring to Parliament, he mentioned that the Hon. WCarncross had lost one soil, and Messrs. Okey and Jennings had each lost two sons, while Mr. G. V. Pearce, the inemuen for Patea, had his only son at the front. The Dominion, he thought, had done remarkably well in sending away close on 100,000 men. It was a Tecord they were all proud of. The New Zealanders, he said, had shown that they were the equal of the finest fighting men. He believed the end would come soon. Regarding men going to the front, many were now being called up who held big responsibilities, and were going to fight) for Ss a day. He thought mercantile firms and landowners might be prepared to meet the situation and make up the pay, so that the men leaving would receive pay equal to pre-enlistment. The Mayor then presented Captain W. R. j?oley and Lieutenant R. Woods with mementoes of the occasion, and also a tiki (in a gold centre) to Nurse Cameron.

Messrs Burgess (Mayor of New Plymouth) and Crump (Mayor of Eltham) both delivered brief addresses, congratulating Stratford on the work accomplished by the soldiers and nurses, and the need for all to continue doing all they could to assist in every possible way, no matter how small it may appear.

Captain Foley, in thanking the Mayor for his generous remarks and presentations, paid a tribute to the nurses, to whom many soldiers owed their lives, and the soldiers all took off their hats to them. Lieutenant R. Woods also acknowledged the presentation, the kind remarks of the Mayor, and the hospitality of the public-

The Mayor then unveiled the first section of the Roll of Honor, all standing whilst Bugler Wm. Power sounded the '•Last Post."

Very acceptable vocal items were contributed by Mrs. Hollands, Air. G. TWalters, and Mr. Tom Ranford. The accompaniments were played by Miss S. Fitzgerald. Extras were played by Miss Fitzgerald, Mrs. V. Crawshaw, and Mr. J. H. Thompson. For those who did not care for dancing, a cuclire tournament was decided, the winners being Mrs. S. Spence and Mr. Kidd- Mention should be made of the assistance rendered by the Stratford To\vn Band, under Conductor Spurdle, the selections and marches being the subject of very favorable comemnt.

TOKO'S FAREWELL. Despite counter-attractions, there was an excellent attendance of dancers and others at the farewell social tendered Privates I W Pratt, J. Jacobs, and W. L. Stocks. The latter soldier was unable to be present. During the evening the chairman of the Toko Patriotic Committee presented Private Pratt with a wristlet watch and Private Jacobs with a shaving outfit, at the same time expressing the hope that the men would be fortunate enough to have a safe pas- J sage over and return once again after having done their duty. He also un- J veiled the very fine Roll of Honor which I has been set up in the hall and giveU very complete details of the men who have gone from the Toko district. The | social proved most successful, the vocal items of Mrs. MT/aren and Mr. Tom Ranford eliciting unstinted applause, while the comedy element was in Mr. Frank Ranford's hands, and there were no dull moments whilst he occupied the footlights. Mrs. Bianchi presided at the piano for the dance, the floor being in excellent order, whilst Messrs J. Kilpatrick and M. Chainey were ideal M-'sC. Extras were contributed by MrsTuclc and Mr. M. Curreen. The Toko Settlers' Association intends holding its annual social shortly, when trophies won in the fields' competition will be presented, and the committee intend to make the functioa quite up to last year's standard. LOWGARTH FAREWELf.'. I iFriends and others mustered strongly I at the Lowgarth Factory Hall on Wednesday evening to farewell Private Douglas Gray, up on final leave. In making a presentation of a wristlet watch, Mr. Kenny, chairman of the committee, stated that the recipient had one brother at the front, and one had since returned invalided. He wished him the heßt of luck and a safe return. Mr. C. H. Fox contributed the song "When It Strikes Home," which was well received. He also ably presided at the piano for the dance that followed. Mr. Meharry was a capable M.C., whilst the secretary (Mr. F. Luke) and his committee are to he commended for the complete attention given to details, thus assuring a very pleasant evening to all. The long winter nights are now with us. Pass the long evenings pleasantly by the fireside with cards and games procurable from Mr. C. E. James. Here you can buy pipes, cigarettes and cigars for father, many useful lines for mowhilst the bangles, brooches, etc.. Just the thing for the eldest girL R#ading suiter for the student and also thfie who enjoy light reading, at tt B. Annea' Jewellery Warehouse.