STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left vrltli Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) A WELCOME HOME. Stratford, June 20. The residents of Toko welcomed Major Hine, M.P., Major M. Urquhart, and Privates W. H. Prout, J. H. Trout, and 0. Lister at a social in tlie Coronation Hall, Toko, on Thursday evening. .The attendance, as befitted the occasion, was very large, the hall being crowded in every part- Mr. W. H. Were presided. An enjoyable concert occupied the first part of the evening Hearty applause followed each item, and encores were frequently demanded. Songs ivere contributed by Messrs P. Aitken and M. Sanne and Misses Martin and Phillips. Ducts were given by Mr. G. Sanne and Miss Phillips. Mr. B- Vinsen, a very popular performer, delighted the audience with some comic items, and Miss Meßay gave an excellent exhibition of Highland dancing, to pipe music played by Mr. J. T. Wade. The welcome took piace after the concert, the guests occupying seats of honor upon the stage. The chairman, on .behalf of the people of Toko, said he had great pleasure in Welcoming the returned officers and men. It had been customary for tie people of Toko to give each man on departing for the front a wristlet watch in token of their goodwill. This had not been done in the case of Private Harold Lister, whom he had much pleasure in presenting. with a watch that eveningThe chairman then, amidst enthusiastic applause, fastened the watch on Private Lister's wrist. Apologies were offered by the chairman for the absence of Corporal Gordon, Private Mather, Mr. G. j Bangster, and Mr. J. W. McMillan (Mayor of Stratford). Mr. Campbell Jackson, in a happy speech, referred to the patriotism of Major Hine and his long and useful record. He referfed to the recruiting work done by the Major in Australia, and he hoped that the Major would use his influence in Parliament on the side of his comrades-in-arms and see that they got a fair deal. The speaker referred to the highly creditable services of Major Urquhart, who had served in Egypt, the Peninsula, and in Prance. He had returned to New Zealand broken in health, but had made a speedy recovery. On behalf of the people of Stratford, he was glad to take part in the social and to give the whole of the guests a warm welcome.

Major Urquhart said that the soldier was not like the prophet who had no honor in his own country. He was proud of his connection with' Toko. Jn the number of men sent, tlie district was second to none, and they had shown their patriotism by the financial assistance they had given in all patriotic movements. Ho spoke in glowing terms of the good work of the New Zealanders and Australians at the front. He had come more into the limelight than the soldier, but he wished to pay a tribute to the latter, who very often was the better man. The fighting men were the men he admired, anfl he had no hesitation in saying that they were the n.c.o's and the Diggers. Major Hine said it was hard to express: the pleasure he felt at being homo ajiain, and the fine reception intensified that feeling. It was better to fight in a foreign country than in one's own land, and lie thanked God that he had had to fight the enemy away from home and that we had not to suffer as those hear the seat of war had to. After referring to his experience in Palestine, he urged that sympathy should be shown in dealing with returned men. Personally, he would do what he could as » Member of Parliament to meet their requirements. If it was not for the amount of red tape the returned soldier would be settled on the land much more quickly. He had already written to the Minister of Lands on this question, and had suggested that a local man he appointed to help. It was not so much the man who could work who needed assistance as those who could not work. I There was no doubt that the people had a duty to perform to the soldiers, and particularly to nerve shaken men. He thanked all for their welcome and for what had been done for them while away.

For the dance which followed music was supplied by Mrs, Bianchi (piano), Messrs W. Walsh (violin), S. Parker (cvrnet), and B. Vinsen (drums), Mr. J, Edmondson and Mrs. "--moll played extras. Messrs Gernlv.' 1 ,T. Kilpatrick acted as M'sC. '.rst class supper was provided

GENERAL. 1

The death took place at the hospital yesterday of Mr. Stanley W. Dyson, 6econd assistant master at the Stratford High School. The late Mr. Dyson was born in Nelson. During the recent epidemic he contracted influenza, and never recovered. He is survived by a widow (a daughter of Mr. N- J. King, Stratford) and an infant daughter. He had been connected with the Stratford school for twelve years, and was respected and beloved by all who knew him. At a meeting of the executive of the Stratford A. and P. Association, over which Mr. J. W- Boon presided, it was decided to hold the annual meeting on June 28. The Wanganui assoaiatkm wrote in reply to a letter from Stratford stating that the admission of outside exhibitors belonging to kindred associations at members' rates was a big question, and had been referred to the finance committee. The secretary reported that 28 new members would be proposed at Hie annual meeting. A letter from the Taranaki Hunt Club asking the association to arrange for one or more hunts in the Stratford district was referred to the Stratford Racing Club. The Stratford branch of the Jersey Breeders' Association will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday next. A smoke concert will be held in the evening, and those desirous of attending are requested to leave their names with the secretary, Mr. A. D. Stanley.

The Catholic social in the Town Hall last evening was well attended. Music fqr the dance was played by Miss Anderson, Miss Fitzgerald assisting with extras. Items were given by Miss Fitzgerald anU Mr. Coe, and Miss Mcßae gave an exhibition of Highland dancing to music by Mr. J. T. Wade. Mr. J. Jans was M.C. for the dance.