STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

'(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt itteution.) OUR SOLDIERS' NIGHT. There was a satisfactory attendance of the public at the Soldiers' Night held in the Town Hall on Monday evening. While it is pleasing to chronicle this, it was also noticeable that many others who could have attended refrained from doing so, causing the remark that "this was an occasion for all to be patriotic, but many could not be bothered." The stage was nicely decorated for the occasion, while the floor was in excellent order for dancing. The town clerk, Mr. P. Skoglund, who acted as hon. secretary, | with his assistants, were deservedly congratulated on the very elaborate and complete arrangements. The mayor, who presided, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many men in uniform, and it was a matter of congratulation to mothers, wives, and sweethearts to have their boys home again. The gathering that evening was, in a small way, to express their pride in and appreciation of the men who had done so nobly. He touched on the value of the Returned Soldiers' Association and the need for the men to keep close to the association in order that the men disabled and in need of assistance were adequately recognised by the Government. . Mr. W. P. Kirkwood, chairman of tiie Taranaki War Relief Association and the Stratford Patriotic Committee, also addressed the men. Regarding the welcome home, he thought this a very difficult matter at the railway station, and the soldiers' night, instituted by Mr. and Mrs. McMillan, was a far better method. He then gave a few interesting details of the work of the association. Briefly touching 011 finance, hp announced that, while the association had a fairly large sum to work upon, the calls and applications were larger. He expressed his intention of moving at the annual meeting thai a weekly allowance over that given by the Government be made to wholly or partially support disabled men. The illuminations were very artistic, the work of the borough electrical engineer, Mr. Hollands, while the supper room decorations were arranged by Mr. and Mrs. A. Moon. Mention must be made of the music by Fox's Orchestra, which quite fulfilled all expectations. As M's C., Messrs P. Skoglund and D. J. Malone quite enjoyed the task, and saw to it that all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

MAKAI7U SPORTS. These were originally fixed to take place a fortnight earlier, but rain necessitated a postponement, and the sports were got off on Thursday, though, this being a "shop" day on account of the Easter holidays, many were prevented from attending who had previously made a point of visiting Makahu. The local attendance was very good, the events being keenly contestci". An unfortunate accident occurred during the progress of the local trot" Mr. G. Calvert's horse falling, and necessitating Iho rider receiving medical attention. Results: 100 yards: CaseUlinc 1, Mann 2. 220 yards: Colville 1, Kerrison 2. Single ladies' 75 yards: Misses Jacobsen 1 and 2. Tilting in the ring: F. Ivopkc 1, B. Mewtroski 2. Handicap trot: Lyons 1, 0. McAloon 2. Local trot: 0. Franks 1, C. Gooch 2. Saddling race: C. Coulton 1, G. Coyne 2. Ladies' pace race: Miss C. Kofske 1, Miss A. Myers 2. Donkey race: R. Blair 1, W. Fulcher 2. Married men's race: H. Dalgleish 1, S. Wiles 2. Apple guessing (o'lbs): Mrs. Rosefinger and J. Kerrison guessed correctly. Sheep guessing (2781b5) : Mrs. C. O'Neill 27i5Jlbs; No. 2 1461b5; C. Sim- . monds 14511bs and O. McAloon 146%1b5, !ie. GENERAL. ■ A reminder is given to ratepayers at Whangamomona that a meeting will be held there on Thursday next in connection with the Harbor Board loan proposals. Several members of the board will make the journey, and, after fully outlining the New Plymouth breakwater scheme, will answer any questions put forward. It- is hoped that there will be a good attendance of those interested at the meeting. A meetipg will also be held at Ngaere oil Friday evening. Particulars as advertised.

In another column the mayor (Mr. J W. McMillan) announces his intention of addressing the burgesses at the Town Hall to-morraw (Wednesday; evening A special invitation is given to the ladies to attend. From the platform, his Worship will submit proposals for the work he would like to see undertaken during the ensuing term of office. After serving five years as chairman, and a further three years as member, Mr. J. McAllister has definitely decided not to seek re-election to the Hospital Board. His friends have vainly endeavored to persuade him to hold the position for another term, but he considers that the position should be a rolling one. Duties during the past two pears have been very heavy, and Mr. McAllister desires a spell from public duties. He succeeded Mr. Marfell as chairman, and has represented the Stratford borough during his term of office. It seems very probable that there will be no contest, as Mr. C. D. Sole, the other represenativo, will continue to serve the ratepayers and Mr. C. JE. -Tames, president, of the Tradesmen's Association has been prevailed upon to accept nomination for the vacancy created by Mr. McAllister's retirement. I heard to-day that Mr. .T. Petrie. jeweller, had purchased the corner section, adjoining J. McAllister's studio, and intends erecting a two-storev concrete building. This will be another indication that the business portion of the town is progressing northward in Broadway. It is generally assumed that three of the present councillors will not seek reelection, and the new candidates likely to be nominated are: Messrs T). M. Clarke, A. Stewart, W. J. Newton, and R. McK. Morrison. The last-mentioned ;s no stranger to the council table, bavin), sat for several terms, while Air. \V. J. Newton is the ex-electrical engineer, who resigned the position to go into business on his own account. Messrs Clarke and Stewart, if they stand, are making their initial bid for the honor. Mi-. .7. H. Ford lias also been mentiuned, but he Ims not the time to devote to municipal work. Althongh shipping arrangements are far from being regular or satisfactory, Mr. C. K. James has been fortunate in landing some splendid sets of English china tea-sets, ranging in price from £1 18a to £2 2s Gd (21 pieces). Later on, dinner and other sets are expected. Those in need of lea-sets would be well advised to call and see Mr. James' shipment, which are unique in design and the prices are unapproachable. Still a good range of ladies' hand-bags to clear.—Advt.