STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) ■'V?i 1 (AH communications, ltltats, etc, left Trttk Mr 11. J. Hupkloj, bookseller, will recel»» prompt itieuuon.) i AOTEA CONVAIESCMT HOME.

Stratford, Jan. 23. Stratford U the only district in Taranaki that took any interest! ia the Aotea Convalescent Home, set up ia Bgypt for soldiers. Since its establishment in 191G the home has been the means of winning many soldiers back to health. The little town of Wharehuia is mainly responsible for Stratford's place in the tabulated list of and this lies mainly to the credit of Airs. G. gangster, who has been ever energetic to hold concerts or adopt other means to collect funds. The writer has seen letters from soldiers appreciating the home, and now I have before jne a letter (January 14, 1919) giving details of the past and future intentions. It Btates that though hostilities have ceased and peace appears in sight, yet a good many New Zealanders must atill bo retained in Egypt and Palestine for some time to coma Moreover, there are many still suffering from malaria and the effects of the strenuous work that preceded the collapse of the enemy's army. The home will, therefore., be maintained a» long as New Zealand soldiers remainedThe Matron (Miss Early), on October 27, wrote there were then about 1200 sick New Zealand troops in Egjpt and Palestine, a tremendous number for one brigade. The staff were having their hands full looking after the sick boys. The Misses McDonald had gone to Ismailia, and are doing good work there. Aotea was always full, 6000 having passed through their books. Red Cross comforts in stock from New Zealand were sent in small quantities to hospital and convalescent camps to our boys there—tinned fruits, milk, pastes, and, sometimes, New Zealand tongues and lams. They were tremendously proud of th New Zealanuers in France, but moi\ help has been given them and they have been able to mix with their people. The hoys in Egypt are always so lonely. To carry on. further funds are necessary. From September, 1015, to December, 1918, £11,228 has been subscribed, the principal donations being: From Wairarapa £4622, Wangamii £3249, Palferston North £1450, Wellington £517, Stratford £340, including over £l4O from Wiarehuia. OnTy a few hundred pounds were now in hand, and further assistance ia urgently required. GENERAL.

Returning soldiers here last night Were met by Mr. W P. Kirkwood (Patriotic Committee) and l> B. J. Maloney (Borough Council). A great crowd was present, but not a solitary cheer was given to the noble warriors as they stepped on the platform, Kohuratahi folk have Bet a fine example. Their influenza committee has notified the Hospital Board that all expenses in connection with the emergency hospital, home nursing, and relief have been met by local subscription, and they did not intend applying to the Government for assistance.

Advocates of either side in connection with the licensing poll in April are now rounding up those entitled to vote. As a conaequence the Registrar of Electors is estreniely busy preparing the roll. Last evening the Salvation Army Hall was all too small to accommodate the attendance of the public who desired to attend the farewell evening tenderd Ensign and Mrs. Campion, who have been transferred to Dannevirke Farewell addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. D. Madill and Mr. 11. Lacy, both touching on the enthusiasm displayed by the officars in their work throughout the district. Items by the hand and vocal items added variety to a most enjoyable evening. In replying, the officers both referred to the pleasant associations they had enjoyed, and bespoke the same consideration and kindness to their successors, Adjutant Mcßo'berts (Whangarei) and Lieutenant Bain (Dunedin) Keference was made to the steady growth of the corps since Ensign and Mrs Campion's arrival here These Salvationists leave to-morrow morninp, and their successors are expected to arrive in time to conduct welcome meetings on Sunday.

A rather sudden death occurred at Warwick Koad yesterday of a wellknown Stratford identify, Mr. FredCole. He wa« engaged in the hayfield when the end came. Althpugh he iiad been ailing for some time, the end came with dramatic suddenness to his wife and faily. A native of Gloucestershire and 70 years o! age, deceased has long bfcon a resident of New Zealand, arriving in the ship Hindustan in 1875, goir.g to Greytown, in the Wairarapa. Ho remained there 21 years, and during the past 2.1 years has been farming in this district. He always took a keen interest in pedigree cattle, and was a member of the A. and P. Assoc and al-o the Stratford branch of the Jersey Pr»edprs' Association. The interment takes place to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon.

AUsntlon please! Ait'.oi'gh the holiday season is advanced there is yet ample time to secure that gift or present. Don't go out of Stratford for the article. Cull r.;id sen C. 13. .Tamos' stock. His shelve::. floors and cases aro crowded with ladies' handbags, jewellery, Doulton ware, elec-tro-plate, liickle and antimony articles fit to grii.ee any homo Prepare for the evening by pure'iasinp your parlor games hips. Do you Binoke? If so, remember you can purchase the best tobacco':, pinej. etc.. at C E James, the man for hon'crf i Tali:; evevv articles