STRATFORD MAYORALTY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 98, 28 April 1915, Page 2

STRATFORD MAYORALTY.

MR BOON'S CANDIDATURE. In the Town Hall last evening, Mr J. \Y. Boon, addressed a very moderate number of electors, the inclemency of the weather no doubt interfering [with the attendance. Mr J. B. Rich'ards, acted as chairman, and introduced the speaker. Mr Boon, in opening his address, 'said that he had not sought to be a 'candidate, but in reply to numerous ! requests made by influential men, he had consented to stand. It was necessary, during the war, as in times of peace, that local politics should receive every attention, and business be carried on in a normal manner. I During the past year the municipal chambers had been destroyed" by tire, (which meant a loss in revenue to the .Borough of £584 a year. The Council had got to work as quickly as possible 'on the question, and had arranged : for a building in ferro-conerete. There had been a good deal of negotiating about the existing leases, .'which delayed the drawing up of the 'plans. The new building was estimated to cost £9OOO, and the estimated revenue was £SOO, or £B4 less than on the old building. This deficiency was balanced, however, by the smaller depreciation, and insurance, and no painting charges on the new buildings. The building would he an ornament to the town, and second to none in the province. It would be hard to get a better plan than the one they had. They would not have the use of the building for about another twelve months. There had been a great deal of discussion about the Town Hall and the jadvisability of having it removed to I the Borough property now leased by Messrs Brocklebank Bros., the lease of which had four years to run. Mr ■Boon contended it would not pay, and that the streets should be considered first. Victoria Bridge, the speaker said, had created a great deal of discussion. In his opinion the bridge would last for another twelve to twenty years if painted and scraped well. The wood walls at the approaches were strained, but might last for twelve years yet. When the time came for erecting a new bridge, he would be in favour of a ferro-conerete structure covering the full width of the road. Tho sum of £l2O appeared on the estimates lor last year for repairs to Swansea Road Bridge. This amount had not been expended, and the decking alone had been repaired, the cost of which would be included in this year's figures. The timber used in tho bridge was not tho best, and it meant that a great deal of the bridge would have to be replaced, or a . ferro-conerete structure put up, the latter costing about £SBO. He favoured a swing bridge across the river at Ariel Street, which would cost about £7O. It would be very convenient for the school children. Mr Boon reviewed the history of the drainage and water scheme. Had his scheme of taxing water closets been adopted, it would have brought in about £2ll per year, which, if applied to the extension of the drainage, would have allowed for some nineteen connections a year. Mr Morison had said he was responsible for the fact that the amendments, and additions to bylaws had not come into force, but it was not till after a deputation of ratepayers had waited on the Council when that body had met to confirm them, that Mr Morison showed any opposition. In connection with this point, .Mr Boon read several motions which had been supported by Mr Morison. Ho did not think that those who had the privilege of using the drainage would be so selfish as to object to pajy itowards getting the system extended. In connection with the water supply, Mr Boon said that at present we were only getting water through an Bin, pipe instead of a 9in. one. It was in connection with this that he advocated the tax on taps. The speaker then referred to the Broadway footpaths, and the discussion thereon. He was of opinion that the kerbing would save a great deal, of repairs to the footpaths, ft would be necessary to have the footpaths brought to their proper levels. A good asphalt was very expensive, but nearly as good results could be got [with gravel and tar sprayed over it. A great deal of work would have to be done on the streets, and if Stratford wished to keep abreast of the times, they would have to seriously consider the tarring of the roads. In connection with the metalling question, Mr Boon said that the purchase of the stone crusher was a very good piece of business. For about thirteen years there had been talk about taking over the electric light. All agreed that they wantled more lights in the town. It cost j the Borough £.'s 10s per year per street lamp. He considered the lamps were not strong enough. There was no ne- ; cossity for the Borough and the Company to fight over the matter; they | might just as well meet together and come to an agreement so that the 'Borough could have the light. Messrs Climie and Son recommended in their Ireport that the voltage lm 230. At present it was 100. The cost to make this change would be about £I2OO, but to arrange the 100 volt to give the same result as 230 volts it would 'cost £2OOO more. It would cost no

more to put in 2--10 volts even ii the re-wiring of the houses amounted to £BOO. The longer they waited, however, the more extensive it would be. He considered it would be good business to purchase the plant from the company. On the Chairman intimating that Mr Boon was willing to answer questions, Mr Herbert asked if Mr Boon thought it was good business that .ho competitive designs were called for the new building. Mr Moon : Mr Healy is right on the spot, and as he (the speaker) was connected with the building trade, he considered he would prefer a man who was here to discuss matters. Mr Herbert: Don't you think it would be better to have a building of more modern architectural design. Mr Eoon : The buildings are right up-to-date, and the front will bear comparison with any modern buildings in Wanganui, or other towns. Mr Herbert: Do you think the lighting of the building is good? Mr Boon: 1 think the building is well lighted. In any building where there is any great length there will be a difficulty in lighting it. Mr Herbert: Do you think it good business to build first, and then look for tenants afterwards? Mi' Boon: We have two tenr-'its now. and we shall have a rush for the building when it.js ready. . { i Xo more questions being forthcoming, the meeting closed, after a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Boon had been carried bv acclamation.