STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) Nov. 3. Despite the unfavorable weather, a large number , of people visited the Ngaere. Gardens on Sunday. An attractive programme was put on, including selections by an orchestra, songs and duets by Messrs. A. D. Bills and P. Coe, and instrumental items by Messrs. Phillips and Lester. To-day (Tuesday), a poll will be taken of the ratepayers in the Stratford County on loan proposals for laying down modern roads and purchasing road making machinery. Miss Rita Hill, who ha 9 resigned her position as teacher of the ICiore School, was, prior to her departure, entertained by the pupils and residents of tho district at a tea. She was also presented with a silver biscuit barrel and a silver butter knife, on behalf of the pupils. A programme of songs and recitations was given.

Business continues to be brisk in all trades in Stratford, and this applies particularly to carpentry, plumbing, and cabinet-making. Some firms are overwhelmed with orders, and it will be many months before the supply catches up with the 'demand In the furniture trade there is a serious shortage oi labor, and. to make the position worse, the large manufacturing houses are in the same position in this respect as the small man, and frequently cannot supply orders. Though the best wages are offeree} to cabinet-makers there is no response, and it seems that there are not sufficient men with a knowledge of this class of work m the country.

A traveller, whose round does not take him outside Taranaki, and 'who visits Stratford at least once a week and has done so for some time, exprcsr.t-d surprise yesterday when told that there was such a place as. King Edward Park When he learned of its attractions he stated his intention of seeing it at the earliest opportunity. Those local residents who are interested in the park, and realise what an asset it would become to the Jown, are waiting patrently for the day when the Borough Council will be given control. It is hoped that the west end of Fenton Street will be cleaned up and the gates, fences, and paths renewed or repaired. A number of shrubs have been planted at the 'entrance, but from their present appearance thev have had no attention for years. The ferns and other flora growing along the riverside, and the path known as the "round tour," are looking i exceedinglv beautiful just now.

On Sunday afternoon, after what was for Taranaki an exceptionally long spell of dry weather, a violent windstorm and a heavily overcast sky raised hopes of a (rood downpour, but only a little rain fell. Pastures and other growtlis received a little filip. but the moisture did not penetrate far enough in the ground to do any lasting good.

In these days of high cost of living it i? a relief tc» find something to purchase at the old pre-war prices. Just now ladies will find at C. E. James'. Broadway. Stratford, a display of Leather Hand Bags at the old value They are a special, purchase, and are selling at one price. 7/1 each.

Don't trust pictures you value to travellers and strangers. If you want any photo?rai>h ponied' nj* enlarged send it to McAllister, Stratford. The result will be the best possible, and you save the canvasser's commission. Reduce the depreciation in your motor car by talcing it to C. T). Mathe\v«. 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.