STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 May 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(Prom Onr Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) FAREWELLING MR* O'LEARY. Stratford, May 27. Mr. O'Leary, who has dsposed of his mercery business to enter into partnership with Mr. Randrup, late of Mr. Newton King's Stratford branch, at Hamilton, was entertained previous to his departure by the'members.' of the Egmont Club at a social on Monday evening. The social, which was held in

the club rooms, was largely attended, and this, and the character of the proceedings, went to show how highly Mr. O'Leary was esteemed by his fellow club membery and the Retailers' Association, which had associated itself with the club with a view to further honoring the ,guest of the evening. Mr. N. J. King, president of the Egmont Club, presided ,and was supported by Mr. J. McMillan, the Mayor of Stratford. A programme worthy of the club, and the occasion was presented, some of the leading local vocalists contributing songs. Mr. P. Coe, a new favorite with Stratford audiences, sang "Shipmates o' Mine," and, as an encore, "The Blind Ploughman." "The Harvester's Night Song" was given by Mr. T. Ranford, and Mr. F. Ranford (who was also the chief accompanist) gave a humorous song entitled "When I Was a Boy at School." Sergeant-Major Chaplin, who had in active service days gained the reputation of being the comedian of his company, sang that very amusing song "Do You Want Us to Lose the Warr" A couple of the best songs, of the evening were contributed by Mr. Bills, the second being given in response to a most emphatic encore. "That Dear Old Home of Mine," by Mr. P. Coe and Sergeant-Major Chaplin, met with much favor. Following this, Mr. Coo's excellent bass was heard in "The Deathless Army." Mr. ,Stan Sharp handled "Up from Somerset" well. Songs which were also fully appreciated were given by Messrs D. Yetten, Douglas, and Harris. At a suitable stage in the proceedings a break was made in order that two presentations could be made to Mr. OLeary. The chairman, in a short address, said tlicy had met to say farewell to an esteemed citizen. It was a compliment to Mr. O'Leary that so many were present. He had known Mr. O'Leary since he was a small boy, and had never known niri to be associated in any way with a dishonorable action. Stratford was losing a good citizen in Mr. O'Leary, who would have the respect of those among whom he moved wherever ho might go. He had i )oi > n j ong connec ted with the club. He had been one of the first members and one of the first debenture holders. On the committee, he had been very active, and had been instrumental in forming an orchestra. He had been a useful member in many wavs, and they were very sorry indeed to lose him If ever he should get tired of Hamilton, he could always be sure of a warm welcome at Stratford. He was sure Mr. O'Leary would be successful in his new business, lor he had not touched anything yet that had not been successful."

Mr. Chaa. James, president of the Tradesmen's Association, referred to the good qualities of Mr. O'Learv, whom he had known for a number of years ass business man straight in all hi's dealings' The Mayor said the pleasure he felt at being present was discounted to some extent by a feeling of regret at losing Mr. O'Learv, a good citizen. He had done mueh for the club and the town. He was sure that Mr. O'Leary would make good at Hamilton, where he would be a good advertisement for Stratford. The Mayor then presented Mr. O'Leary, on behalf of the club, with » wristlet watch and on behalf of the Tradesmen's Association with a smoker's companion. In doing so, he said that if all the members of the association were like Mr. O'Leary it would be better for the town. Mr. O'Leary, in replying, said that he had not expected, when making up his mind to leave Stratford, that anv notice would be taken of his departure. The large number present he accepted as a compliment, and he would Always look back with pleasure and pride upon the gathering. As a citizen, he had, like many others, only tried to do his bes/t. and it was in endeavoring to do this that lie had found his one reward. He was not one of those who believed that a man could live his life apart from others, and he had always recognised that a man had a duty to perform to the community. He had no regrets for anything he had done in this,' way. Ho had to thank, among others, the club members for what he had been able to take out of life in the town. He had found the club a very fine institution. and he was only beginning to realise the seriousness of the break he was making. He thanked them for their presents. which he would alwavy greatly treasure! Refreshments were'handed round, and at the close of the evening "For He's a •Tolly Good Fellow" and "Attld Lang Syne" were sung. GENERAL. The names: of the winners in the whangamomona Art Union, drawn on the 22nd inst., are [as follows: Mr. liennity (Waimahia) 1, Mr. W. Rothery (Rahotu) 2, Miss Whittle (New Plymouth) 3, Mr. T. Ryan (Oruawharo, rakapau) 4, Miss Alma Goldfinch (To Kuiti) 5.

The Oddfellows' Lodge held * euchre party and dance on Monday evening. The ladies' first prize for euchre was won-by Mrs. Moroney, the booby prize falling to Mira Bene Burke. Mr, F. Jans secured the first prize for men, and Mr. R. McKay was awarded the booby prize. Dance unusic was supplied by Mrs. Bianchi. Nominations for the Athletic League's sports at Eltham close with the secretary, Mr. A. G. Mills, G.P.0., Eltham, today. To-day the weather was bitterly cold and fairly heavy rain fell Shortly after midday the rain turned to sleet and J light hail. It was bitterly cold all day, and the conditions were most unfavorable to stock. The sky cleared to some extent in the afternoon, but the weather remained uncertain, and ominous; clouds in the west threatened a renewal of the cold rain during the night. To-day Mr. T. .Lamason offered for sale by auction all that remains of York Chambers after the fire, and the lot was knocked down for £lO. A quarter-aere section in Fenton Street failed to find a purchaser, and will be offered again on Saturday.

I Mr. Sole, acting chairman of the Strut'ford Hospital Board, expects to leave for Wellington on Friday. Several matters of importance to Stratford will be dealt with by him while in the capital city, but the main purpose of his. 1 visit is to interview a departmental officer in connection with the plans for the .proposed additions to the hospital. A welcome home social will be given at the Tuna schoolroom on evenling nest to Sergeant-Major T. Henderson And Corporal J. Grosheniki