STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 11934, 7 April 1902, Page 2

STRATFORD NEWS.

(FROM OUR RESIDENT AGENT.) April s.— Another litHe draft of Stratford joung fellows, went off to the war this morning, farexrelled by some score of friends and comrades. Time was years ago, at the beginning of the war, when there would have been a great crowd, cheering and hat-waving, but we have got so accustomed by this time that little more notice is taken of a squad off for a campaign against the Boers than of a team starting on a football tour. There is apparently plenty of material for tou more contingents if they should uafortunately bo wanted, and it is wel' it ia so. It shows that the enterprising adventurous spirit that brought the fathers out from the Old Country lives egain in the sons. But still there is a lot to be done in New Zealand, and the men who are going away are not of the class whoso absence will not count. One need He under no suspicion of pro-Boerism or fainthearuednjss in expressing Ihe hope that the Tenth will be the last contin gent. The flawera Mounted Rifles hive challenged tbe Stratford Mounted Rifles to a shooting match. Captain Liardet has appointed > bnrsday the 17fch for an all day practice at the range, and th*r team for the match will be picked on the form shown that day. j It is said that work on the Toko line will be resumed next week, th' Public Works Department having now recovered from its superhuman exertions in getting the rails laid and so keeping "tho word of promise to our ear," though "breaking it to our hope."