STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 July 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) k.r < H l 7 C «" n M nica H on 3' lelt « 3 ' etc, left IMb attention.? bookseller. receive jromm Stratford, July 4. Tiie Rev. J. D. Madill, who, after liaving been minister of the Presbyterian Chuich at Stratford for about three years, is resigning, expects to leave at the end of the present month, and will probably go to Victoria. The resignation will be considered by the congregation on Monday evening next and by the Presbytery oil the following evening. In the number and size of its reserves, the Borough of Stratford is particularly fortunate. King Edward Park has an area of about /5 acres, the Domain in the heart of the town comprises 25 acres, and there are a large number of smaller i reserves. Very little has been done to improve these reserves, and there does not afjpear to be any funds that can be used for such a purpose. Tracks have been cut through the native bush in King Edward Park, but the improvements go no further than this, and, as for the Domain, nothing whatever has been done to beautify it or makq it attractive to the people. It is about the last place that anyone would go for a pleasant Sunday afternoon walk. This Domain lends itself to beautification. Running through the centre is a natural lake, on which water lilies could be grown, while the sloping ground above could be made very attractive at a small expenditure with flower plots, paths, and garden seats What can be accomplished in this way in a short time is shown by the changes effected at the old cemetery by tlie new caretaker. Sports are not catered for at all, and the only games played at present are hockey and football. There is no ehed, and footballers have to leave their clothe 3 in the open, unprotected from the weather. Apart from the spuria mentioned, the Domain is simply a grazing area. As far as King Edward Park is concerned, it would be hard to find a place where Nature has been so kind and so lavish with her gifts, and where so little has been done to second Iter efforts. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt, and it may 1 that those who control the park do not appreciate it, but if Stratford had no other attraction it would never lack interest to visitors, who know of the beauties of tjie natural bush in the park. If its beauties cannot be added to they can, at least, be made a little more accessible, and something should be done to the entrance, which is in a most neglected state. Any stranger would never suppose that King Edward Park lay beyond the wretched street and pathway he would be obliged to pursue before he could, gaze upon Stratford's ■ onderland. As for the other small reserves, they are scattered about the town, and some are to be leased for building purposes. Mr. Hunter is taking a great interest in this matter and hopes that the Borough Council's actum «»u relieve the situation as far as housing is concerned. There is a swung feeling in some quarters, including the Borough Council, that the large reserves should be made more accessible to the people, and it is hoped that a movement will be started which will result in something being accomplished. A meeting of the general committee of the Stratford A- and P. Association will be held to-day at 1.30 p.m. New members will be elected to the committee and an executive will be appointed.. Messry! Ranford Brosi., of Opunakc Road, Stratford, have sold their farm to Mr. G. Gadsbv, of Brooks Road.

The address on nursing given by Dr. Doris Gordon to women at the Municipal Chambers yesterday afternoon was largely attended- An instructive lecture ivas giveri on "wounds." Michael Power, a well-known resident •of Stratford, died suddenly at his home, Mountain Road, on Thursday. Deceased, who l was 74 years of age, was born in County Waterford, Ireland. In his younger days he was engaged in mining in Victoria and on the west coast of the South Island. Over forty years ago he took up land in Waipuku, and for the past eight years he has resided in Stratford. His widow and two daughters (Mrs. A. C- Walshe, Opunake, and Mrs. Hope, Riverlea) survive him.

Mr. and Mrs. Tissiman and Mr. and Mrs. Silk, who are leaving Stratford, were entertained at a social at St. Andrew's Hall on Tuesday nigbt. MrSilk has been a church manager and Mrs. Silk and Mr. Tissiman were members of the choir. Presentations were made on behalf of the congregation and the clioir. The following contributed items during the evening: Misses Phillips and Boon, Mrs. Bryce, Messrs Aitken, Betts, and Edmondeon. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Madill and Mr. Edmondeon.

T. Lamnson's weekly report: Last week my usual weekly sale was held at the Mart, when a very good entry of poultry came forward, and go .d prices were obtained. I quote: Hens 2s 6d to (is each; ducks 2s 9d to 3s 6(1; cockerels 2s 6d to 3s 6d; potatoes 10s 6d cwt.; apples 3s 6d to 10s; wheat 83 3d; pollard 225; bran 15s. Furniture and sundries at usual rates.

Entries for T, Lama son's usual auction sale at his Stratford Mart will be found on page 8. POSTED DIRECT FOR 2s 6d. One Good Luck Writing Pad, One Packet Envelopes, One Penholder and Nib, One H.B. Lead Pencil. Send postal note or stamps.—Charles E. James, Box 21, Stratford.—Advt. "fjpHE Rose of No Man's Landf' or any copy of the latest in music posted for 2s. —Fox's Music Store.