STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1922, Page 6

STRATFORD.

DAILY NEWS AGENCY. Adrertisenents and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the cffiee of out local representatative, care Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway. Stratford. Orders for papers may also be lefi with him. THE MARDI GRAS. THE CROWNING* CEREMONY. December 4. The crowning of the queen of the Mardi Gras (Miss Eileen Kelly) took place at the Town Hall on Saturday night. Considering the importance of the occasion the attendance was very small. Prior to the crowning ceremony a short musical programme was rendered, the following giving songs: Mrs. Massey, Miss E. Milner, Messrs A. Vinsen and Teetling. Miss Loi Kivell (the country candidate) gave an exhibition of club swinging and Mr. E. Kelly played a cornet solo. Every item was appreciately received and encored.

The queen was conducted to her throne by Mr. W. Robinson, the other candidates following on the arms of their respective chairmen of committees. Miss Cramer bore the crown and little Miss Myra Wilson and Master Darragh, daintily arrayed, fitted as pages. A boy scout stood at each side of the throne. The other candidates, Misses Lulu Nash, Loi Kivell and Linda Walsh, were in turn presented to the queen, and the chairmen of committees- also kissed the royal hand. Mr. P. sSkogland, as herald, read a semi-humorous greeting to the queen and '‘Archbishop” John Hopkins performed the crowning ceremony with due pomf). The queen and the other queen candidates were beautifully robed and the crowning scene was one that will be remembered.

Honors were conferred upon various prominent citizens and workers in the Mardi Gras campaign as follows: —Mr. W. Robinson, K.C.C. (Knight of the Calico Counter); Mr. Skogland, K.R.T. (Knight of Rates and Taxes); Mr. W. Kelly, K.S.L. (Knight of the Silver Locks); Olive Harvey, M.L.C. (Marquis of the Law Courts); Douglas Clark, D.I.W. (Duke of the Ton Works); Alex. Nelson, K.H.C. (Knight

of the Horse and Cart) ; Gerald Wilson, V.E.S. (Viceroy of Energetic Sports); William Spray, D.PJR. (Duke of Pembroke Road); John Neilson. E.C.W. (Emperor of the Cheese Works); Geo, Smart. K.T.T. (Knight of the Tacky Tin Plate); Chas. Lawn, M.8.8.D. (Knight of the Big Bass Drum).

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. P. Skogland, in returning thanks on behalf of the band, said many of Stratford’s public men were conspicuous by their absence and this had been the case from the beginning of the carnival. Such apathy had a depressing effect upon the workers, but he wished to heartily acknowledge the splendid services rendered by the four queens, their committees, and all who had given help. Many of the same faces were to he seen at every function, there being many who could well afford to keep their money in their pockets, but it appeared that others, usually classed as public-spirited, and in comfortable circumstances, had not lent either their moral or financial support to the carnival. The band was an institution that should be supported by everyone in the community, because it was a democratic institution and afforded pleasure to all. The Stratford band played several selections outside the hall prior to the function, and also played several items during the ceremony. Mrs. J. H. Thompson played the accompaniments. MAGISTRATE’S COURT, LICENSE OF VEHICLES.

At the Stratford Court this morning, before Mr. A. M. Mowlem, S.M., reserved judgment in a vehicle licensing by-law case, which has been before the Court for some time, was delivered. William Archibald was charged that, being the owner of an unlicensed motorcar, he permitted it to be used for plying for hire and with failing to have the license num tier placed upon the ear. Charles Blacknell, the driver of the car, was charged with being the drivtf of an unlicensed car and with failing to produce a license when requested by the inspector. On the first charge Archibald was convicted and the second information was dismissed. On the charge of being the driver of an unlicensed vehicle Blackwell was convicted, but the information against the same defendant for failing to produce a license was dis-

missed. Archibald was ordered to pay costs amounting to £4 4s on the charge upon which he was convicted, and Blackwell was ordered to pay Court corts 9s. The judgment stated: “Having considered the authorities quoted by counsel for the defendant in support of his contention that by-law 14 of the Taranaki Joint By-laws was ultra vires and void I am not prepared to hold that the by-law is ulria vires and void.” The car in question is used by Archibald in a passenger service between New Plymouth and Hawera. LIGHTING BY-LAWS. John 'Neilsen, charged with driving a motor-car with only one headlight and no tail-light, did not appear and was fined 10s, with costs 7s. “I suppose there were quite a number of cars about on that night?” asked the Magistrate of the inspector. “Yes, sir.” “And this was the only one you could catch? It would appear that my methods are bearing some fruit.” UNDEFENDED CIVIL CASES.

Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in the following undefended cases: Annie Theo'bold v. W. Hawke £76 (costs £5 Is): Spence, Rutherford, Macalister and Coleman v. George Sleeman £3 17s fid (costs £1 8s 6d); Rooney and Co. v. G. R. McLean £2 2s 3d (costs £1 3s 6d); Stratford County Council v. J. C. and C. J. Fox £l3O 4s ■2d ( £8 6s); Stratford Hospital Board v. T. McDonald £6 17s 6d (costs £1 15s fid); New Zealand Loan and Mercantile v. George Mattock £22 Os lOd (costs £2 Ils). In a judgment summons case, at tne

suit of the Stratford Hospital Board, R. J. Stevens was ordered to pay £2 4s forthwith, in default three days imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended for seven days after the service of the order. PROHIBITION CAMPAIGN. The final prohibition rally before the elections was held in the’ Town Hall last night. Prior to the meeting the Salvation Army Band rendered appropriate selections outs'ide the hail. During the evening local items were given by Miss Essie 'Milner and Mr. Vincent. The speakers were the Rev. C. W. Howard and Mr. L. M. Moss, who each received a very attentive hearing. The district organiser, Mr. J. H. Thompson, gave a report of his work throughout the district.

GENERAL ITEMS. At the Denbigh Road railway crossing at Midhirst this morning a motorcar. driven by Mrs. J. Habowski, collided with the mail train, but no serious 7 damage was done. The car was attempting to cross the line when the driver saw the approaching train and applied the brakes. It was too late to avoid a collision, however, and the engine struck the side of the car and turned it round, damaging the mudguard. Two children, besides Mrs. Habowski, were in the car. Mr. Cecil Wright has returned to Stratford after an enjoyable trip to Great Britain.

KING’S THEATRE. "MY BOY.” To be a star at six years is the sign of genius—nothing less. That is what Jackie Coogan is—a genius. This likeable little chap will appear at the King’s Theatre, Stratford, to-night in his latest production ‘‘Aly Boy.” Jackie proves that a person doesn’t have to be an adult to be a movie star. It is doubtful if there is any other star in the profession who has the following possessed by Jackie Coogan, for his last two pictures, “The Kid,” in which he played second part to Charlie Chaplin, and “Peck’s Bad Boy.” There isn't any emotion which Jackie can’t register —and register with a punch. He is a born actor, if there ever was one of that species, and it is a constant delight to watch him at work on the. screen. “'My Boy’ is an excellent entertainment, not only 'because the

“Kid” is in it, but because he has a story written especially for him, which fits him like the proverbial glove and which gives him full opportunity to display his varied talents. The supporting items include Gazette, Educational and Comedy. Usual prices will be charged for the above feature. Book your seats at Humphrey’s, bookseller.