STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1200, 1 March 1895, Page 19

STRATFORD.

The excursion train which ran on Sunday for New Plymouth to take those who wished to assist at the consecration of the Catholic Church there was very crowded, and took a large number of people from this district. The exceedingly good music, for which the Catholics are famous, attracts large numbers of Protestants to their functions, much to the benefit of their funds, but why the Protestants cannot or will not take the trouble to have equally good music is yet to be explained. It takes some trouble no doubt to have the music good, but the advantage is undeniable. The church where good music is to be heard will always be well filled and prosperous. In view of the epidemics of typhoid and diphtheria in towns north and south, the town Board has appointed three of its members a committee to watch over the health of Stratford. There is some overcrowding necessitated by the impossibility of getting vacant houses. A party of fifteen ascended Mount Egmont on Monday, two-thirds of the number reaching the top. The Rev J. W. Hayward being one of the party, held ra religious service On this elevated pinnacle. Hymns, prayers, a short address, and the doxology were followed by the benediction, after which Ihe party made the descent. It is a most enjoyable trip, but those who wish to go to the top of the mountain should always' have with them one who knows the way well.: To do without a guide is to incur much loss of time, additional fatigue and risk. The Key B. J. Allsworth, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, has been making a short stay in Stratford qn a visit to his sonjMr E. G. Allsworth. The induction of the Rev Mr Hutson to the pastorate of. Stratford will take place early in March, when after the service there will be a '' social. 1 ' '-.

We are promised that the new Court-house ft will be ready in three months. It is greatly needed as business goes on increasing.,.. Yesterday, as two little boys were riding, on a horse, the animal suddenly bucked, them off, one falling on top of the other. A broken arm was the consequence to the little fellow who fell undermost, 11 is father, Mr McGregor, conveyed- him speeclily to Stratford, where the arm Was set and-fche.. little boy is doing fairly well. " . Mr Gas Aiken, well known in Taranaki, was married recently to Miss May Mabin, at the residence of Mr H. D. Coutts, of Ngaire. The Rev Mr Hntson officiated.

Mr Gilbert, who is only quite recently out from .England, is settling in Eltham with the intention of founding a first-class watchmaker and jeweller's business. He has baentwentj years in the trade, and intends showing a good stock. A good watchmaker was certainly wanted in Eltham, and we feel sure Mr and Mrs Gilbert will be heartily welcomed there. Stratford, February 26.

| There has been a sudden change in the j temperature during the past few days. At 9 a.m. on Friday the thermometer stood at 80. At the same hour yesterday it was at 50. Yesterday morning Mount Bgmont's top was covered with a fresh layer of snow, thoroughly wintry looking. There are outward and visible signs of the long-deferred courthouse being erected.. An official from the Public Works Department has been inspecting the site, and tenders will shortly be called for the building. It is to be constructed on the cooperative principle. A private telegram received here yesterday from Nelson announces the death there of Mr C. A. Halliday, barrister and .solici-. tor, late of Eltham, and formerly of Palmerston North, where he was in partnership with Mr Fitz Gerald. •":■■ I

The Eltham Knights of Labour, will hold a " social " on Thursday in the Town Hall> as a farewell to the Rev W t C. Wood, who is leaving the district.

The Rev Mr Isitt commenced a mission at Eltham this (Tuesday) evening. He visits Ngaire on Wednesday, Midhur3t on Thursday, and Stratford during the rest of the week. The new Roman Catholic Church at Opunake was consecrated on Sunday by Archbishop Redwood. There was a very large attendance from all parts of the districts.

Owing to the excess of work in connection with the local Police Court, Constable Hooper, from Patea, has been sent to Stratford for a month to assist Constable O'Donovan. It is impossible to do common justice to this large and rapidly-growing district with the aid of only one policeman. P&tea, with less than half the work, has two officers. The Eltham School Committee has decided to take the school children for a trip to New Plymouth on March Ist. , • It is just possible that several other schools along the coast will do likewise. Several men are at work, and more will volunteer shortly to improve the track to Dawson's Falls on the slopes of Mount Egmont. The falls v are rapidly becoming a favourite resort.

: ;;Miss Irvine, one of the pupil teachers at the local school, was to-day presented -with a handsome gold brooch, on the occasion of her pupilship having expired.-'•--.. ..