Stratford News.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 232, 10 March 1915, Page 3

Stratford News.

From Our Resident Reporter. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. For some time tho Borough Count-'.. I has been trying to devise some mca.ii ■< of increasing tlie revenue, so that they can make some most necessary improvements and not too greatly increase the ratepayers' burden. At hut the Council ' decided ot rate all water-closets to the extent of 20s, and liose-ta-s ss, per .annum.

The new by-law was advertised, and at Monday night's meeting the by-law was to be confirmed. But several ratepayers suddenly wok 0 up and decided to do all in their power to prevent the new rule becoming law. So a deputation of well over fifty residents waited on tile Council and stated their objections to tho proposals, and by the way the objections were put by the deputation it could be easily seen that they were prepared to fight th e matter to the fitter end. The deputation having withdrawn, the Council entered into an animated discussion for quite two hours, during which time one councillor accused another councillor of electioneering. Tilings got fairly, interesting, but eventually the Council, by 5 tr> 4, decided to throw out the ,propov.\ Then. peace reigned once more. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. P. Kirkwood) has decided not to offer himself for re-election at Ac forthcoming mayoral election. Already Councillor J. W. Boon lias announced himself, and it is rumored that both Crs. J. H. Thompson and R. McK. Morison will he in th c field when voting time comes. Messrs N. J. King, J. Masters, and J. B. Richards have definitely decided to retire from the Borough several other names are mentioned. Already Dame Humor is at work sorting out the new Council, and when the nomination closes it will be found that quite a number of ratepayers will face the music for the first time. Messr? A. Moon, E. Hancock, T. Lawson, and S. Sharp are mentioned as sure starters. Mr. Lawson, of course, is an old hand. At Monday night's meeting of the Council Mr. I". Copestub', who lias been in charge of the local abattoirs since its inception, tendered his resignation. He has been a good servant of the Council, and genuine regret was expressed at his severing his connection with body. Mr. Copestake intends going farming at Bell Block. On Thursday th e Stratford Croquet Club Ladies are holding a garden fete in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund, at their courts, Regan Street. Thc A. and P. Association is preparing for the gymkhana on Easter Monday. This year's gathering promises to be a great success.