STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1923, Page 6

STRATFORD.

DAILY NEWS AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representative, care Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also bp left with him.

LIBERAL RALLY. THE FIXTURE ABANDONED. January 18. The inclement weather to-day completely upset the Liberal picnic rally, which had been planned to take place at King Edward Park. Stratford, in honor of Mr. R. Masters, M.P. When it was seen thaY the da.v was to be wet the venue of the function was changed to the A. and P. grounds, but by midday it was announced that the c-iiting would be abandoned altogether. Mr. Wilford and some of the parliamentary party arrived from Now Plymouth* by the mail train, other members arriving by the afternoon train. During the morning Mr. Wilford, Mr. Ransome, Mr. R. Masters, the ladies of the party, and a number of local people, inluding the deputy-Mayor (Mr. Campbell Jaakaon), motored to the Xgaere Gardens, whore they had morning tea. An inspection of the model farm followed, both Mr. Wilford and Mr. Ransome exhibiting keen interest in the various experiments being conducted there and in the general conduct of the farm. Mr. J. B. Richards carefullv explained in an interesting manner’ the history of the farm and the objects the society aimed at. The heavy rain did not deter Mr. Wilford and hi<s colleague from tramping to the back of the farm to inspect the maimrial experimental plots. By midday a fair number of people had’ assembled, as it was not generally known that the picnic had been abandoned. Mr. H. Hunt, chairman of Mr. Masters’ committee, speaking from the balcony of the County Hotel, expressed regret that the inclemency of the weather had compelled the abandonment of the function. 'Mr. Masters, who was greeted with applause, also spoke a few words in the same strain. Mr. Wilford had not intended to speak, but the waiting people insistently demanded his appearance, and when he stepped out on the balcony both he and Mrs. Wilford were loudly cheered In thanking the people for a kindly and enthusiastic welcome, Mr. Wilford congratulated the constituency on their representation by Mr. Masters in Parlia.ment. During his *23 years of office, said Mr. Wilford, Stratford had not been represented by a member as capable as Mr. Masters, and so high was his standing in Parliament that he had

been appointed one of the six members of the executive of the Liberal Party. When the Liberal Party came into power—as it would —they all knew what- this would mean for Mr. Masters. They stood as a Liberal Party to promote the interests of the country first, the party second and themselves last. Great changes were coining over the political world, arid the “one man” party was not the autocratic Government it was before the election. Eager to make the parliamentarians’ stay in Stratford as enjoyable as possible, the committee arranged a trip to the Dawson’s Falls mountain house, and for that destination a large party left by motor early in the afternoon The weather had cleared somewhat by this time and the trip was greatly enjoyed, although the scene from the slopes of the mountain was obscured for the greater part by heavy clouds. The party remained at the mountain for dinner and returned to Stratford in time for the gathering in the Town Hall. X The Town Hall was crowded at the evening function, and the gathering was an enthusiastic one. Mr. Wilford and the visiting M.P.’s delivered addresses on the lines of their speeches in New Plymouth. On behalf of Mr. Masters’ constituents, Mr. 11. Hunt presented j Mr. Masters with a purse of sovereigns and Mrs. Masters with a handsome necklet. Musical items were given and the evening concluded with supper and dancing.

Among the successful pupils of the Stratford Technical High School in the matriculation examinations was John Wright, who succeeded in getting the M.S.P. The lad comes from Mangatoki, and has had but two years’ secondary instruction.

Attention is drawn to the P.A.C. sale of poultry, furniture, meat and fruit on Saturday. The best value possible for the money will lie obtainable. The residents of Stratford and districtare notified that Ernest Davies, the LonStratford every Tuesday, and may be consulted at Mr. Gaffaney’s, Broadway. Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.