STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Oui Own Correspondent'.) 1 tAU conunnaleatloM, liters, «(e., left *ttk Mr S. J. Hojktu, kotlntllar, will cactlra sriapi iitwuaa.i A BLANK DAY. Stratford scored e. blank day yesterday, there being 110 fatalities, This is very satisfactory, and indicates that matters arc rapidly improving in Stratford, though at Midkirst, it is said, there are still a few cases within the danger line. THE BISHOP'S VISIT. The Bishop of Auckland, the Right Rev. Dr. AveriU, and the Vereera'ble Archdeacon P. G. Evans, Sew Plymouth, visited Stratford on Wednesday to la}' the foundation stone of St. Mary's School, a ceremony that was intended to have come off a few weeks earlier, but owing to the epidemic racing in Auckland the Bishop was required in that town. Apologies were received from the vicars of New Plymouth, Inglewood, and Eltham, There was a good attendance of parents and others interested in the school. After the Bishop had declared the stone well and truly laid, he delivered an address upon the value of education and religion, during which he stated that in the providence of God they had come to the beginning of what was being called the days of reconstruction after the war, out in these days they should not think it necessary to have everything that was new, but rather should Teview the past, see what was good, and make use of it in the, present. History showed that being brought up in touch with God had made the British nation. It was largely the outcome of the . Church and the British Parliament was the outcome of the Church Synods. The foundation of education was based on religion, but in 1870 the first Education Act brought in what was termed "secular" education. Britain would never, he was convinced, have ibeen the power it was but for the power of God in the lives of the people and the nation. He referred to the fact that the officers of Kitchener's army had been trained in the great public schools of Britain, which were based upon religion. He congratulated the Stratford people on their work, in that they were taking' one of the best things from the past and using it for the present and future.. Religious education was also being given in Germany at the present time, but this was really a perversion of religion and also history. He considered that of the great drawbacks in our schools was the neglect in teaching history. Education should be based upon God and religion. It was absolutely absurd that education should be divorced from religion, which should be taught in the home and church.

In commenting on tie progress of the school, the Bishop referred to the splendid work of the late Miss Fleming, who had proved an ideal teacher, and croubted .whether there was anybody more suitable to act in a similar position. The Stratford Board of Governors had had to overcome many difficulties, but these were simply made to give greater determination and energy to carry on. In war, when the officers became casualties, the sergeants and others took control, and so on down to the soldier in the ranks. Concerning the epidemic, Bishop Averill said .he heard with great thankfulness and joy of the good work done here. He also regretted the loss of Mr. Tennant, who had taken a very deep interest in the work of the school. He urged that those remaining should do their very best to keep the good work going, and by so doing they would be. working not only for the church, but also for the nation and the Dominion. They could not make it an easy time, for if tlie work was worth doing it was worth doing well. He firmly believed the work would put our education upon a sound and solid foundation. He urged all to continue giving their best, considering such a splendid beginning had been made towards the advancement of the girls and women of the district. Mr. W. H. Young, chairman of the Board of Governors, thanked Bishop Averill for his second visit to Taranaki to lay the foundation stone for the new building. The Bishop had ever been their adviser and friend. He could not say that the Bishop had ever promised what he could not fulfil, but lie was very careful about promising. Mr. Young paid a high tribute to the work of Miss Fleming. The board, staff and scholars were always acting on her advice, and one and all missed her very much. The late principal had control of the school for two years, and it had gained a very satisfactory name as a teaching institution. Touching on the new school, the speaker stated this would provide accommodation for 18 scholars, and the total for the school wonld be 30. The present building would cost nearly £3OOO, and a good deal of the money would be obtained by means of debentures taken up by those interested in the school. The school showed a profit of £2OO for the year, which must be considered very satisfactory. The area was eight acres and allowed plenty of room for recreation. He threw out the suggestion that they might build up an endowment fund for the school. Rev. Howard followed, and referred to Mr. Young's great interest and work on behalf of the school. He also referred to the question of appointing a successor to Miss Fleming, and was sure the board would use every care and discretion when making the appointment In congratulating the Rev. Howard and the board on the fine success achieved, Archdeacon Evans stated it reflected hugely on the backbone and faith of the authorities. Hfe also referred to the loss of Miss Fleming, remarking that the memory of the late principal's work would be a tradition for the school. He urged that all should continue tlie?r support, and thus make the school the success it deserved to be. Bishop Averill also added a few words pf endorsement of the Archdeacon's remarks. The speaker had seen the school tn its early stages and had encouraged the work. The board had shown grit and determination, and he hoped they would 'be spared to sec it become a really powerful educational institution. It was very easy to criticise, but this was a period when the school needed help and sympathy. Mr J. W. Boon is the contractor for the new building, which will be of two storeys, standing Bft. above the street level and well back in a grass paddock, from which a good outlook in every di- ; rection can be obtained, and in time it can be made very beautiful. The j foundations of the building will be of concrete, the walls covered with splayed 'weather boarding, and the Toof Marj seilles tiles. A hot water service will ' heat the roomta when necessary. A 1 wide verandah to front will have a tiled (r oof, and the approach is by concrete »floor and gtepe. Four class-room* are

| provided, and a study 27ft. by 20ft. The. first floor iB a large dormitory with 16 sleeping compartments, two bedrooms for attendants, and an isolation ■bedroom. The sanitary arrangements and drains are all to be connected with the town sewer. The offerings totalled £22, and in this connection Bishop AveriU expressed Jtis pleasure that this was to go towards providing a memorial window to be placed in the new building in memory of the late principal, Jlis3 Fleming. Afternoon tea was provided in the present school ilmildings and much enjoyed by all present. The singing of the National Anthem brought proceedings to a close. COPPER TRAIL. A meeting of the town executive in connection with the recent Copper Trail appeal on behalf of the Red Cross funds was held in the municipal phambers last evening, the Mayor presiding. The balance-sheet showed that receipts totalled £923 15s 7d, and expenses £36 7s, leaving £BB6 8s 3d to 'be handed over to the local branch of the Red Cross Society. The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the balance-sheet, expressed his thanks at the very satisfactory total secured. It had entailed a good deal of hard work in organising and canvassing, and those actively engaged in the object, as well as those who had contributed, were deserving of hearty thanks.

After a little discussion the balancesheet was adopted. The disposal of the fund furnished food for reflection. When the appeal was in' full swing the condition of the war warranted the most being made to secure the sympathy of the public, but as soon as the fund closed, the war collapsed. Members thought that under these circumstances a portion might well be ear-marked for our own Wounded Soldiers' Fund, as it was understood that several million pounds had been raised throughout the Empire for the Jirect appeal. Eventually it was decided that the amount collected, less expenses, should go to the Red Cross Society, but it is very probable that a ■suggestion re assisting the Wounded Soldiers' Fund will 'be made. I understand that the county Copper Trail Committee will meet shortly, and this question will be fully debated. In the meantime those responsible for setting the appeal afoot have no reason to complain of the response of the public, which was generous and spontaneous. GENERAL. Stratford Court on Friday is fixed for 2.15 p.m. Whangamomona people and others living out east will be pleased to learn that the old daily service will be resumed next week. T. Lamason's usual weekly sale ■rill be resumed on Saturday, when he will be selling poultry and furniture on behalf of various clients. Usually getting in early means getting the best. . This does not apply to the great Christmas Fair now commencing in the premises of C. E. James. The shelves are crowded with innumerable articles that Will appeal to all fancies and fit all pockets. Mr. .Tames has been very fortunate in securing some novelties that will appeal to young and old. There is no need to pass his shop in looking for that Christmas gift. Personal inspection is invited, and there should be no difficulty in pleasing all. During the next fortnight Mr. James expects to be very busy, so take heed and shop early.—Advt.