STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 October 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

* (From Our Resident Reporter.) Oct. 2. Already the interest in tlie coming 1 general election is very keen, and the number of people making application for enrolment at this early stage is much greater than might be expected. Application forms are being sent by post to all residents not on the. roll, and country postmasters are being supplied with marked copies of the roll so that they can supply information respecting residents in their districts-

Mr. W. H. Freeman, who lias received notice of his transfer to Hawera, lias been clerk of the court at Stratford as well as Eltham, having had to divide his time between the two places. Mr. Freeman has gained the goodwill of all who came into contact with him ollicially, and his unfailing courtesy has always been greatly appreciated. A party of motorists, when returning to Stratford from Inglewood on Wednesday night, at about 10 o'clock, were filled with apprehension when passing Tariki on seeing a large Ilubniopile car on the south side of the road near a cattle-stop, with the front almost buried in a bank. Things, however, were not as bad as they looked. The driver had, they learned, driven the car by accident off the road, and he and the other occupants (two men and three ladies), were unable to get it back. Presently another car came along, and the united strength of 14 men soon put matters right. The Hupmobile was a New Plymouth car on its way to Hawera, but after the accident the occupants decided to return to New Plymouth It was raining very hard at the time, and all concerned had a most uncomfortable experience, but happily no one was hurt, though in the circumstances, it is remarkable how the car's occupants escaped serious trouble. Though the Egmont Club will not be able to proceed with the additions contemplated in order to provide accommodation for returned soldiers, it has been necessary to effect certain alterations to the present building in order to meet the demands of its growing membership. The billiard-room has been enlarged in order that room might be made for a fourth bible. This was done by removing the wall on the eastern side, shifting the secretary's office to tin northern end of the building, converting the old reading-room into catci-rooms, and the former Wardroom into a read-ing-room. With the alterations, no sacrifice of other amusements has been made, and there is ample spare for the four billiard tables. The partition between the canl-ronjns and the billiard- | room is moveable, so that when social j evenings are being held the whole can |be thrown into one large hull. The work was carried out by Mr N. .1. King The club continues to grow in public favor, and this week, seventeen were proposed for membership. There are now well on to 4CIO members. Of those who have been connected with the club, S2 have been on active service, and eight have made the supreme sacrifice. The photographs of the latter have , been placed on the walls of the billiard-room. Mr. A. J. Barr (secretary to the A. and P. Association), states that definite shape has now been given tn the arrangements for the show as far as the schedule, is concerned. The prospects, he says, are excellent, and everything points to success. The large prize money and handsome trophies are expected to attract entries from fav afield, and some of the classes will be worth travelling a distance to see. As Mr Barr finds it necessary to be away from his office a good deal, he lias made arrangements with Mr S. Ward, who has an office in the same building, to accept payment of subscriptions from members during his absence. It is very desirable that all subscriptions owing be paid early, for the work of the office will increase as the show draws near, and matters of this kind can be less conveniently dealt Vith.

To-night a welcome home social will be held in the Stanley Bond School to Trooper Shoriss and Privates McCrackcn and Phillips. Verj complete arrangements have been made, and those attending are assured of a good time. An effort, originating with Mrs. IT. E. Abraham, has been made to obtain' sufficient money to purchase a selfpropelling chair for Mr. J. Gavigan, of Stratford. Altogether £43 was collected, and as the chair, which is now in use, cost £O7 l.'is !ld. a further appeal hecame necessary. Through the efforts of the Hon. J. B. Hine, a rebate of the Customs duty amounting to £ll Ss fld was obtained, but a balance of £8 7s still had to be made up. Towards this the following contributions have, been received: W. J. Crawshaw and T. Ayiward 10s each, Mrs. Dohson, Miss I. Greig, and Miss Dickenson 2s fid each, anonymous 3s. Further donations may be sent to Mrs. Abraham.

A meeting of the provincial directors of the Stratford Mouniain Hostel Company wan held on Wednesday evening, Mr.' W. ,T. McMillan presiding. Mr. Kirkwood reported that he and Messrs. McMillan and Richards had waited upon the Minister and had since received assurances through the member for the district that the road to the hostei would be metalled this year if practicable. It was decided to write to the Hon. J. B. Hine thanking him for the assistance he had given in the matter. Steps are to be taken immediately to float a limited liability company, with a capita) of £4OOO, divided into 800 shares of £5 each. To qualify for the directorate, five shares must be held. The provisional directors are to visit the mountain for the purpose of selecting a site for the new hostel shortly. At a social in the Midhirst Public Hall on Wednesday, as a welcome home to Sergeant W. Casey and Trooper X Youngman, there was a good attendance considering the exceptionally bad weather. Each of the guests was" presented with an illuminated address, on behalf of the residents, by Mr. G P, Harkness, who presided. Items were given by Mrs. Penn's orchestra, Miss Milner, Mr. Aitken, Mrs. Tapp, and Miss Kivell. A violin duet was played by Miss Hopkins and Mr. Penn. Miss Huse and Mrs. Penn played the accompaniments Music for the dance was provider) by Miss Huse. A good supper was served.

In these days of high cost of living it is a relief tc- find something' to purchase at the old pre-war prices. Just now ladies will find at C. K. James', Broadway, Stratford, a display of Leather Hand Bags at the old value. They are a special purchase, and are selling at one price, 7/0 each.

What will give more pleasure to the family than Father's Photograph. At MuAllistei's Studio, the most up-to-date in Taranaki, there is no delay and no fuss. Photographs are taken by appointment any time, day or night. Even an appointment is not essential. Just drop in, and surprise the family.