STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1247, 23 January 1896, Page 19

STRATFORD.

A boxing contest in the Town Hall on the 11th drew a fairly large audience. Professor Richardson and Mr J. Coburn, assisted by local amateurs, exhibited a number of athletic performances, and also sang some popular songs. The Stratford Athletic Club announces its annual sports gathering for the Oth February. Mr Duncan Mackay offered a prize if a tug-of-war were included in the programme. It was found undesirable to lengthen the programme this year, though it might be arranged for next year. Mr Hilbert, of Eltliam, contributed two silver medals, which will be given as prizes in a Local Handicap, open to all residing within 15 miles of Stratford. The admission of a publican’s booth and bookmakers was not decided upoh without a good deal of discussion, and finally it was resolved to charge bookmaker’s a AlO license. There is to be a sale of 3SO sections in the township on the 19th of February, and it is to be held at the Town Hall. This will be a good opportunity for many new comers, who find so much difficulty in getting house-room. . 1 party explored the mountam-track recently and found it s mirch better condition than they expected. Tins being the cas£, it is thought preferable to lay bv the funds in hand from the mountamtrack concert until it is sufficiently increased to admit of permanent improveni©2it;S outJ. The wealher having been extremely boisterous during the week, all were rejoiced to see it clear up during the mornin- of Thursday, the 16th when the Summer Meeting of the Stratford Racing ClrS took place. It was well attended, though not so largely as it wouldl have been had the weather been really settled and warm, instead of windy and somewhat threatening. There were some twenty press representatives present, most of the principal papers having sent reporters. A of visitors came by the trains from oojfcnd south. J

grand stand was found to be on fire. As the racecourse is some distance from the main street the fire-bell was not rung. The fire ho,d gained too great a hold on the erection to be extinguished and the grand stand was burnt to the ground. A weighing machine was also destroyed in the fire, but the club’s marquee was got down in time and saved. Though much sympathy will be felt for the owner, whose loss is said to be considerable, little regret will be felt for the stand itself, which Was by no means as solid or as comfortable as could be desired. At the races last year some alarm was felt by the ladies at the heavy swaying of the stand when the wind blew. It is to be hoped when a new stand is erected cate will be taken to make a firm structure.

A shock of earthquake was experienced on Thursday at 9 p.m. Windows and doors rattled noisily, and the rocking motion was strongly felt. During a r ecent meeting of the County Council the chairman cbjected to some statements made by one or two councillors, and vacated the chair, leaving the matter in the hands of the Council. After some very warm discussion the written resignation of the chairman was handed in, and the Council had no option but to accept it. The chairman resigning was asked to continue to occupy the chair until his successor was elected, which lie agreed to do. The vital statistics for the year 1893 in the Stratford district are as follow :

Births, 218; deaths, 41; marriages, 30. The Chas. Naylor Company have been attracting good audiences at Stratford and surrounding towns. They give a sacred concert at the Town Hall next Sunday.