STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

'(From Out Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left wltu Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, Kill receive prompt attention.) SHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Feb. i. The monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held last night, Mr. W. P. Kirkweod presiding. A letter was received from the secretary of the Postal Department stating that plans for the new post office would be prepared as goon as possible. —The announcement was deemed satisfactory. The following Temits were passed for submission to the Dominion Conference: That the Chamber is of opinion that railway freights tariff should not be used for protective purposes, e.g., such as the railway protective freight in connection with timber and other industries. That the Government be urged to enact legislation for a universal Saturday half-holiday. A sub-committee consisting of Messrs Richards and Kirkwood was delegated to deal with any other matters arising and to forward remits. The chairman (Mr. J. B. Richards) ivas appointed delegate to the Conference. It was decided that the annual meeting be held on March 2. THE TOKO TRAGEDY. DIVER'S WORK DESCRIBED. An eye-witness, writing to the Stratford Post, graphically describes the work of the diver, Mr. Hearne, in liis successful search for the body of A. P. Reid, who was drowned in the Patea river on February 1. After referring to the initial tearch on Monday, he proceeds to describe the diver's method of dressing for the task, adding: "Slowly the pump was set working, and as the diver slid into the water—it waa impossible for him to walk owing to the weight of the gear upon him—a queer uncanny feeling seized the spectators. Air bubbles showed on the surface as, the diver made his way across .the strcim; he turned to search a hole further along the bfink; then it was seen that he was coming back. But no! he had stopped, for the bubbles rose in one place for a while: then they continued in a line towards the bank, and it was seen that he was pulling the body of the unfortunate man behind him. It was the work- of seconds only to relieve him of his burden and remove the helmet, when he told the short story of his search. The body was found partly hidden bv a log, with one arm thrown over it." In the opinion of Sergeant. Dale, Mr. FTearne's efforts were most praiseworthy. On being summoned by telephone, Mr. Rcarne arrived at the seene with two assistants and his diving gear per motor lorry from New Plymouth. He was not aware that he would have to deal with a stream of such a nature ns lie found on arrival. He was, however. pleased to have been of assistance and that his search successful. THE INQUEST. • At the innuest held at Toko yesterday by Mr. E. Marfell, J.P., and a jury of six, evidence was giveij lSv deceased's father, S. G. Reid, of Croydon Road, that his son had seen three years' active service and had been wounded. Evan Jones, by whom deceased was employed, stated that deceased \vns a steady, sober mnn. and was understood to he a fair swimmer. Wm. .Tones, eon of last witness, stated he considered that where the body was found was a safe nlace- He had been swimming with deceased on occasions, but, lie"!" n,!,, weakness. After formal evidence bv Sergeant Dale, the jury returned a verdict of accidentally drowned while bathing. GENERAL, t At' the Fire Brigade meeting last night presentations were made by Superintendent Grchb to Firemen W. Robson and (?. A. King on their entry into married life. At the Oddfellows' Lodge on Monday evening Mr- King received a presentation from his brother members. At the meeting of the Ladies' Red Crops Society yesterday it was decided to make a collection on behalf of the X-Rav Mnpnratiis fund on Hospital Day (Saturday 21st). Although no apprehension is felt, preparations have been made by the Hospital Board to cope with any possible outbreak of influenza, and the members of the Red Cross Society have promised to afeist if their services are" needed. Those who value art as expressed in the famous Doulton ware should see the consignment of jugs, bowls, cups and saucers, plates, etc., now on view for the first time at H. J. Hopkins' shop. On each piece scenes from the classics are beautifully portrayed, the authors including Dickens and Shakespeare. See this ware for yourself. It will be sure to appeal to you. Welcome, farewell, appreciative, or any other kind of illuminated address can be supplied promptly, and to the satisfaction of both giver and recipient. Consult McAllister, the Studio, Stratford. Reduce the depreciation in your motor car by talcing it to C. D. Mathews. Stratford, and if it is mechanically sound he will return it lobking as well as when you first bought it, at a very small cost. The best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade.