STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All cositounlcatlons, letters, etc., left BUS Ur H- J. Hopkins, boo£mller, will receive Btouipl MealiOß.J Stratford, Dee. 1(5. All anxiety concerning the epidemic appears to have entirely disappeared, and the town is rapidly getting into stride again. It is generally agreed, and it cannot very well ha otherwise, that Christmas will tie quiet. At present, with line weather, the farmer is making the most of the long hours of sunshine to overtake some of the work that was unavoidably allowed to go backward through the epidemic- To-day Mr. McAllister, chairman of the Hospital Board, states that the Technical Hospital had been closed, and now the main hospital was meeting all requirements. Tlii* is very satisfactory, as less than 14 day ago t'n:eß buildings were crowded with patients who were in a more or less dangerous condition. The epidemic has hit the board a heavy blow, the expenditure having been very high compared with previous years. Some of the town and country folk have helped to ease the situation a little by forwarding donations, and recent amounts received include: Mr. O'Reilly £2, Mr. H. Huggett and Mrs. Tichbbn "£1 Is each, Mesdames Marchant and Burke £1 each, Mr. Shrimpton and Mm O'Callaghan 10s each, Mr J. Beedie boy of gooseberriesThe Borough Council meet this evening There was no sewion in November, owing to the epidemic The Taranaki War Relief Association meets op Wednesday The previous meeting was in October The ladies' who ran the Patriotic Rooms during the 'epidemic were pleased to hear from many quarters that their services were appreciated. However, there is a fly m the ointment, and one of the workers' would like very much if some of those who received nourishment and are now well would kindh return the utensil? to the committee. Many of these have to be returned to their owners, so if this meets the eyes of exnatients who have dishes, baskets, etc.

in their possession, t' ■? will relieve some anxiety by forwarding thorn along. Tt seems a long time since scholars assembled in the streets. They Are still absent, and will continue so until February, Wl9, rolls round. In the meantime, proficiency cards are now available. At rVgaere- the following scholars have secured these certificates:—Aileen Fougere, Elsie Lambert, Dorothy Xelson, Arthur Coulter, Charles Maxwell, Percy Smith, aud Mcriton Taylor. The boys are coming bacfc. Amongst recent arrivals is vSergeant \V E. Jones, who has once again donned civilian clothes and operates once more as managing clerk in the law offices of Messrs Malone and King- Mr. Joe Wade received a cable message to-day that his son, the popular little Highland dancer, Driver J. J. Wade, of the N.ZF.A., is returning home fit and well, having doni his bit for King and conutry. Weather and other conditions point to a very successful outing at the Ngaere 'Gardens on Thursday. The proprietors, Messrs Lester 8r03.„ ars making every effort to further increase this already popular resort for central Taranaki visitors. Thursdays outing should be particularly pleasing to the small children, who are being specially catered for, whilst it should also prove a pleasant relaxation to the adults. Lasi week the ladies oi the, Presbyterian Guild entertained Mrs. S. G. Stanton, president, who is leaving shortly to take up her residence in Wanganui. During the course of a few remarks, the Ttev. J- D Madill referred to the fine work Mrs. Stanton had accomplished on behalf of the church Mrs. Madill then presented the lady with a rose bowl and Ooulton ware jug, as a memento of her connection with ths church, also as a token of friendship. Ths tmoir also recognised the work and worth of the Misses Stanton, the choirmaster (Mr. H, L. Betts) handing both l&alM jsilver trinket-boxes that should serve to remind them oi tlieir stay in Stratford. Those on the look-out for- a reliable timekeeper or suitable Christmas gift should read Mr. J. Petrie's advertrsement m this issue and then inspect the stock in Broadway, next C. Martin. T. Lamason advertises a furniture sak on behalf of Mr- S. Lister for Thursday next. T. Lamason advertises a sale of timber, iron, etc., on behalf of the Cardiff Cheese Factory fo? Thursday next. Usually gettin-2 in early means getting the best. This does not apply to tho 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. James has bc-en 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 i 3 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.