STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Otrn Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, nill receive tirompt attention.) December 31. The Rev. J. W. McKenzie was ordained and inducted minister in charge of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Stratford, on December 23 in the presence of a large congregation. The ministers present were the Eev. H. B. Gray (Hawera), moderator of the Presbytery, the Rev. Oscar Blundell (New Plymouth), Rev, J. W. Smith (Manaia), and the Rev. G. H. Ireland (Inglewood). There were also a number of visiting ciders. The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. W. Smith, and the Rev. Oscar Blundell, who had been interim moderator of the charge, addressed the congregation and the newly ordained minister. Mr. McKenzie was educated in Southland and at the Otago University and Theological Hall, Dunedhi. He enlisted in the fith Reinforcements and served in the medical corps to the time when the armistice was signed. He received the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery at Paschendale. At the end of three years' service he was given leave enroling him, if he pleased, to return to New Zealand for a bufc'taade use of the opportunity to complete his theological studies in Glasgow. On his return to New Zealand he was licensed out by the Southland Presbytery, and came to Stratford for three weeks, with the result that he was given and accepted a call to take charge of the church. Mrs McKenzie is well-known as Sister Jessie, a deaconess of the church. Mr. McKenzie took the services at St. Andrew's last Sunday as minister of the church for the first time.

The annual concert and presentation of prizes at the Pohokura School took place on December 19. The gathering was one of the largest that had been seen in the district, and the items by the school children were keenly enjoyed. Mr. D. M. Pitcaithly presided, and in a short address spoke -'cry highly of the progress that had been made by the scholars during the year. At the conclusion of the concert Mr. Pitcaithly presented ,:-adi :f the school children with a prize. Special prizes were presented to Ray Swanger for gaining Std. fi Proficiency Certificate, Mavis Hellier, dux of the school and as a result of third term test; Mavis Hellier for arithmetic, spelling, composition and history; Trixie McCluggage for reading and history; Vera Cavaney for spelling and grammar. Vera Cavaney was also the recipient of Mr. Piteaithly's handsome pri2e for making most progress during the year. -Sewing prizes, which were donated bv Mr. I'rideaux, Mrs Prideanx, and Mrs Hogg, were also presented: Ist. Seniors, Mavis Hellier; 2nd. Seniors, Marionne McCluggage; 3rd. Seniors, Elsie Coulter; Ist. Intermediate, Dorothv Cavaney: 2nd Intermediate, Trixie McCluggage: Ist. Juniors, Vera Cavaney. Elsie Coulter was awarded' an attendance certificate, 'having four miles of a lonely road to travel to and from school. Votes of thanks were passed to those who had helped to make the concert a success, including Mr. and Mrs. McGreth and Miss Blair. Reference was made to the good work done by Mr. Prideaux, who had been secretary of the, school for a number of years. A dance war held after the concert, music being supplied by Mr. Dawson.

The selection of Christmas and New Year Gifts is made easy at J. 11. Hopkins'. Rooks by the best authors. Fancy Goods. Toilet Requisites, Ladies' Handbags, and many other lines will suggest their suitability. There is something for all, and for useful Gifts that it will be a satisfaction to give, and a pleasure to receive, no place affords a better selection than Hopkins' Shop. 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.

Xmas Fair now in full swing. Fancy Goods, Toys, China, Books, or anything needed for' presents. Shop early, shop now. Goods can be } eld till Xmas Eve, and be called for or delivered anywhere.—Charles E. James. Only a few more days to Christmas Eve, and busy ones at that. We advise you to shop early. You get a better selection and better attention.—Charles E. James, the best house in Stratford for presents. Open every evening till i) o'clock.

Reunions, family gatherings, etc., will naturally be the usual thing during the holiday season. Consult' McAllister, Photographer, Stratford, about, a permanent record of such. Group photographs are always interesting for present and future reference.