STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left nltb Mr. 11. J. Hopkins, bookseller, wilt receive prompt attention.) Jan. 10. Mr; J. B. Godkin has just returned to Stratford after a trip to Canada, England and Belgium. Mr. Godkin was in England during the great railway strike, and he is of the opinion that serious trouble is ahead of the Mothef Country, and that a revolution may occur at any time. A revolution was, in fact, in view at the time of the strike, and everything fi'as in readiness. The causes of the dissatisfaction and the militant spirit of the workers were, he considered, to be found partly in the luxury enjoyed by the few and the hardships imposed on the workers owing to the high cost of living, resulting to some extent from profiteering. There is little likelihood, he thinks, of Britain recovering her industrial greatness,.and he contrasted present-day conditions with those existing when Britain was known as the "workshop of the world." It was a common sight, he said, to see numbers of women drinking in hotel bars in England, and the drinking habit was far too common. How could it drunken nation hope to compete with sober people such as they had in Canada and the United States! Mr. Godkin retains the most favo\-able impressions of all he saw in Canada. He was amazed at the vastness of the country, with its rich resources, populous cities, and commercial activities. Most of the cities along the St. Lawrence were visited. While in England, he took advantage of the arrangements made by "Cook's" for tourists to visit Belgium. He paid £36 10s for his ticket, and, though the amount seemed large, he considered that ho received full value for his money. On arrival in Belgium, the party were motored through the whole of the devastated country, and there was nothing of interest they did not sec. They put up at the best hotels, this being included in the arrangements with the Tourist Agency. Mr. Godkin, who has made many trips to different parts of the world, was particularly impressed during his travels by the industrial and commercial activities of the Eastern races. Fourteen years ago, he said, Britain was building ships for Japan, but two years ago Japan was not only building her own ships, but was building them for other nations. Included in the Koats in her slips in the course of construction at one time were two battleships. Mr Godkin, though 85 years of age at the present time, enjoys good health, and is an active, well-preserved man. He greatly enjoyed his travels, and his alert mind, keen observation, and studious habits have enabled him to take the most out of his trip. Mr. T. Lamason has taken over the local agency for Messrs. Reid and Gray.

During the holidays, while the kiddies are looking their best, take them along to McAllister's Studio. The photographs will give you satisfaction to-day, and lasting pleasure. McAllister's Studio is the most up-to-date in Taranaki. .

Reduce the depreciation in your motor car by taking it to O. D. Mathews, Stratford, and if it is mechanically sound he will return it looking as well as when you first bought it, at a very small cost The best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade.

Save yourself (rouble ami avoid loss by providing yourself villi the means for keeping records of those things you need to remember. Get a 1(120 diary from JI. J. Hopkins without delay. Tli-se diaries contain a lot of useful information in handy form, and can be obtained in sb.es to suit requirements.