STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1922, Page 6

STRATFORD.

DAiLY NEWS-AGENCY. Advertisements and items of nows for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should ba ieft at the office of our local representatatire, care Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also be left nith him.

PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN. CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION. December 2. A children’s demonstration, ■organised under the auspices of the Stratford Prohibition League, was held in Broadway to-day, but was marred by a downpour of rain. About 400 children participated, a large number being unable to attend on account. of the weather. The procession was formed at the Salvation Army barracks. Headed by the Eltham Salvation Army Boys’ Home Band in a decorated lorry, and followed by several cars, and the children on foot, it moved into Broadway, with appropriate banners hoisted and every child carrying a flag. The rain then came down in torrente, and the procession was forced on to the sidewalk. It was later marched to the Municipal Buildings, where a prohibition song was sung by the massed children under the direction of Mr. J. H. Thompson, and the Boys’ Band played the National Anthem. The Rev. C. W. Howard, on behalf of the children, said the demonstration was organised as an appeal for sympathy from the children to the electors, and a reminder for Thursday next. He said that £12.000.000 was spent annually in New Zealand on drink, while only £3.500.000 was spent on the education of the children When prohibition was carried a great part of the twelve millions could go into i the Treasury, and -be largely devoted to ! education. This would be the last wet week under national license in New Zealand.

THE VISITING CHORISTERS. The combined choirs’ performance of “The Messiah” last night should give a great fillip to musical matters in Stratford. The rendering of Handel’s incomparable work by 250 voices is a pleasure all too rare in the provincial towns, and the appreciation ■of last night’s performance was therefore the greater. The result more than compensated for the consistent and heavy rehearsal by the choirs during the past few months. The soloists were particularly well received, Madam Winnie Fraser and Miss Mina Caldow being presented with beautiful bouquets, while the packed audience applauded loud and long. At the conclusion of the programme the performers, their hosts and hostesses and officers of the Stratford 'Musical Society adjourned to the Parish Hall to supper. On behalf of the people of Stratford, Mr. Percy Thomson, president of the Stratford Society, < hanked the visitor? 1 m Wellington, Hawera, and New’ Plymouth for the great treat they had provided, and at his instance a hearty vote of thanks to the Visitors was carried by acclamation. Mr. Temple White, replying on behalf of the visitors, thanked the people of Stratford for the reception they had accorded the choirs. It had been a pleasure and an inspiration to perform before such an appreciative audience. Such a gathering of musicians from Wellington and all over Taranaki must result in good. He congratulated Stratford on having such a body of singers who could take their place so creditably beside the more experienced singers from Wellington. The Wellington performers were not used to the Stratford weather, and felt the cold in the Town Hall. He thought it was time Stratford had an up-to-date Town Hall. He congratulated Mr. Lester, conductor to the Stratford Musical Society. He hoped that as time went on the visits between the societies would become permanent institutions. Mr. C. Webb, chairman of the Wellington Union, also spoke appreciatively °of the choir’s reception in Stratford.

After supper an enjoyable impromptu dance was organised, and the function did not break up until a late hour. To-day the Wellington were given practically the freedom o? the town, the tennis courts, croquet greens, bowling greens and the Egmont Club being thrown open to them. A large number also accepted an invitation to visit the Ngaere Gardens, but the heavy rain during the afternoon interfered with the pleasure of the visitors. GENERAL ITEMS. The results of the various 8.8. competitions were as follows:—-Table centre, Mr. C. Abbott; bottle of sweets, Mrs. W. B. Smith; cushion, Mr. W. H. Thomas; cake, Mr. Ballin; dolls’ outfit, Mies Cain; pipe, Mr. M. M. J. Jury; doll, Mr. J. Callaghan. Donations of £5 each to the Mardi Gras funds have been received from the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) and Mr. F. Whittle. All the latest Magazines and Periodical, Fashion Books, the “Best Way” series, etc.. etc.; Collins’ Diaries for 1923; now on gale at W. H. Humphrey’s, Broadway, Stratford. The residents of Stratford and district are notified that Ernest Davies,. the London qualified sight-testing optician, visits Stratford every Tuesday, .and may be consulted at Mr. Gaffaney’s, Broad way. Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.