STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Out Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. B. 1. Hopklnj, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) FIREMEN ENTERTAINED. BANQUET AT STRATFORD. Feb. 20. The visiting delegates and firemen to the conference and demonstration were entertained by the Stratford Municipal Volunteer Fire Brigade at a most successful banquet, at the Medina tea rooms, on Thursday night. The Mayor (Mr. J W. McMillan) occupied the chair, and was supported by the chief officers of the Association. .

After the loyal toast had been honored, the Mayor proposed the health of Lieut. Grant, V.C., a member of the Hawera Brigade, and on behalf of the people of Stratford, extended him a hearty welcome to the town, and congratulated him dn securing the most coveted decoration a soldier could win. The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm and Lieut. Grant received a great ovation on rising to return thanks. The toast of the "TM, F.8.A.," was proposed by the Mayor, who paid a tribute to the splendid work done by the Association during its existence. Captain Ward, president of the Association, responded and dealt with the work of the Association and some of the difficulties it had to contend with. The toast, "The United Fire Brigades Association" was proposed by Secretary H. Ford (New Plymouth), and responded to by Captain Champion, of Hawera. and "The Army and -"avy" was proposed by ex-Lieut. C D. Sole (Stratford), and responded to by Lieut. Grant, V.C., who delivered a very capable speech about the war. The M<v<-- ■■"••■• promising to donate a tropin- for the next annual demonstration at Insrlewood, presented the prizes to the winners at the demonstratiov. Captain Ward presented the Association's shield to Superintendent Grubb on behalf of the Stratford Brigade. Other toasts honored during the evening were: "Visiting !>,.;..,, ■„.. - ."j>] lo Ladies," and "The Press." During the evening songs were contributed'" by Messrs P. T. Aitken, A. D. Bills, M. Carey, and Burrows, Mr. Edmondson providing the accompaniments. Mr. C. Jackson offered a trophy for competition at the next demonstration. X-RAY DANCE. A very successful dance was held in the Town Hall last night for the purpose of raising funds for providing an X-ray plant for the Stratford Hospital, About a hundred coupler danced to the exquisite music provided by Mr. C- H. Fox's orchestra, consisting of Messrs C. 11. Fox (piano), V. Lester and G. Dick (flutes), C. Penn (violin) and J MeAlistcr (bass). The duties of MC. were ably performed by Messrs Ray Nelson and M. Gernhoofor. while supper arrangements were managed by a committee under the direction of Miss O-era-hcty. Mr. J. W. Jones was honorary secretary. Dancing was kept up till the early hours of this morning.

GENERAL. In view of the Health Department's order closing the schools in the Stratford district until March 1, there has been some uncertainty as to whether the school picnic will be held on Thursday next as previously arranged. The committee has now definitely decided to hold the picnic on that date, even though the school will not be opening until the following Monday, and tickets are now on sale again. The eominual delay in the date of re-opening of schools is causing some annoyance and dissatisfaction and manyparents argue that the necessity for keeping the children away from school no longer exists. It is also contended that an undue handicap is being placed on both teachers and children, for the long spell away from lessons means that a great deal of leeway will have to he made up. Members of the school committee are greatly in favor of re-opening on Tuesday next, but it appears that authority to do so cannot be obtained for taking the step. The position in regard to influenza appears to be taking a decided turn for the better. The five influenza patients in the Stratford Hospital are all progressing favorably. The retail price of milk is to be increased to 6d per quart and Is 8d per gallon after March 1, Street collections are to be made In Stratford to-morrow "for the purpose of raising funds for providing an X-ray plant at the Hospital The Ladies' Red Cross Committee will assist by conducting a sale of goods and produce at a marquee to' be erected in Broadway, further donations for which will be gladly welcomed.

The speakers at Monday night's public meeting in connection with the site of the new railway station will be the Mayor (Mr J. W. McMillan), Mr. Robert Masters, M.P., Mr, J. B. Richards, chairman of tho Chamber of Commerce, and Mr W. P Kirkwood, representing the Railway League. The'district around Stratford is recognised sis the home of Jersey cattle, and it was stated' to-day by a local Jersey breeder that although the entries of Jerseys at tho Hawera Show were very good they were 102 le.=s than the number exhibited at the Stratford Show. A good number of local people went to Hawera yesterday in order to visit the show.

Stratford motorists have usually managed to get sufficient supplies of benzine to keep them going, but evidently up in the Waikato, the position is very different. A local resident received a wire to-day from his brother at Te Aroha, inquiring if he could purchase any benzine in Taranaki, as it was absolutely unobtainable in his district. The. resident passed the wire on to a local merchant, but the order wa.s declined. Taranaki needs all the benzine it can obtain for.its own requirements. Yesterday's rain put a stop to all outdoor sports, tennis and bowling matches having to be postponed. Mr. W. T- Coad. postmaster at Strafford, has returned from holiday leav\ during which time Mr. T. Purcell acted as postmaster. As Mr. Coad has received notice of his transfer to Westport, Mr. Purcell will continue to act as postmaster at Stratford. At the hearing of the Stratford election petition, Mr. M. Myers, instructed by Messrs Spence and Stanford (Stratford) will appear for Mr. J. B. Hine. and Sir John Findlay, K.C.. instructed bv Messn; TWherfurd, Coleman and Macalister (Stratford) for Mr. Robert Masters, M.P,

The purchasing power of the sovereign is said to be cont'n'iimsly growing less, but st Hawks' und Eiwiw' wfc.

which opens this morning, the public will be surprised at the, wonderful range of bargains offered. Full particulars of the Sale are given in our advertising columns. On Monday next, the schools will be re-opening, and the kiddies are now preparing to resume their lessons, after the long holiday they have had. The selection of school requirements is an important matter, and wise parents will make a point of inspecting the full stock at H. J. Hopkins', bookseller and stationer, Broadway. Here they will find everything the kiddies require, and always at the lowest possible price. It's time to have that long-promised portrait taken. No need to wait for a fine day. With the equipment at McAllister's Studio, Stratford, you can be taken any time, day or night. The most up-to-date Studio in Taranaki —McAllister's.

Reduce tho depreciation in your motor car by taking it to C. D. Mathews, Stratford, and if it is mechanically Bound 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.