THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 6, 25 August 1914, Page 4

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

It is certainly cheering to know that Stratford and district is doing its best to help in every way at this critical time. In addition to the honor of sending the Colonel of the Wellington section of the Expeditionary Force from Stratford, a large number of men forming the Taranaki contingent are also from this town

and district, and those who know them are quite assured they will give a good account of themselves. Contributions have been liberally given, and special eiforts and organised attempts to swell the Patriotic Fund have been wonderfully successful. Possibly the best single move yet attempted was that on Saturday last, when a most wonderful Auction Sale of gift stock was conducted by Messrs Webster Budd and Cottier, on behalf of their respective firms. The first lot knocked down under the hammer was re-donated, and as the owner absolutely declined to take his purchase away, the auctioneers had no option but to re-sell. From that onwards despite a regulation which had been decided upon—everything offered seems to have been re-donated, and ascene of marvellous enthusiasm created, the result being a very substantial addition to the Patriotic Fund. What with the music, song, and story (the latter even outdoing the finest previous efforts of the hold salesmen who were conducting the ceremony), the scene is one to be long remembered, and had such fun been anticipated it is quite sure very many more people would have been present. We are in for a very serious busings, but it

is a blessed thing that we need not always be mourning: difficulties faced cheerfully fade all the more quick-