STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [Stratford Representative: W. J. Wilson Broadway North. Telephone 338.] ' mi Mav '• there was a large number of country visitors to Stratford to-day and business was particularly brisk. General disappointment was.expressed at the further postponement of the Prince's visit, particularly as many of those who came to town from the country had not heard of the altered arrangements. With the decorations and staging all completed for the Royal visit, Broadway, with its crowded pavements and roadway presented quite a gay appearance. * Bunting was freely displayed in Broadway Central and the greenery around the staging in front of the Bank of New Zealand was very effective. This afternoon tlie chief topic of conversation is the strike and the possibility or otherwise of the Prince's visit, but no definite news regarding either has come to hand. The Stratford railway yards had a busier appearance about them to-day owing to the traffic men having resumed duty. The one solitary engine was, however, still "out," and for shunting purposes the trucks had to be shifted by man-power. Hopes are entertained that the strike will be settled by Monday and that the Prince will be able to visit Taranaki early in the week. The total registered rainfall in Stratford last month was 14.85 inches—a record for the month of April. If the vital statistics for last month could be taken as a guide, the population of Stratford should increase at a rapid rate. The birthrate registrations numbered 20, marriages 2, while deaths were only 3. A very successful dance wa3 held in the Town Hall last night, under the direction of Mr. C. H. Vnr. There were about 250 present, and at midnight, when the dance was timed to conclude, the time was extended until 2 a.m. at the request of the patrons. Excellent music was provided by Mr. Pox's orchestra. There was a large attendance at the Leap Year Ball, held in the Stanley schoolroom on Thursday evening last. A good supper was provided by the committee (Mesdames Wheller and A. .T. Chard)- The music was supplied by Miss Riley (piano) and Mr. Parker cornet), and the M.C.'s for the evening were Misses A. Mischewski, Johnston and Kerrisk. Dancing was kept up till the hours of the morning. In view of the success of last night's "Dance of Renown" at the Town Hall. Mr. Chas- H. Fox has arranged another "Dance of Renown," to be held on Tuesday evening. Dancing will be kept up from 8 p.m. till % a.m., and the music will be supplied by Mr. Fox's orchestra.