STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Ir. H. .7. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive irompt attention.) Stratford, Oct. 24. ( The Stratford Fire Brigade celebrated heir twenty-fifth anniversary with a iall in the Town Hall on Thursday evenng. For many reasons the ball was the dost notable held by the brigade since ts inception. The attendance was so arge that the floor was much overrowdeil, but this did not seem to damp ,he good spirits of dancers, and all icknowledged the ball to be the best hey had attended. The music by Mr. rox's orchestra of eight instruments revived unstinted praise. It was the irst time for the orchestra, as now ionstituted, to play at a ball, and Mr. ? ox succeeded admirably in his effort o make the music an important part of t memorable occasion. The decorations ' vere novel, and some beautiful effects vere produced with electric lights. The tppearance of the stage was completely :ransformed with trellis work, ferns, lowers, and colored drapings. This was mother feature of the ball, and was •arried out by a special decoration comnittee, which deserves great credit for ihe orginality and good taste shown, rwo novelties were intwduced, giving the dancers a pleasant surprise. While one dance was in progress toy balloons were automatically released from the ceiling and fell among the dancers, who found amusement in endeavoring to catcV, them. During another dance large ; quantities of confetti were released ir. i the same way. These novelties were j introduced for the first time in Stratford. The supper was the gift of the townspeople, who had responded most liberally to an appeal for assistance, and was in the hands of the wives, and lady relations of brigade members. The M's C. were Secretary Aitken and Firemen Croit, Robson, and Davis. During the evening Fireman Crosson and. Lieut. Rowan were each presented with a gold star for twenty-five years' service. The decorations were presented by Superintendent Champion, president of the Taranaki District Volunteer Fire Brigade Association, .on behalf of the V.F.B.A. Following this, the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Stratford, presented each of the two men referred to with a gold medal and an illuminated address. Two medals for good attendance during the year were presented to Lieut. Rowan and Foreman Moon, and a live-year service medal was presented to Fireman A. S. Davis. An enlarged photograph of the members of the brigade was presented to Superintendent Grubb, who was completely taken by surprise. The committee are much indebted to the citizens for their support, and especially to those who gave refreshments and to those who lent motor ears. 'Final arrangements have been made for the laying of the foundation stone of the new Technical School on Monday The school children will march in procession to the site of the building, leaving the school grounds at 1.46 p.m. The ceremony will commence at 2 o'clock, and at 3.30 official visitors will bo entertained to afternoon tea in the Medina Tea Rooms by the School Committee A picture programme for children will be put on at the. King's Cinema at 3.15, for which matinee prices will be charged, and the profits will be handed over to the School Committee. In the evening a conversazione will be held in the Town Hall, followed by a dance, for which music will be provided by Fox's Orchestra. It is expected that a large number of Stratford people will visit the beautiful Xgaere Gardens on Labor Day. Apart from the grounds, which are ideal for picnicking, there will be the zoo, which is more interesting than ever, boating, games, side shows, and what will probably be appreciated as much as anything, music by an orchestra consisting of accomplished musieiarts. If the day is fine Xgaere Gardens will assuredly be well patronised. The great occasions in life—starting school, Confirmation, coming of age—and the many other events in the every-day experience of us all, how delightful to have a record of all these. McAllister's Studio, Broadway, will satisfy your every want in this respect, and the prices are reasonable. Despite the rise in price of materials, there has been no increase in the charges of this studio, increased output and up-to-date methods being the secret. In these days of high cost of living it is a relief te find something to purchase at the old pre-war prices. Just now ladies will find at 0. E. James'. Broadway, Stratford, a display of Leather Hand Bags at the old value The;, are a special purchase, and are selling Rt one> price, 7/6 each. Reduce the depreciation in your motor car by taking it to C. D. Mathews, Stratford, and if it is mechanically sound he will return it looking as well as when you first bought it, at a very small cost. The best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade.