STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.),

(All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. }. Hopkins, boobseUer, will receive prompt attention.}.

Stratford, Jan. 2, Although the motor and other traffic connected with the races yesterday was very heavy, there were no accidents, a tribute to the manner in which the police kept control over the roads-

Much iavora'ble comment was made at the races on the playing j>£ the Stratford Band. Now that the war is over and our hoys returning, Conductor it Spurdle should ere long have the band at full strength. During his connection >» ith the band he has had a hard task in reviving interest therein, but better days are now in store-

Word reaches me that the guards on the Whangamomona train last night had a trying experience pacifying two men who imagined crowded cars a suitable place to wipe off old scores. The officials are to be commended for exercising tact and discretion, but. as a passenger observed, the atmosphere at timees was rather sultry. As ui other towns, the hoodlum element was in force on New Year's Eve. and somfe of t':e pranks played were hardly in keeping with manhoou estate, though probably to their minds appro priate to the occasion.

On page 1, Mr. W. G. Rashleigh advertises that he intends shortly to open as an auctioneer here. During the influenza epidemic, Mr. Rashleigh did line work on the Citizens'' Committee, and 1 then went down with the complaint, hut has now made a fine recovery. He Is also agent for several insurance companies. His offices are in Broadway. I am pleased to notice Mr. James Lyons is about again. He had a very strenuous time during the epidemic, 'but is now mending well- This afternoon lie was able to visit the bowling green and renew acquaintances, llis regret is that the "flu" has destroyed his participation in the Dominion tournament. The popular Jim is, however, thankful that he is up above the ground, and trusts before the season is over to enjoy a game of liowls, and so say all oi'us.' - 1918 proved to be oiin of the dampest years experienced in Stratford for a long time- For those Jhi» liica statistics, it may be stated right nere that during the past 12 montKs the total rainfall was 115.38 inches. By way of comparison, only once, in 1893. "has this been exceeded, when the moisture recorded registered 120 inches. We have, however, had a few dry periods, as in 1802 the total was as low as 43, and a few years earlier it stood at 50. On the figures ahown, 1918 must have proved a good year for selling heavy boots, oilskins, and gamps, and is probably the explanation why the draper still has summer costumes awaiting fair customers, the latter evidently delaying purchasing until assured that summer has arrived.

Christmas and New Year buying is generally perplexing to purchasers. Not so to those who call at C. E. James' Fancy Goods Warehouse. Here one can find a variety of goods to suit all requirements Everything 'imaginable will be found here. Gold trinkets, silverware, leather goods, Doulton and crockeryware are all there for the choosing Toys, hooks, etc., for the youthful mind, whilst many articles suitable for Mr. Man will be found on C. E. James' premises. Shop early and become a pleased purchaser.—Advt.