STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1924, Page 6

STRATFORD NEWS.

FAREWELL TO GOVERNOR, CEREMONY ON STATION. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Sept. 18. .Bedecked with flags and bunting and gay with the animation of a great crowd of people, the Stratford railway station presented an impressive scene this morning, when the citizens of the town assembled to bid farewell and God speed to their popular Governor-General (Viscount Jellicoe), who was returning to Wellington, accompanied by Her Excellency and the Hon. Lucy Jellicoe and staff, after their farewell visit to Taranaki. On alighting, the Governor-General, in the uniform of Admiral Qf the Fleet, was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) and councillors. Lady Jellicoe and the Hon. Lucy Jellicoe were presented with beautiful bouquets. Lady Jellicoe received a petal shower bouquet from little Molly McMillan, supported by Rita McDonald, representing the Convent School, and the Hon. Lucy Jellicoe was presented with a delicatelyarranged spray from the hands of Beth Thomson, supported ,by Miss Z. Grubb, from the primary school. The Mayor said the people of Stratford appreciated very deeply the opportunity of saying good-bye to His Excellency. They did so with mingled feelings of loyalty and' respect, touched with the deepest regret at His Excellency’s pending departure, for never before had the King been represented in New Zealand by one who had crept into the hearts of the people as had Lord Jellicoe. “God bless Your Excellencies and your dear children,” concluded the Mayor.

In reply, Lord Jellicoe said the pleasure of the hasty meeting was with him. but "he felt the keenest regret at saying gcod-bye to the people of Stratford. The occasion was hardly a pleasure to Her Excellency and himself, for they found it very hard to say farewell to anyone in New Zealand, where four of the happiest years of their lives had been spent. New Zealanders had been found by him to be whole-hearted and generous, and he would look back with pleasure to the pleasant times apd the many good friends he was leaving behind. He expressed the hope that the people of the Dominion would be blessed with many years of plenty and prosperity. “Kia Ora” was his parting message. The vice-regal party were loudly cheered «s the Governor proceedetl to inspect the long lines of many hundreds o f school children drawn up at the fur-’ fl-er end of the platform. On his return the Mayor called for three hearty cheers and the National Anthem was played by the Stratford Citizens’ Band, the concourse joining in. As the train drew out it was accompanied by prolonged cheering, and “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Viscount Jellicoe remained on the carriage platform at the salute until the last enthusiastic citizen had passed from sight. METHODIST FLOWER SHOW. SPRING BULBS EXHIBITED. The annual spring flower show and sale of work held yesterday in connection with the Stratford Methodist Church attracted many fine blooms, and was well patronised by the public. A conspicuous feature was the success of Eltham exhibitors, and it was satisfactory to see the Rev. W. W. Avery, who secured the Taranaki 4 'championship at Eitham, carry off the Masters’ Cup almost unopposed. In this competition, which was for twelve varieties of narcissi, two blooms each, Mr. 8- A. Mann was second and Mrs. A. David third. Mr. Avery also exhibited the champion bloom.

The display was tastefully arranged, prominence being given to the splendid exhibit by the veteran exhibitor, Mr. R. Gibson, of Manaia, whose table of blooms attracted and held the interest of all who attended. Another fine exhibit was that of Mr. W. Pettigrew of Stratford. His table was banked with spring blooms and surrounded by choice flowering and native shrubs. There were also numerous well-laden stalls, each an eloquent testimony to the painstaking work of the ladfes during the year. Behind the stage afternoon tea and supper was served in a room decorated in pink and white streamers, with flowers to match on every table. The stall-holders were as follows: Flower stall, Miss T. Masters; competitions, Messrs- Franks. Stoneman and Hale: variety tree, Mrs. H. Lacy; afternoon tea and supper, Mrs. G. Dick and helpers; home industries, Mesdames R. Masters, A. Fanil, J. W. Boon, assisted by country members; sweets, Mrs. A. Moon and Bible Class girls: plain and fancy stall, Mesdames G. P. Hunt, J. McAllister, and H. Scott; cakes, Mesdames A. H. Hillock. J- Weston and S. Robinson. The judge was Mr. R. Gibson, of Manaia. The secretary (Mr. H. T. Cooper) and his committee had devoted a groat deal of time to the preparation of the hall and tables, and are to be congratulated upon the pleasing appearance of th? show. The show w r as officially opened by the Mayor of Stratford (Mr. .1. W. McMillan), who heartily congratulated the church and officials upon the success of the show and the choice bulbs exhibited. Details of the prize list are: NARCISSI. Twelve varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Six varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Long trumpet, six varieties. —Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Long trumpet, three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1, Dr. Doris Gordon 2. Long trumpet, onp varietj-.—Mrs. W. H. Masters 1, Rev. W. W. Avery 2. Medium trumpet, six varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1, Dr. Doris Gordon 2. One variety.— Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Short, or cup trumpet, six varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1, Dr. Doris Gordon 2. One variety.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1, Mrs. A. David 2. Double, three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Double, one variety.-—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Flowered bunch, three varieties,—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2. Flowered bunch, one variety.—Rev. W. W. Avery 1 and 2,

Poeticus. three varieties.—Rev. W. W. Avery Poetlcus, one variety.—Rev. W. W, Avery 2. CUT BLOOMS. Anenome, collection, single blooms.—l!. Blocklebank 1, Dr .Doris Gordon 2. Polyanthus and primrose collection.—Dr. Doris Gordon 1, Miss N. Sextus 2. Wallflowers, collection.—Miss N. Sextus 1. Rhododendron, three varieties.—Mrs. D. Syme Asparagus fern.—Mrs. E. G. Foster 1. Aspradestra.—Mrs. E. G. Foster 1 and 2. Spring flowers, collection (Mr. E. Carryer’s special trophy).—Dr. Doris Gordon 1, Millie Worthington 2. Flowering shrubs, collection (Mr. W. McDonald’s special trophy).—Dr. Doris Gordon 1. Rhododendron, one bloom.—Mrs. D. Syme 1. DECORATIVE SECTION. Decorated mantelpiece (W. H. Humphrey’s first prize trophy, Purser and Suiated, Ltd.’s second prize trophy).—Miss B. Connell 1. Bowl of flowers, one variety.—Miss B. Connell 1, Mrs. D. Syme 2. Vase of flowers.—Mrs. W. H. Masters 1 and 2. Ladles’ spray.—Miss B. Connell. Buttonhole, girls under 10 years.—Molly Ranford 1, Irene Ranford 2. Buttonhole, girls under 14 years.—'Hazel Trotter 1, Zoe Grubb 2. Bowl of flowers, girls under 10 years.— Maisie Smart 1, Moira Grubb 2. Buttonhole, boys under 14 years.—Terry Thompson 1, Norman Ranford 2. Decorated table (Mr. R. Gibson's prize bulbs). —Mrs. W. H. Masters 1 and 2. Bowl of floating flowers (first Mr. A. A. Thompson's trophy, second Mr. A. Manoy's trophy).—Miss B. Connell 1. Bridesmaid’s basket (first Mr. H. Hillock’s trophy, second Melbourne Clothing Company’s trophy).—Miss B. Connell 1. FOOTBALL SMOKE CONCERT. Mr- Bert. Saunders presided over a pleasant function last night, when members of the Stratford third grade football team held a “soft” smoke concert. During the evening the team captain (Mr. J. Fraser), on behalf of the members, presented their coach (Mr. C. Lamplough) with a handsome silver egg service as a token of their appreciation of the interest taken by Mr. Lamplough in their training and the work he had done for the team. Included in the short toast list, which was honoured, was the health of the runners-up, the Eltham team, and hopes were expressed that the two teams might enjoy many good games in the future. In song and musical items, interspersed with the toasts, the evening passed pleasantly, and a successful season was brought to a close with the strains of “Auld Lang Syne.” HUMOROUS FOOTBALL Is the exercise of blowing upon wind instruments or the putting out of fires more conducive to the production of good footballers than the administration of the affairs of the municipality? This question has been freely asked in Stratford during the past week, and the problem had assumed considerable proportions by this afternoon, when a team representing employees of the Borough Council took the field against combined representatives of the Band and Fire Brigade in aid of the. band uniform fund. The game resulted in a draw (3 all), so that, while the uniform fund benefited considerably, very little light could be thrown upon the controversy. The day was fine, tho ground in good order, and the numerous spectators enjoyed themselves immensely, for what the players lacked in technique they made up in enthusiasm. Tries were scored towards the end of th< game and followed each other in quick succession. Reeve touched down foi the borough and Tubby scored brilliantly for the combined institutions. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) and al! the councillors were interested spectators, and the town clerk (Mr. P., Skoglund) was referee. It is rumoured that the next contest will he staged In fancy costume, and if this is so there should be a treat in store for the burgesses of Stratford. GENERAL ITEMS At noon to-day a horse driven by a farmer slipped on the asphalt of Regan Street East and broke its leg. The animal had to bp destroyed. Miss Mary Luman, of Stratford, gained third place in the English contralto solo at the Wellington competitions recently. Miss Luman secured 83 points and the winner, Miss Hilda Nicholl, 88. The judge remarked that seme beautiful voices had been brought out in that class.