STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1918, Page 8

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

[All communications, letters, etc., left Willi Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt tttention.J

Stratford, Dec. 2.

Dunng November 19 births and 3 marriages were recorded. The number of deaths is not available, but it is safe to assume there are over 50.

The quarterly meeting of the Stratford Licensing Committee will be held here on Friday. To-day marked the resumption of business in Stratford, and the town looked more '"citified" by the appearance of commercial men, who, for the last few weeks, have refrained from doing any travelling. Passengers by rail, car, and trap to town were more numerous than hitherto, and perhaps business will pick up more quickly than many thought possible last week.

Why is it that some people are so morbidly inclined? Twice the east train lias brought in patients," and the news has attracted a good number of the idle of the town, who flock down to the station and then gape ut a stretcher case as if the poor man or woman was some monstrosity. Not only do the callous gape and push to get a better view, but at times get too close for their own safety in health, besides hindering operations. The stationmastor, Mr. Peattie, would be quite .justified in clearing the station, and certainly if the police were notified the loungers would bo quickly removed from the vicinity. It is not pleasant for a patient to hear such remarks: "Poor beggar; don't like his chances," or "If they'd brought him in earlier he'd have pulled tlirougilii, but look how dreadfully ill he is," etc.

| . On Saturday the settlers out Whangamomona way were bitter in their complaints at the reduction of the daily service to <i tri-weekly one. They point out that the train is their only means of getting medicine, fruit, food, etc., '?ut there. The attention of Mr. J. McAllister, chairman of the Hospital Board, has been drawn to the matter, and he has communicated with the authorities to havo the time-table righted once more. A special train is due on Monday night with patients, whereas the usual time-table would have had them here at 1 o'clock, a difference of five or six' hours that might mean a great deal to a case of serious illness. The committee of the Stratford District High School notify that, owing to the danger of infection, pupils will not be allowed to remove books from the school until further notice.

We are now entering the Christmas period. Mr. C. E. James has been fortunate enough to secure a choice shipment of really reasonable good 3 that will delight the small child, interest the school boy and girl, and articles that will please the miss and mistress. Poof old father is not forgotten, and, if he likes a smoke, will find the choicest brands ih cigars, cigarettes, and pipe tobacco available for selection. Pl.O- - t'he shop—C. 33. James' Jewellery Warehouse.—Ad.