STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From dtir Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Ur. H. J. Hopkins, boolueller, will McelJi prompt attention.) REV. R. B. TDJSLEY FAREWELLED. April 3. The Rev. R. B. Tinsley, Methodist minister at Stratford for the past four years, who has been transferred to the Addington (Ohristchurch) Circuit, was accorded a farewell social on Wednesday night. There was a large attendance, including several representatives of other denominations. Mr. J. W. Boon, circui't steward, occupied the chair. The Mayor of Stratford (Mr. J. W. McMillan), in his letter of apology for absence, expressed the gratitude of the citizens to Mr. and Mrs. Tinsley for the good work they had done for the town, and wished them the best of happiness and prosperity in their new sphere of activities. The first portion of the programme consisted of vocal and musical items, songs being contributed by Misses J. Boon and Ferguson, and Messrs E- Harrison, W. C. Burley, F. T. Hale and R. G. Jamicson;'violin solos by Miss Hopkins and Mr. D. MeAlister, a pianoforte solo by Mr. E. Harrison, and a cornet solo by Mr. C. H. Lawn. The chairman, in making a presentation of a handsome travelling nig to Mr. Tinsley, expressed the very, sincere reI gret of the members of the congregation at his departure. In addition to having I a large circuit to look after, Mr. Tinsley had taken a very active part in patriotic work, but it was as chairman of the local Prohibition League that he had done the greatest amount of work, and the splendid vote for prohibition in Stratford was in a large measure due to his organising work. During the epidemic, also, he had rendered good service to the community. The chairman also regretted Mrs. Tinsley's departure, and expressed the wishes of the congregation that in their new work at Addington, Mr. and Mrs. Tinsley would have a very successful and happy time. The Rev. J. W. MeKcnzie (Presbyterian), on behalf of the members of the Presbyterian Church, expressed very sincere regret at Mr. Tinsley's departure. Captain H. Martin Brown (Salvation Army) said Mr. Tinsley had been a tower of strength in Christian matters, and the members of the Salvation Army were very sorry he was leaving Stratford. Mr. Tinsley, who was received with applause, sincerely thanked the speakers for their kindly references to his work, for he always tried to do what he believed to be right. As a minister he had to make many changes, but no parting had given him greater regret than the present one. The four years he had spent in Stratford had been the happiest years of his life, and he believed the most successful. He had seen the church grow and p:osper, and he believed that under the Rev. Leslie Ncale, the new minister, it would continue to prosper. Mr. Neale was a young man, and had gone to the front as a chaplain, from which he was relumed to New Zealand badly wounded. Before his wound was perfectly healed he was sent back to Palestine, where he remained until the war concluded. He asked that Mr. Neale bo given the same loyal support that he had received. Mr. Tinsley expressed his thanks to the officials of'the church, to the choir, to the organist (Miss E. Moon), and to all who had so willingly helped him. After paying a tribute to the prohibilinn workers with whom he had been associated, and addressing a few remarks to the boys and girls present, Mr. Tinsley again thanked the congregation for their repeated kindnesses to himself and Mrs. Tinsley while they had been in Strat-fr.-d.

The gathering then sang the hymn, "find He With You Til! We Meet Affair,." after which light refreshments ' were handed round by the ladies. GUN CLUB. On Rood Friday, the Gun Club held a very successful shoot on Messrs. Kelson and Green's property, East Road, when tlie principal attraction was a competition for Mr. J. Jackson's gold trophy, in connection with which was a special for the best score for first barrels in the shoot, donated by Mr. Bnrr, of Stratford. The weather was ideal, and there was a good attendance of members. In the shoot off for the trophy, Knuekey won on .the second round, and Coleman, with eleven first barrels, took Mr. Barr's special. NGAERE GARDENS, Yesterday, Ngaere Gardens made big claims as a holiday resort, the comprehensive musicnl programme, which had been organised by the. proprietary, being submitted to an attendance of' about 2000. In addition to Mr. Fox's orchestra and instrumental items, there were a number of vocal gems, Miss Rona Kina (Wangamii) and two Stratford singers, Messrs. P. Coe (bass) and A. D. Bills (tenor) being the contributors. For Easter Monday the Gardens will provide the usual bill of attractions. SACRED CONCERT. A sacred concert at the Egmont Club last evening was attended by about 250 people. A programme of excellent quality was submitted, and those present had a two hours' musical treat. Fox's orchestra of eight gave a number of delightful selections, and individual members—Messrs. F. Fox (cornet), fi. Dick (piccolo), and 11. Lester (clarionet)—also gave solos. The vocal work was of a high standard, and the audience were cordial in their praise. The following contributed:—Misses Rona Kina and D. Phillips, Messrs. P. Coe and A. D. Bills. Accompaniments were played by Messrs C. H. Fox and J. Edmondson.

BOWLING. JOASTER TOURNAMENT. In ideal bowling weather on Friday, the Stratford Club's second annual Kaster Pairs Tournament was opened. Pky was resumed on Saturday, and the finals will be played to-day. The positions to date are:— McDonald and Walters, 2 wins, 1 loss. Curteis and Carryer, 3 wins, 1 loss. Nicholson and McKearney, 3 wins, 1 loss. Hillock and Carman, 1 win, 2 losses. Jackson and Butcher, 1 win, 2 losses. Porritt and Hay, 1 win, 3 losses. Harris and Walsh, 4 wins. Fookes and Thompson, 3 losses. Cottier and Pratt, 2 wins, 2 losses. Lyons and Robinson, 3 wins, 1 loss. Martin and Woodhead, 1 win, 2 losses. Smart and Paterson, 2 wins, 1 loss. Sanderson and Davy, 2 wins, 1 loss. Sharp and Gaffansy, 3 Wins,