STRATFORD DAY BY DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 81, 14 July 1910, Page 8

STRATFORD DAY BY DAY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Last Night. A depii ';atio;i of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, comprising Messrs. W. H. Young, W. P. Kirkwood, W. C. Cargill, A. Hewitt, and J. B..Richards, took advantage of the visit of Mr. Armstrong, District Traffic Manager of Railways, to wait on him in regard to some requirements for the district. The first matter was the suggestion by the Chamber to alter the timetable to Te Wera on Saturdays, by delaying the first train now leaving at 6.30 until about U. 30, so as to arrive in Stratford about 11.30; and to alter the leaving of the evening train ,to 4.30. it was contended that this arrangement would suit the country settlers, who looked to Stratford as their business town, far better than the existing one. Mr. Armstrong pointed cut that such a course would mean the sacrifice of the connection with the mail trains. There was considerable discussion, and the various aspects of the matter were thoroughly gone into. Finally. Mr. Armstrong said that he could not hold out any hopes that the Department would alter the timetable, which had been arrived at after consultation with representatives of the public, unless evidence was adduced that the settlers of the district served by the line were in favor of it. The second matter was the question of substituting Tuesday for ! Wednesday as one of the days the earlv train left Te Wera for Stratford. It was pointed out that Tuesday was the stock sale day here, and.it would be of I benefit to the settlers'of the district, who at present had to drive or ride in, lor come overnight. Mr. Armstrong said j the dairy industry had to be considered, i but he did not think it would make any difference' to the factories as to the day, and without making any distinct pro- ! mise he thought it very probable that the alteration asked for could be made. The unpunctual arrival of the 12.45 train from south on Tuesdays was another matter discussed, it being pointed out that this was important to settlers who wished to attend the sale. Mr. Armstrong promised to look into the matter and see what could be done. The delay in the transit of goods between New Plymouth and Stratford was discussed at great length, and instances were given of delays which had occurred. It was conceded! that the grievance was not with the str.ff of the stations, but with the lack" of'facilities at the New Plymouth end. Mr. Armstrong did not think that the extension of the shed was feasible, as there was not the room in the yard, and though he would go into the matter, ho did* not" .hold* out hones of an amelioration of existing conditions. A reference to the dangers at the railway crossing at Fenton-street and Reganstreet elicited the response that Mr. Armstrong could do nothing. Touching on the necessity of the extension of the verandah at the station, Mr. Armstrong asked that a letter be sent him. This had been referred to previously and the correspondence sent on to the Department. "A matter on which to interview a Minister," said a member, and Mr. Armstrorng smiled. At the meeting of the Boronsli Council last night, Mr. - C. Wiekham, the borough ranger and inspector, who had been called upon to explain a charge of insolence to a councillor, handed in his resignation, which was accepted. A discussion as to the advisability of separating the various duties ensued, but it was decided to leave things as they are. Cr. Paget gave notice of motion that the present agreement with the borough foreman be terminated and that a working foreman and supervising engineer be appointed. Cr. Young brought forward a scheme for borough improvements, the cost being estimated at between £BOOO and £IO,OOO. The matter was referred

to a committee consisting of the Mayor, Crs. Paget, Healy, and the mover to go into and report to a further meeting of the Council. Mr. Sid. Pitt is leaving Stratford tomorrrow on a trip to Australia. The -Stratford Acclimatisation Society has received 50,000 rainbow trout ova from the Government hatcheries at Eotorua.