STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1923, Page 7

STRATFORD NEWS.

A WET CHRISTMAS EVE. TOWN SPECIALLY DECORATED. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Dec. 24. The weather, which had been threatening all Christmas Eve morning, developed into a steady downpour about half-past three and continued during the evening. Despite the uncertainty of merely carrying an umbrella or of burdening oneself with the trusty oilskin, many shoppers thronged Broadway, and until the rain set in (which was about milking time, anyway) good business was done. The town was gaily decorated for the occasion, four lines’of flags spanned the splendid thoroughfare, and masses of greenery were fixed to each verandah post. Chinese lanterns, coloured streamer? and bunting gave a wide variety of individual taste in the decoration of many shops, and the window displays, without exception, gave eloquent testimony to the care and forethought expended in making an attractive showing of seasonable goods. Strings of coloured lights were placed along the front of the new post office, turning an otherwise dark space into a blaze of colour. By special arrangement the contractor bail removed the unsightly hoarding which previously occupied the whole of the footpath and several feet of the road. Pedestrians were thus able to traverse the whole length of the street, a fact that was greatly appreciated by the owners of shops at the extreme southern end. The children were well cared for at the school, whither they followed Father Christmas after free screenings of a suitable programme at the King’s Theatre. Youngsters who arrived by the Whangamomona train were also delighted to find Father Christmas awaiting them on the station. Credit is due to the voluntary committee, under Mr. T. Aylward (chairman), who spared no pains in entertaining and providing refreshment at the primary school.

GENERAL ITEMS. The five-year-old son of Mr. G. Perrott, of Mahoe, was taken to the hospital this morning suffering from a fractured thigh and other injuries caused through a collision with a motor-car while endeavouring to cross Broadway. Dr. W. P. Gordon rendered first aid. An interesting ceremony took place at the Stratford railway station on Saturday afternoon, when Mr. P. Miller (stationmaster) was presented with n. gold pencil as a mark of esteem in which he is held by the station staff. Mr. O'Reilly (chief clerk), in making the presentation, referred to the way in v/hich the staff were treated by Mr. Miller, and the good feeling which existed between them all. Mr. C. S. Reynolds (booking clerk), Mr. VV. Whit-mill (shunter), and H. Kelly (engine driver) endorsed the sentiments expressed by the speakers. Mr. Miller, in acknowledging the gift, which came as a surprise to him, said he valued the gift and the spirit which prompted ii. and as far as he was concerned, would :!o his best for the staff as he had done in the past. Messrs. J. O’Sullivan and Sons, a Stratford firm of Jersey breeders, have just sold to a Hokianga (North Cape) ( buyer their grade weaner heifers at 10 guineas each. This makes the third year’s consignment of weaners to find their way into- this district from the same herd. In addition, no fewer than ten pedigree bulls, as well as some pedigree females, have been disposed of by these breeders io dairymen in this locality. In every case deals were effected by letter, which speaks well for the quality of the cattle sent forward.

The “World’s” Hand Darning Machine like a small loom—mends anything from stockings and underwear to lace curtain. Supplied in neat box with simple illustrated instructions. Price 5s complete, postage 3d. Order early. Sole agents for Stratford Disttrt*- w