The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1915. THE BOROUGH BUILDINGS POLL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 68, 23 March 1915, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1915. THE BOROUGH BUILDINGS POLL.

That Stratford must erect suitable Municipal Buildings there can bo no doubt, and the sooner the work is undertaken the better. As the Mayor pointed out at the public meeting recently held in the Town Hall, the Borough is losing a substantial sum in revenue every week that the site remains idle and as it is clearly shown that the revenue to be obtained from the proposed new buildings will not only cover all charges made on behalf of the requisite loan, but in addition will materially assist the General Account, it would be a short-sighted policy to oppose the scheme. The poll will take place to-morrow and it is reasonable to expect a very solid majority in its- favour. Ratepayers', however cautious, should remember that the Council was unanimously in favour of the proposals, and this most unusual fact should be sufficient to ally any fears the most timid may have regarding the matter. In these

days of high .prices for the necessaries of life any reasonable means of lightening our burdens should he welcomed, and the more speedily the work of building is put in hand the better. The sum which it is proposed to borrow, viz:—£9ooo should lie 1 ample to provide really up-to-dhte Municipal offices and Public Library, and a shopfrontage that will be a credit to the town. The plans, which are described elsewhere, show a handsome block, and fullest provision is made to guard against a repetition of the unfortunate occurrence which caused the destruction of the old buildings. We hope to see a good poll to-morrow and that every ratepayer who can do so will record his or her vote. The polling will be in the Town Hall, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Since the Mayor’s meeting some time has elapsed, and ample opportunity has been afforded for anyone who honestly disagreed with the scheme and who desired to set forth the ground on which lie so disagreed to do so. That no one has really ' tackled the question, with the sole exception of one anonymous correspondent who was merely violent and abusive, may fairly be accepted as evidence in favour of the proposal. At this eleventh hour, how-

.ever, when there is no chance to reply to allegations, no matter how wildly extravagant, we find the anonymous correspondent is in evidence. Two letters from such sources reach our ollice to-day which wo are unable to find a place for, because, while always pleased to welcome correspondence on any subject—whether under a nom do plume, or with the writer’s own name appended—on an important public question such as the one now under discussion, one should have the courage of one’s opinions it they are j worth having, or remain silent. More particularly is this the case it the views held have been carefully held up until the very eve of a poll or an election, when ample time and opportunity have been given for full ventilation. To shoot at a man from behind a hedge is not quite British in spirit, and even such hardy annuals as Mayors ought to have a close season from the irritating shafts of the anonymous correspondent. At least the chance to reply to criticism—which may or may not be quite fair and legitimate—ought to be given, and as in this instance no such chance is afforded, our correspondents’ .efforts are unfortunately wasted. Of course in the instances specially referred to in the present case, we do not for one moment impute motive, but an eleventh-hour letter containing statements which may or may not be correct, and regarding which there is no time to make investigation, does lend itself to the construction that the writer may possibly have a private axe to grind. This, however, is merely by the way. Ratepayers will use their individual commonsense and vote as they see fit, and we hope before many days have elapsed .to see Municipal buildings worthy of our important and progressive town rise phoenix-like from the ashes of the old buildings which disappeared in smoke a few months ago.