STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

'{From Our Own Correspondent.). (All communications, letters, «tc., loft with Mr S. J. HoDltlM. bookseller, will ncaiv* i>r#npt atttaUon.), Stratford, Jan. 15. According to the chairman of the War Relief Association our soldiers at present in Europe and elsewhere should lie back in New Zealand before the end of December. If this proves correct, and we all hope it is, a good deal of shipping will be available —and the sooner the better. In the window of the A.B. Clothing Company here are exhibited two sticks, one is short and probably very strong, the other very thin and twice the length of the first. Many would pass the window and fail to notice the exhibits, but they are unique to us as it is an aerial message carrier. The thin stick (which carries a message) slides into the heavier one, which is fired from a grin. It is used ill cases when it is impossible to forward messages from advanced - positions to those in the rear, owing to heavy enemy fire. The head is so constructed that whilst it travels through the air it makes a deep foghorn noise, thus attracting the attention of those underneath.

With the war over people would imagine that the duties of the War Relief Association would soon be a thing of the past, but this is not the universal opinion, some believing it will be a couple of years before the necessity ceases for these meetings. In the past one did not Jcnow how many men would be required, but now, happily, the sending of men is r.ot necessary, and one may strike an average from those already receiving assistance as to how the funds are to bo .administered. The question of straight out grants or continuing loans in substantial suras should give the Patriotic Committees something to aiscujs, and these deliberations give the War Association a guide as to the treatment of our soldieii in their future careers. Weather conditions continue unfavorable, and to-day is far from ideal. Farmers are making the most of the spasmodic sunshine to get the grass in, and paddocks are beginning to show substantial haystacks. Owners of stock are shutting up more areas so as to have larger stacks for winter feed than last season. Messrs Ranford Bros, have got in a fine crop of ensilage off 11 acres, whilst H. Harrison, 011 c of our progressive dairymen, reports a good growth along his road, and has himself stacked the contents of 10 acres with another 10 'isres to go up when the weathei holds good. T. Lamason's weekly report:—Last Saturday my usual weekly sale was held when a fair entry of poultry and general produce, etc., was sold I quota as follows: Hens, gooH, up to 3s 6d, others 2; to 2s Gd, cockrells Is 3d to 2s, ducks 2? Bd, 3s, potatoes, new to-day, 12s fld cwt., 81bs Is, onions 2d per lb. apricots fls case or Pd ner lb. tomatoes, short supply, Is 4d lb. poaches 6d per lb, short supply, plums 5s to 7s fid case or Gd per lb, bacon factory Is 3d lb, pollard ISs Cd, 2001b sack bran 13a (id, black currants !)d t.o Is lb; furniture and sundries at usual rates.

Whilst it is satisfactory to record good business during the holidays, Mr. o. a. James desires to make known that he is still offering ladies' handbags at lowest prices. If in need of a portmanteau |)ureha-e here Rnd save money Do you desire to present the wife, M-t"r. or sweetheart with a watch, ban-rle orooeii or necklace? Mr C E. James uill have the article von require For tovs his variety cannot be beaten, and for I.!om| ton ware, vases, etc., his prices competition. Call and inspect An invitation to all, and no one pressed t<>