STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

{From Our Own Correspondent.) . [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr U. J. Hopkins, bookseller; will receive promjit attention.] illDfflßST SOCIAL.; Stratford, Aug. 1. At Midhirst last evening the hall was well filled, the occasion being a dance in aid of the hall funds. Letting the hall at a small figure for patriotic purposes does not improve the finances, whilst windows are unfortunately broken and lamps require attention, so at times the trustees find themselves hard put io keep the balance on the right side. Last night's function was for the purpose, and as an additional attraction a waltzing competition was decided. The judges, Messrs Skoglund, Ashton, and \y. H. H. Young, had no light task, as 12 couples moved off to the fine musie of Miss Anderson (piano) and S. Parker (cornet). With a very good floor, and substantial prizes offering, dancers circled and balanced > with a seriousness that betokened some vital issue at stake. A process of elimination had to bo resorted to, and Six couples were left in the final "flutter," the decision eventually being in favor of a Midhirst couple—Mis. Tidswell and Cookson—who headed the Stratford pair-—Miss Sheahan and R. MoMullraa—by the smallest of margins. The) success of the competition should encourage other?' to follow Midhirst's lead, as it looks as if the ladies of the district) are champions at stepping the light fantastic, and some of the masculine dancers are also experts at the pastime.

(P.P.A. MEETINGS. The Rev. J. Knowles Smith, who has previously spoken in Stratford, is now in South Taranaki and has addressed meetings at Kaponga, Opunakc, and elsewhere. Mr. I. J. Bridge* presided at the Kaponga meeting, where a strong 'membership was formed. Mr. Looney presided at Opunake, and at the conclusion of his address several handed in their names as members of the Protestant Political Association. The llev. Howard Elliott is due to speak, in. Stratford s'hortly. GENERAL.

As a preliminary to tar-macadam roadway in Broadway, a gang of men are now making good progress in laying waterpipes on the western side. If the dust nuisance is abated, or even minimised, it will prove a blessing to pedestrians and business men.

Mesdames Thorpe and Freer will have charge of the tea rooms, and Mrs. S. M. Thompson the shop, at the Ladies' Patriotic Rooms on Saturday. Donations of produce, cakes, and sweets will be very t welcome.

Copper Trail pennies are beginning to stretch out. Tututawa added a few yards yesterday, and to-day Pukengahu scholars added a little more to the length by £l, whilst Mrs. O'Reilly has also handed in 5s for the same cause.

Nineteen births, six deaths, and five mariages were recorded during the month of July.

Hockey has caught on very well at Stratford this winter, and the Aotea (girls') Club has so far had a very flattering record, as, having won the Easter tournament, our girls have never looked backward, and always held the opposition safe. The men have not done <v;:te so well, but have extracted a lot of pleasure as well as hard knocks frum tho game. Last night a meeting was held, both clubs being represented, when it was resolved to hold a dance on the 15th inst. (Particulars will be advertised later.