STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All cennuaicitions, letters, etc., left wllk Hr H. J. Hopkins, boukseller, will teceire rrorasl tU.»tia».J TARANAKI METHODIST SYNOD. The above Synod commenced its sessions at Stratford on Wednesday, tie chairman of the district, Rev. W, A. Sinclair, presiding. The ballot for secretary resulted in the election of Rev. P.',J. Cossum, assistant Rev. H. L. Richards. The Rev. A. Liversedge was appointed precentor, and Revs. R. Richards, R. B. Tinsley, and A. 0. Harris reporters. Hours of sessions were fixed as follows: Morning 0.30 to 12.30, afternoon 1.30 to 5.30 and 7.30 to 9.30. ■Tile chairman welcomed the visiting delegates, and expressed special pleasure fit the presence of the viee-presideut of the New Zealand Conference (Mr, £. Dixon). Sympathetic reference was made to the passing of the Rev C, H. Garland, principal of tlie college; Rev. ■S. J. Serpell, of Thames; and G. .F. Mann, of Gore. Two most promising young- men—Revs. Alex. Allen anil Aldwvn Gordon —had been killed on active service. The Revs. Rishworth ana Taylor, supernumeraries, also died during the year. The Rev. J. B. Suckling recently passed away during the epidemic at Fiji. Reference was also made to the sorrow caused by the recent epidemic and the magnificent service rendered by the people. A genuine spirit of Christliness had Ween evidenced. There waa miieli reason to rejoice over the Licensing Act. The question of church union had been Drought into prominence, and there was a large and increasing body of opinion in favor of it. Some of the great social and religious problems were briefly referred to, and the need of the church facing them bravely and confidently was emphasised The best preparation for the future, with the great changes that will eventuate with the return of our soldiers, was to seek the deepening of the spiritual life of the church. Resolutions of greetings were ordere-i to be sent to the Rev. W Canned, and a dispensation for absence granted, also to the Rev. G. B. Hinton. It was decided to repeat the request of last year for a home missionary to be stationed in the Mokau district. In connection with the statistical returns for the year, the following figures were given:—Church members 2329, on probation 36, junior members fio2, communicants 1571, attendants on public worship 7819, an increase of OS church members and 119 attendants on public worship, for which thankfulness was expressed, was urged upon members the great importane of attendance upon the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, together with an earnest prosecution of distinctive work as a Christian Church. The report of the Sunday School and Young People's Societies, showing the number of schools 51, teachers 260, scholars 280S, Bible class members 245, members of Young People's Societies 424, was received, and a resolution carried gratefully recognising the earnest and painstaking efforts of the many de-. voted workers in the Sunday schools, and recommending school authorities the wisdom of appointing absentee visitors to look up the scholars who are lax in their attendance. It was noted with gratitude that no fewer than 13l scholars had been received into the church during the year.

general. A sale of work in the Holy Trinity Schoolroom was opened by the Rev C. W, Howard this afternoon. In his remarks the viear stated that the recent epidemic had considerably increased the expenses of the church, and appealed to all to liberaly patronise the stalls. Trooper Gordon Blair, well known in this district,-and prior to enlisting wa? engaged with the A.W.R- Milking Machine Company, is reported to have died of pneumonia at Fremantle, whilst in quarantine, on December 1;'. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will be extended to his father, Mr T. Blair, Ngaere, and other relatives in their sad loss. Glorious weather prevailed for the gala, day at Ngaere, the attendance o! the public being all that could be desired. The proprietors have made several improvements that should meat with the approval of patrons and further enhance the popularity of these grounds. The gardens-, are certain to be made the venue of many outings during tha summer months. Glorious sunshine, but a troublesome wind that lifted the metal in large quantities and created a dust storm that was deeidelly unpleasant to be in. was our lot to-day. We arc all looking for the asphalt, concrete, or oiled thoroughfare to s,uc£eed the present position. As Christmas approaches so also dees Mr. C. E. .fames' great Christmas Fair gather popularity. During the past, fewdavs trade has been extremely gool, showing that the public all know the rendezvous for good value. .Ladies handbags are always useful, and are offered here in large sizes and at prices suitable to all. Remember C. E. James caters for all. Jf you cauuot ilnd your present 'in the window, step inside. No one pressed to buy.—Advt.

T. LAMASOX'3 WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday I lir-ld my usun'i weekly sale, when poultry was in good demand. I quote as follows: Hens 2s to 3s. ducks 2s to 4s fid each, cockerels Od to turkeys (hens only) Ss to 'Js, geese 5s Cd to 7s each, preen peas 2s per peck, gooseberries 3d to Gd per lb, strawberries Is (id, peaches (is to 10s, plums Cs to Ids, new potatoes 2d per lb, tomatoes 2s per 11), rhubarb Od to 8d per Uundlo.

T. Lnmason's Cliristir.r.s ;.alc of poultry, fat lambs, produce, etc., takes place on Saturday nc:.'!^ Usually getting iu earl; iKEiVns gatting the best. This does not apply to the great Christmas Fair r.r>v commencing in the premises of C. E. .Tair.^.. The shelves are crowded with innumerable articles that will appeal to all fancies and fit all poekc-ts. T.l>'. -lames has been verv fortunate in tecuriag some novelties that .rill appeal to young and old. There is do need io pass Ins shop in looking for t'" a t Ciivisi'masgift. Personal inspection is invited, ar.d there should 'oi i'o difficulty in pleasing aU. Darin® the i:est fortnight Mr. 'lames expects to cvs very busy, so k-.!;s heed and slio? ear!/.-- Advt.