STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] BOROUGH ELECTIONS. April 0. Although we are only a few weeks oil the election of a new Council there lias been little talk about matters that should engage the attention of burgesses. The Mayor, Mr. J. W. Boon, has intimated that in due course lie will give an account of his stewardship during his term from the public platform. This will probably be after the last meeting of the Council, which meets on Monday next. It is generally conceded that the'eouneii now retiring has done very well in looking after the interests of the ratepayer* and they can claim to have proved very progressive during their term of ollice. Their best claim to recognition on the score of work accomplished here is their succeeding in the nnmieipalisation of the electric light. This should prove a good asset to the ratepayers. The proposed lighting up of Broadway will be appreciated by all if it can be accomplished before the winter sets in. At present this is being lu'lfl up through excessive cost and diltictilty in securing standards. Despite the war, and the consequent feeling of timidity in "lashing out" by the public generally in the way of buildings, the numbor of houses, etc., erected ,during the past two years compares very favorably with neighboring towns. Although the Council has done extremely well as a business concern, evidently the honor of being one of the guiding or eontrolling spirits does not appeal to many. When the present Council came into office it comprised many new to municipal business, but they settled down to work in a tradesmanlike manner, and results obtained must be very satisfactory to ratepayers. Unfortunately, many' do not seek re-election, so the personnel of the new Council will be somewhat changed, but with a majority of the present Councillors available matters municipal should be in capable hands. A contested election' is always an excellent method oi creating interest in the borough affairs, and the honor of heading a poll is a better stimulus to do the best, than to accept an honor that goes abegging. The Mayor's decision to take the platform will be welcomed by many ratepayers. Many new names have been mentioned in the street-, but so far the writer has received no direct information as to who are going to the poll. Those who will relinquish their positions this month are: Crs. Stanley, Rutherford, and Davy, whilst Ci. Mills resigned a few months back. Crs. Thompson, Young and Lawson will again stand, whilst. Cr. Hunter is undecided. Cr. Thompson's name has been mentioned as a likely candidate for the mayoral seat. America has got a move on at last. We have been expecting it. There has also been a great move-on in Stratford, and wise people have been sharing in the move-on, which operates at C. E. James' jewellery warehouse. Easter gifts have had a big run, but the shelves still hold many useful gifts acceptable for Easter. See- the fine range of crockery we are clearing.