STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will rccoivo urompt attention.) Jan. 9. Stratford is rarely favored with visits from theatrical companies, and those that do come do not always get satisfactory houses. This may be partly attributed to want of publicity, and the failure to use all the best means available for reaching the people with their announcements. There are, however, other means. The Town Hall is far behind the times as a place for amusement?, and, unless the performance is of exceptional merit, there is a natural preference for tiie picture palace with its comfortable sealing accommodation, excellent appointments, and a programme that is nearly aways new. The buildings are in such marked contrast to each other that, even it the quality of the entertainments dillfcivd greatly, a little sacrifice would be willingly made in this respect for the extra comfort enjoyed. The hnvcr cost of the pictures may also he a consideration. It will be a long lime before the town will have a town hall or theatre comparable to , the King's Cinema. Certainly, the need for a better puolic building than the Town Hall is not felt very much at present, hut it is quite probable if there was a first-class building iliat some of the best companies would come to .Stratford.

With one or two exceptions, no applications for the installation of the telephone have been complied with in .Stratford for many mouths, and the Departmental officers are nimble to say when fresh supplies of wire, of which there is a shortage,.will come to hand. There is an impression with some that those who persistently worry the Department are receiving preference, but (his is not so, as all applications are. and will be, dealt with in the order in which flrcv are received.

The position in regard to housing Ins shown no improvement, and inquiries ure daily received from homeless people. Any house, no matter how small or deficient in conveniences, is eagerly sought after, and a man who succeeds in renting a modern house considers himself eery lucky.

Kvorv businessman spoken to about the Christmas and New Year trade has ex'liresscd himself as more than satislied. The takings hn.vo m all cases been far ahead of previous years, and Ihouuh in mukiiu' a comparison the irgher cost of goods to the shopkeeper hns to beconsidered, there is no doubt about the tradespeople having had the mo; t prosperous season they have l,now;n. Notone complaint has been heard.

At T. Lamnson's weekly mart sale today (Saturday), some choice poultry will be offered, also a number of other lines, details of which appear on page 8-

During the holidays, while the kiddies are looking their best, take them along to McAllister's Studio. The photographs will give you satisfaction to-day, and lasting pleasure. "McAllister's Studio is the most tip-to-date in Taranaki. 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.

Save yourself trouble and avoid loss by providing yourself with the means for keeping records of those things you need to remember. Get a IA2O diary from H. d. Hopkins without delay. f h >se diaries contain a lot of useful information in handy form, and can. be obtained in sizes to suit requirements.