The news of the death of John W. Mason, a prominent citizen of Hampton, came as a great shock and surprise to many who had not known of Mr. Mason's failing health. John was the oldest son of Joseph Webster and Sarah J. (Perkins) Mason. There were eight children, of whom Mrs. W. J. Prescott of Hampton Falls and Frank S. Mason of Hampton, are all who are left.

The Mason family was one, who for many generations had lived on the land granted to the first of the name who came from England. The old home land is much of it still in possession of the family.

John Mason married Josephine E. Hobbs of North Hampton, whose parents were both descendants of some of the oldest and the best families of Hampton.

Mr. Mason would have been sixty-eight years old next June. He has been connected with the public affairs of his native town for many years, being collector of taxes at the time of his decease. He was a quiet, unassuming man, a man who had the respect of all his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all.

Mr. Mason had a beautiful home, and his home life was ideal. Mrs. Mason was a great help to him in every way, and the sympathy of a large circle of friends goes out to her, in the great sorrow that has broken up her home.

Thus one after another are taken. To some the summons comes quickly, to other a longer lingering waiting, but to the one just gone the quick summons was a blessed relief from much pain and suffering.

There will be an entertainment given in the town hall, Hampton, Friday, Feb. 25, 1916, at 8 p. m. for the benefit of the senior class of Hampton academy, given by a few North Hampton ladies. The admission will be 25 cents.

There will be drama given for the benefit of the senior class of Hampton academy, in the town hall, Wednesday, March 1; at 8 p.m. Everybody is welcome. The admission will be twenty-five cents.

T. Cogger has bought through H. L. Tobey the Pressey house on the Exeter road, which has been let to Station Master E.E. Sprague who will occupy it the 1st of April.

William Gilpatrick is repairing the chimneys on the J. W. Dearborn house; Edward J. Brown has charge of the carpentering work.

The New Hampshire college Glee club will give a concert under the auspices of the high school in the town hall, Thursday evening, March 9, at 8 o'clock.

The Rev. John Manter will preach at the Free Baptist church next Sunday morning.

Charles A. Blake has a nice lot of Russet apples for sale.

Mrs. Fred Towle and Mrs. William Brown spent the day with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Blake, Wednesday.

The Birthday club gave a party to Mrs. Belle Blake on her birthday. A dinner was served of chicken pie, mashed potatoes, Indian and orange pudding, white bread, baked beans, and all kids of cake. Those present were: Mrs. Edward Towle, Mrs. Fred Towle, Mrs. Lucinda Marston, Mrs. Orlando Blake, Mrs. Kate Mace, Mrs. Jennie Godfrey, Mrs. Elsie Godfrey, Mrs. Alice Blake, Mrs. Mabel Blake, Mrs. Laura Cannon, Mrs. Philip Lamprey and Miss Bernice Godfrey. A good time was enjoyed by all.

The Monday club was pleasantly entertained this week in the home of Mrs. Arthur Young, with the following program: Reading, Mrs. Church; a most excellent and original paper. "The Civic Responsibility of Woman," Mrs. Hugh Brown; suggestions for Town Improvement; roll call. Many excellent suggestions were given, among them being a fire escape for the high school, a cleaner depot yard, and large sign boards on the square or a traffic man to prevent accidents, better "movies" and elimination of certain magazines. Music was furnished by Mrs. Young by the playing of solos and a trio by four of her pupils from Hampton Falls, and a solo by Miss Wilda Chipman of Somerville, Mass. There were thirteen members and a large number of guests present, including several from Hampton Falls. Refreshments were served at the close of the meeting and a social hour enjoyed. The day was bitterly cold, which prevented the attendance of many.

Christopher Toppan and Miss Mary Toppan received word Wednesday of the death of their uncle, Mr. H. S. Bean, of Brookline, of heart trouble.

The Misses Jenne and Azleton entertained their friend, Miss Annie Merrill of Enosburg, Vt., on Sunday. Miss Josephine Joplin, while somewhat better, is still confined in her home. Miss Jewel Trefethen is substituting for her in school.

Lucian Cook is moving his family to Exeter. Mrs. Cook has been the most efficient secretary of the W. R. C. and it was with regret that the corps received her resignation, Wednesday.

Miss Anna Batchelder of Newburyport is visiting her aunt, Miss Mary Toppan, this week.

The Rev. William W. Leete, secretary of the Church Building society preached in the Congregational church Sunday morning. He presented the cause of this society in a most convincing, intelligent and interesting sermon. He told many instances of where help had been rendered and spoke of the need of more funds to carry on the work more efficiently.

The residents near Elmwood farm appreciate very much having the sidewalks in that locality cleared of snow during the recent storms. They wish to express their appreciation though this paper.

Miss Harriet Locke is spending her vacation in town.

Miss Wilda Chipman of Somerville, Mass., is spending her vacation in town with her aunt, Mrs. Hugh Brown. Miss Chipman has a beautiful voice and sang very acceptably in The Congregational choir Sunday.

Mrs. Horace M. Lane is recovering from a bad cold.

There was a delegation of twelve from this town to the Congregational church in Durham on Wednesday.

Miss Beatrice Church came home from Simmons College on Saturday for a short vacation.

Miss Anna May Cole was a week end visitor in town. She attended the Congregational church in Durham on Tuesday and went from there to Atkinson where she has a position in the high school.

The Congregational Missionary society will be entertained by Mrs. Marston and Mrs. True next week.

Rev. Mr. Buker preached in the Baptist church on Sunday and was liked very much.

Mrs. Emma Stuart and daughter Ida spent last Saturday in Portland, Me.

Mrs. Earl L. Kimball of Dover is spending a few days with her parents in town.

While working on the Janvrin Hotel at the Beach one day this week, William Felch of Seabrook, fell from the building, and received serious injuries. A deep gash was cut in his head, which required several stitches to close the wound. He is reported to be in a critical condition.