STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left, with Mr 11. J Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt mention.)

Stratford, April 1. Sir James Allen, acting Prime Minis- : ter, is expected to roach Stratford by motor car at 10.30 on Thursday morning, and will be interviewed by the mayor and representatives of other bodies regarding local requirements. Mr. Williams, district traffic manager, Wanganui, was in Stratford to-day and left in the afternoon for. Whangamomona. If his visit to Taranaki has the effect of making the trains run to time the public will be satisfied. A blackberry brigade, consisting of a party of schoolgirls, arined with a variety of tins, left for Midhirst to-day and should spend a few merry hours amongst the berries. Arrangements in connection with the peace celebrations are beginning to take shape. The suggestion by Mr. Lander to hold a flag pageant has caught on very well, Mr. P. Skoglund, town clerk, stating that the movement has aroused the enthusiasm of the children as well as adults. Hundreds of flags "will be necessary, and by the time the day arrives the municipal chambers should hold many thousand yards of bunting. Mr. J. W. Pooley, Wellington, arrived by train last evening and will take up duties here as assistant to Mr. W. H. Freeman, clerk of the court. During March four marriages were solemnised, two deaths occurred, and 15 births were recorded in Stratford district. Harvest festivals are to the fore just now. Last week the Eltham Salvation Army held their meeting, and Stratford is now in the midst of theirs. Last night the hall was well filled with members of the corps and sympathisers, and a number of Eltham comrades also attended. A large loaf, donated by Mr. Kerr, secured £1 in bids, and was finally donated to the Boys' Home, Eltham. Mr. T. D. Sullivan, borough engineer, has not had much trouble lately in issuing building permits, and for March the amount was insignificant, £l5O. Yet the house ''•-lger continues. Those with the cash prefer its investment in other quarters, and those without the cash have to "double-bank" in premises or pay big rents for low-grade dwellings in many instances. On Friday evening the Tuna schoolhouse should be filled to overflowing, the occasion being a reception to Privates Uoodwin, hamblyn. and Corbett. A very fine programme \vi : be submitted, whilst elaborate preparations have been made regarding the music and supper. SOCIAL AT PUKENGAHU. A most enjoyable social and dance was held in Pukengahu school on Friday last, the occasion being a farewell to Miss E. Leech, the assistant teacher, who luis been appointed to the Norfolk Road hool. and a welcome home to three of our soldiers —Privates Goulden, Haigh, ar't Sapper Jaggar. After supper, the chairman of the school committee (Mr. IT. Brown) referred to the departure of Miss Leech, and expressed the regret of the Pukengahu people, remarking that Pukengahu's loss was Norfolk Road's gain, Miss Leech having always taken an active part in our concerts. Miss Leech was then presented with a beautiful silver-mounted hair brush as a slight token of the esteem in which she was held. Mr. J. O'Neill returned thanks on her behalf. To the soldiers the chairman extended a hearty welcome, expressing the hope that they would soon be restored to their usual good health, and presented Private Goulden and Sapper Jaggar each with a silver-mounted pipe in case, and to Private a silver-mounted cigarette-holder. Private Haiah returned thanks for presiyits on behalf of himself and comrades. After singing "For They are Jolly Good Fellows" three cheers were given, and dancing .was carlied on till early morn. Thanks are due to the ladies for providing a splendid supper, and to Mr. Alex. Coleman for motoring lady singers out. A very line programme of vocal 1' and other items was contributed as follows: Recitations by Miss M. Leech and Mr. C. Gibbons: songs by Miss E. Leech, I Miss Hanscomb and Mr. Blackstoelc: ( duet by Misses Sullivan and Hanscomb; ■ violin solo by Mr. Christofl'el. The accompaniments were played by Miss O'Neill in good style. Dance music was supplied by Misses Leech, Sullivan, Blackstoek, O'Neill, and Messrs Coleman and Christoffel.

Although shipping arrangements are far from being regular or satisfactory. Mr. f. E. James has been fortunate in landing some, splendid sets of 'English ehina tea-sets, ranging in price from £1 18a to £2 '2s l(d (21 pieces). Later on, dinner and other sets are expected. Those in need of tea-sets would be well advised to nail and see Mr. James' shipment, which are unique in design and the prices are unapproachable. Still a grtod range of ladies' hand-bags to clear. —Advt.