FIRE BRIGADE FETE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 13, 28 December 1911, Page 3

FIRE BRIGADE FETE.

“ A DANCING TOUR OF THE WORLD.”

For many months past the Stratford Fire Brigade have been desirous of bringing their somewhat obsolete equipment up to the standard of some of the larger towns in the Dominion. This purpose could not be attained with- the funds at the Brigade’s disposal so the progressive little body of young men under Captain Grubb have always responded to a man, at the call of duty. Working with tile equipment on hand is no sinecure, and some months ago a scheme was outlined whereby with tlie help of our residents the scheme 'submitted would be put to practice. Every resident, we are certain, would like to see the brigade purchase their motor engine, and rolling up in large numbers to the Town Hall during Carnival Week will be practical help to a degree. The brigade ;are under very heavy expenditure and will require 1 the support of pur tou'nfolk. They have 1 engaged the

services’qf Professor’Owen Cardston, of 1 Sydhey, N.S.W., td organise a specific ula F 'display entitled, “A Dancing Tour of the World.” Professor Cardston arrived in Stratford a few weeks back commencing active rehearsals immediately. At the present time rehearsals have almost reached the stage of proficiency. In the professor’s mind many of our local aspirants are far ahead of the amateur status. In the juvenile department the mothers will be delighted with the frolics and .pranks.tQf.jtjheir little qnes. Progress has beep decided and quick from the start. When in Groymouth recently Mr Tom Pollard, of opera fame, who is renounc'd throughout Australasia is a trainer of juveniles, being present at Professor Cardston’s dress rehearsal, was so delighted with the performance he had witnessed that, at the fall of the curtain, be immediately mounted the stage and personally congratulated both tho Professor and pupils alike on the entertainment he had seen, comparing some of their ,vork with 1 that of professionals. Professor Cardston would very much like Mr Pollard to see his Stratford pupils, for in less than half'the time they have acquitted themselves very creditably indeed. A feature of the carnival will bo the elaborate manner in which it will be mounted. The dresses are beautiful and gay to a degree. In tin’s connection Professor Cardston desires to sincerely thank tho parents of the children for the correct manner in which they have carried out bis ideas. In no other town visited by him have the parents taken so much interest as the Stratford parents. Special scenery and stage effects are being prepared and all will be in readiness when tho carnival opens next Monday. In view of the likely rush for the first two nights of the carnival, it being race time, it will be well for patrons to reserve their seats to save .disappointment, The box plan will be open at Grubb’s music warehouse on Friday morning at 10 o’clock.