STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

[All eommunicntions, letters, etc., left with air. u. ,i. Hoiikins, bookseller, will rcceivo luomijt attention]

Stratford, April JU. S.M. COURT. The fortnightly sitting of the Court was lipid this morning, More Air.. \Y. R. .S.M. Judgment was given for piaintiif in each of tho following civil cases: Borough Council (Mr. I'ookes) v "• l ; lis 2d (10s costs); K. H. Long- (Mr. Stanford) v. VVaka Stewart, £1 10s (15s) ; M. OXeill (.Mr Coleman) v. Higlit Bros., £l7 4s lid (~2 Ss Cd); Whangamomona Count.' Council (Air. Coleman) v. A. \V. Hoddc-i----£2O Gs lOd ( £2 14s). Decision was given in the case of A- B. Aluggeridge against li. Aluir and Ceo'. Hendricks, a claim fo r £2."> for failing to deliver or account for two beasts out of a herd of 143 defendants were employed to drive from Inglewood to Awakino. The S.M. said that in his opinion there was absolutely no evidence of negligence on the part of defendants. Defendants were simply the servants of plaintiff, and though they would have been responsible to him had they been guilty of incompetence or negligence, they could not be held liable in the absence of proof of either of these defects. Judgment would be for defendants, with costs £S 35.. 111. Taylor (ITawera) appeared for plaintiff and Air. Stanford for defendants.

Mr. Rutherford represented Martha Hancock, Xgaere, in her claim for £IOO aaainst P. B. Fitzmerbert, representing the owners of the farm, for trespass. It appeared that Fitzherbert went to Hancock s place, Cheal Road, for the purpose of removing the furniture belonging to Rauiii Murray, over which defendant had a bill of sale, and which property Turncock had entered into as mortgagee in possession, and that as defendant anticipated resistance on the part of Hancock to his taking the furniture he got Constable Townsend, Klthain, to accompany him. On arriving they found Hancock at; the gale, also a Swiss. Defendant also had with him Rauhi Murray, William Murray and T. W- Walsh. Defendant demanded entrance'on to the 'farm to remove a horse and a cart containing a lot of benzine, besides other articles, just inside the gate. Hancock refused to let defendant in, and the latter, with I lie (wo Mnrravs and Walsh, got hold of the gate, plaintiff and fhe Swiss trv'll.-' to prevent- them opening it. The gale was lilted ofl its hinges and carried on to the farm, and the horse, cart, snd other articles removed on to the road. Oefendant then said he was going down '.he following day to take the furniture out of the house, and would break it open if necessary. The Murrays drove the horse away. The next day defendant arrived with a motor lorry !n clutrsre of C. K- Fowler and the two Murrays, whilst the constable also attended. Hancock and the Swiss had replaced the gate nnd chained it up on both sides. Defendant demanded admittance, and Hancock read a statement which she said was from her solicitor, warning Fitzberbert that if he entered on the place he would he trespassing The house was then cntcrrd and the furniture removed. After hearing the evidence tJie Magistrate gave judgment for defendant, with ccst.s 4<, witnesses' expenses £1 3s Kid, and solicitor's fee ss. Mr. A. TT. Johnstone appeared for defendant. Sergeant Dale applied for an order for maintenance against T. J. Christian, on behalf of the latter's mother Defendant had agreed to an order some time back, but although lie could go in motor ears to races lit. neglected to pay towards her keep. Defendant stated lie was a sharcmilker at Huiroa, and had six children. from IS years to about ."i ('ears, to keep. The S.M- deferred consideration for a month to allow Christian to produce some statement showing Tils position before he (the Magistrate) made his decision. STRATFORD'S WELCOME HOME. Tha Egmotii Clito was crowded last evening with friends and visitors to extend a welcome home to several soldiers now in Stratford. Tho evening proved to be one of,-the most interesting and enjoyable ever held at the club." The president (Mr. Campbell Jackson) occupied the chair, and the soldiers ah're to accept an invitation were Captain Hine, Captain Hawkins, Lieut. R. Woods, Sergt. H. Masters, Privates R. Masters, f. Sullivan, T. J. Sheahan, J. Petric, C Rea. R. Holden. W. Fleming, and D. R. Turnbull. The chairman, in welcoming the soldiers home, made some very eulo. glßtlc v remarks about the way in which, tho British army and their allies, and incidentally the New Zealanders, had set themselves to a task that was truly a stupendous one. It was pleasing to note that the elig/bles of the F.gmont Club had done their duty. G9 members being either at. the front or had enlisted, giving a high percentage of 5"2. Fifteen iiad since returned, and he regretted to state that six had paid the supreme pen-alty—Lieut.-Colonel Malone, Captain T. J- James, Sergeant C. Kivell, Sergeant E- Dewhirst, Corporal A. F. Anderson, and Rifleman F. Kirkwood. Captain Hine met with a very cordial reception on rising to acknowledge the toast. He said the soldiers, particularly the Main Body, merited recognition. Personally he had been receiving a royal reception. Ever since he returned to Stratford it had been * rduml ot welcomes, whilst at Parliament he had received a warm welcome. He then referred to the work accomplished around Palestine, and eulogised the work of the Imperial army in driving the infidel Turk from the Suez C'anal and then from the Holy City. He then touched on the Western front, and deprecated the tone of pessimism that had been apparent, during the past few days. They must expect reverses—it was only natural in a war of this magnitude. Despite these setbacks lie believed the war would not last much longer, and the boys would soo n be home once more. He was pleaded > welcome his old friend and political nemy. Captain Hawkins, that evening. Roth had endeavored to do their best for the flag. (Applause.) Captain Hawkins was accorded a hearty reception on rising. After touching on the war generally, 'he'referred to the qualities of Lieut. Bob Woods, who had rendered sterling service at dallipoli and France. All those who served under Lieut. Woods revered him and would follow him anywhere. He then related a few incidents of Lieut. Woods' daring At Messines, with the assistance of a revolver, he ha<f lone-handed captured a German dugout with prisoners. He teemed not to know what danger meant.

He (Captain Hawkins) was surn the people of Xew Zealand did not realise what the men at the front 'had to contend with. On every front thciv boys were doing the utmost, and all were determined that whenever the war was finished it would be favorable to the Allies. lie could assure his hearers that all the men who were present thai night had played the game, and on their behalf be thanked the club officials for the very hearty welcome extended them that evening. (Applause)

In the eal'lv part of tlic evening progressive euchre parties were is competition, Airs. Crofts securing the most wins among the ladies, and Air. Colson, after a tic with Private C. Rea, won the gents' trophy, Those at the other end of the list were Mrs. Thompson and Captain Hawkins, A very tine programme of »'ocal and instrumental items was contributed by.Aliss Phillips, Aliss Sangster, Miss Rowe (recitation), Airs. C AlcLarcn, Air. Walters, and -Mr. Aitken. Items were also contributed by the Club orchestra, Miss Hopkins and Messrs AlcAllister (2), Burmeister, Fox, and C. 11. Penn. The accompaniments were in the capable hands nf Air. C. Pox. Mention should 'be made of the excellent supper provided iiy the ladies, and last, but not least, the able supervision of the evening's "turn-out'' nv the energetic secretary, Air- Sidney Ward, 1

GENERAL The following recruits leave for camp on Afav 1: A. J. fiondwin, Midhirst; l'\ 0. Klgar, W. J. Harrison, D. Alorrison, 11. 11. Bennett, F. A. Rich, S Reynolds, W. L. Stocks, L. A. Sliultz, W. j' Sturroek, T. W. White, B. AI. Wilson, L. H. Wann, 0. .T. Worth, and K. J. Williams, all from Stratford district.

Don't spoil that picture or photograph for want of a frame. Rather enhance it's value by purchasing a photograph frame at C- E. .Tames' fancy goods warehouse. He will fit all sizes so don't hesitate to make enquiries. Have you seen the Ucan Ilaircutter? Cuts to any degree of length. Just the thing for the soldier in the trench, and f<K the home.