STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) ■ U" comuiiwicatious, letters, etc., left wltli llr 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.J THANKSGIVING SERVICE. Stratford, October 7. The Town Hall was crowded yesterday afternoon, when a thanksgiving service was lreld to celwbrale tile Allies' victories in Bulgaria and Palestine and tlie good work accomplished on the Western lront. Eloquent addresses were delivered by the Revs. C. W. Howard and B B. Tinsley. The former stated that on the last occasion they met, August 4, they engaged in a solemn intercession at a tune of international crisis, when nobody could tell what lay ahead of them. That was a momentous occasion, and now they were meeting again to give thanks to God for the answer He had made to their prayers. This w£s not ail occasion for any vain boasting. Tliey should return thanks for the great victories, and the fine brotherhood growing up between the Allies and America. Although they had achieved great victories, the end was not yet, but lie thought it was immensely nearer than on August 4. The Rev. Tinsley said they had been fighting hard for four ypars. and had met with many disappointments. In tlie early stages many dark days had been encountered, and the rift in the cloud could not be seen, and they were now gathering to express their thanksgiving. Why, in the dark days, had Germany failed "There's a Divinity that shapes our ends, roughltew them as we will." Regarding the present position, it was with a feelin? of pride we learned that the British had freed the Sacred Land from the power of the oppressor. The Turk must shortly be called to account. With Bulgaria's capituation the prospects increased of a greater victory. He trusted that God would give wisdom to our leaders, increased courage to the t-ien, and confusion to our enemies. When the heart was sore, judgment was apt to err on the side of harshness. In the hour of triumph they should not desire vengeance. On the other hand, mushy sensationalism must have no claims Tn concluding a stirrin? speech, lie trusted that the day would soon come when war would cease and men would be brothers the world over. The Town Rand under Conductor Spurdle. attended and plaved several selections, including I "The Marseillaise," whilst prayers were offered by Adjutant Mrs. Campion, and a | reading by Dr. Steven.

GENERAL. As a result of the men controlling the Patriotic Tea Booms and Shop, the sum of £Ol Iff 3 was secured on Saturday in the Tea a*nd Luncheon Rooms £27 16s was secured, shop £lO Is 6d, and guessing and other competitions £26 ]2s 6d. These resulted as follows: —Live pig, Gordon Bowers (Stratford); sheep, F. Pedersen (Mid-hirst); Kodak camera, Mrs. J- M. Sliotter (Midhirst); inkstand, Mrs. Kilsbv (Toko); painting, F. O'Connor (Stratfijpl); fancy chocolates, J. Jones (Stratford); case, C. Jackson (Stratford); field-glasses, R. Phillips, who re-donated (won by J. Weller); three-decker cake, Mrs. Wicksteed (Pembroke Road); donations were made by C. H. Rogers (£1 Is) and Mrs. J H. Robson (7s 6d).

Messsrs J. .Tacobsen, W. J. Simpson, R A. Briekell, W. E. Smith, and W. A. McGill have been gazetted members of the Tututawa Domain Board; Messrs E. A Adlam, P Thompson, J. Davidson, A. Courts, and W. E. Vesty as Waipuku Domain Board members. Tututawa Board hold their annual meeting on the •2Gth inst. and the Waipuku Board on tl.e 25th in9t.

Soldiers invalided home are expected to reach Taranaki by mail train tomorrow evening. These are expected to include King and McCracken (Stratford), Walsh (Ngaere), Burgham (Toko), and Buglies (Midhirst). Members of the Toko Sett'ers' Association have demonstrated that the land east of Stratford is eminetnlv suitable for mangolds and turnips. To these root crops should be added onions, and in the mart of Mr. T&mason those interested will find strings of onions fit to grace any table. All are very fine and large, and grown by Ur. Downes, Toko.

Entries are now coming to hand for the waltzing competition to be decided at the Fire Brigade's plain and fancy dress ball at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. The prizes offered arf very substantial. Other prizes are being offered for best costumes in ladies' and gentlemen's classes. Everything points to the brigadesmen having a most enjoyable and successful evening.

Now is the time to purchase your fertilisers. On this page Mr. T. I. Lamason, auctioneer, has an advertisement setting out in detail the various fertilisers, grass .seeds, etc., he is agent for. Those on the look-out fo''*reliable seeds, etc.. will find it to their advantage to make their purchases here To those who appreciate keen prices and are on tbe look-out for best value in tseful goods, we can stronglv recommend n visit to the jewellery and fancy goods store of Mr. C. E. .Tames. The shelves are lined with very attractive and natty article* that appeal to ladies particularly. J« T ow is tiie time to purchase tlmt hand-bag, bangle, bracelet, etc. Th» smoker a'so will find the choicest brands cf tobacco, cigars, etc., offering here (Advt.)