STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent). [All communications, letters, etc., left, with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] BOROUGH COUNCIL. Stratford, Dec. 18. Tlic monthly meeting was held last evening. Present: The Mayor (Mr. J. \V. Mo.Vlillan) and Crs. W. McDonald, C. B. Walsh, T. Lawson. S. B. Hunter, C. Jackson, J. H. Thompson, 1). J. Malone, A. Coleman, and J. Masters. Mr. King, Warwick road, desired a culvert io carry off water lying near his property. Ho had been promised in the past that this would he attended, to. but the nuisance was as bad as ever.—Works Committee to inquire and, it necessary, have culvert installed or drai» attended to

The Ladies' Patriotic Committee applied for a refund of charge made for the Town Hall in connection with the recent entertainment. After some discussion it was resolved to make a charge of .£ 1, and tho hall committee was instructed to bring down a report regarding a fixed charge for all patriotic gatherings in the hall.

The district- health officer reported two eases of diphiheria in the borough, and suggested certain improvements necessary. On the motion of Cr. Coleman it was decided to apply to the Health Department- for the services of Inspector Grey, so that'a report could be brought | down bv him on his usual lines.

Regarding the requisition made for a! bridge across the Patea river, presented by residents in Cordelia Street, the report of the 'Works Committee indicated that a bridge from Cordelia Street would cost about double that from Ariel Street. It was pointed out that there was a resolution on the books authorising the erection of a bridge at Cordelia Street, and it was necessary to rescind this before sanctioning the Ariel Street structure. A motion rescinding the Cordelia Street proposal was carried, Cr. Thompson voting "Xo." F. Foley applied for permission to screen moving pictures on Christmas night, all pictures of a humorous nature being eliminated. —Granted. G. M. Curtis applied for a refund ol cost of concrete pipes 10s, labor 10s, and sand 2s Gd ( £1 8s Gd). —Works Committee to report.

Stratford School Committee forwarded copy of resolution carried rc Technical High School, and also desired the council to appoint a delegate to wait, with others, upon members of the Government regarding the importance of immediate action in the matter of a new school. — A resolution was-carried as desired and the Mayor .appointed delegate. F. Lane, borough ranger, reported that he had inspected stable, fph shops, hotels, etc., and where nuisances existed they were ilcalt with. The town hall had been let on six occasions.

Tile report for the month by the electrical engineer, Mr. W. J. Newton, was adopted. There was one clause which created some discussion. It read: "Re report on motor and cost of power for crushing metal, as I am on the 15th of next month leaving the council's service, I think it is very much better to leave my successor unfettered by any opinions that 1 may express, on this matter, seeing that he, and not myself, will be in charge. If he desires it, I shall be too pleased to afford him any assistance my experience will allow."

Cr. Masters fhought the engineer should have reported as requested. They could not expect a new man to immediately bring down a report on taking over works which were new to him. Mr. Newton doubted if a motor could be procured in Australia.

The Mayor said they desired a report on the amount of power required for crushing purposes, and if the plant could supply it. They thought this report would have been available for the meeting. A motion was passed instructing the the engineer to submit a report to the .January meeting, and he was also requested to supply particular; of the motor now at the Model Dairv Farm.

The question of charges by cars plying for hire at the show and races was raised by Cr. Lawson, who thought that the fee of Is Cd was rather liigli, and that Is was a more reasonable figure. Councillors generally were in sympathy with Cr. Lawson, but the by-laws made no provision in this resect. Cr Hunter notified t.'Axt hp was now running his own eleetric'al plant and not using the council's light. Me desired to purchase a meter, but the council had none for sale. Pending a meter be was prepared to pay 4s per month for the connection. —Held over till next meeting Accounts totalling £450 were passed for payment.

At tbe close of the council meeting the Mayor wished the council and staff the best wishes of the season, and hoped the new year would bring the peace they were all fighting for and that the sacrifice of precious lives would not have been in vain. WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE. There was quite a large attendance of members and visitors at the town haK this afternoon, when a social reunion by the Womeivs National Reserve was held The president (Mrs. J. W. McMillan). Mrs. J. B. Hine, Mrs. J. S. McDonald (secretary) and a host of other ladies did their utmost to make the afternoop, a pleasant one, and so it proved. Among items contributed were: Pianoforte solos by Miss N. Uniacke and Mrs. C. Pc-mi; song, Mrs C. McLaren; and two dramatic recitations, Miss Spence. All ladies who had or have sons at the front were handed a badge of membership, a small button, as a memento of their contribution to the gTeat war. It was rather sad to see that some were in mourning, but judging by the brightness of the gathering and the pleasure written largely on the features of the visitors, the committee should make every effort to continue these functions. A word of commendation is due to Mr. Charles Fox for presiding at the piano and also contributing two or three marches in the most artistic manner. Afternoon tea and a bountiful supply of cakes was provided by the committee. GENERAL. The entertainment, "Red Cap," given by the Ilawcra Amateurs recently here, on behalf of tin- Ladies' Patriotic Committee, resulted in a credit balance of £42 10s lid, which will be placed to the Red Cross and Trench Comforts Funds. The ladies did well in keeping the expenses down to £ls 3s Id, and are here commended for the manner in which they snperyised details, getting the maximum result at the minimum cost. Corporal E. A. Ford, son of Mr. and Mrs J. IT. Ford, is reported wounded, and Private .J Dodd, wounded on November 28, is still in hospital. Corporal Ford was a mate of the late Private Ernest Tichbon, whose death was recorded in these columns a few days back.

Dodd's wound is a severe gunshot charge in the left thigh.

The Ladies' Patriotic Committee did very good business last Saturday. The tea rooms were controlled by Mrs. Freer, and the takings were £(i. The Tututawa ladies were in charge of Ihe mart, and at the close of the day hud secured £l2 Gs, a total of HIS (is. In connection with the roll of honor now being set up by the Stratford Borough and County Councils, the Mayor desires it to be understood that the appeal for funds is to allow of a photograph of every man in the borough and county who had enlisted and paid the supreme penalty being hung in the corridor of the municipal buildings. A copy of the photograph is on view in the shop of the electrical department. It was a very thoughtful action that prompted a band of musicians to visit the hospital on Sunday and treat the patients to a really first-class programme that made the time pass all too quickly. The orchestra, comprising violins, clorionette, trombone, etc., was composed of Misses Rogers, Messrs Rogers, J. McAllister, C. Penn, V. Lester, H. Savage, F. H. Spurdle, D. McAllister and F. Foley. Miss Dora Phillips also delighted the audience with her solo, ''The King of Love My Shepherd is." At the close of the entertainment Miss Beedle (matro.i) thanked the musicians for the very enjoyable afternoon provided the patients and nurses.

The Municipal Band has secured the Town Hall for race night (.iai>ua r y 1), and is now working up a programme that should prove a great musical treat, Several Wanganui bandsmen are Jiopeful of making the trip, and in that case v ill assist in the entertainment. The band will be playing at the races, and,bandsmen hope they will be placed in a convenient position. In this connection, the band was at a disadvantage at the late A. and I>. show, being placed at a corner of the grandstand, in the full glaring sun. without shelter. Attention to small details like these makes all the difference.

A steady stream of satisfta! customer; eapii day at Mr. C. IS. James l jewellery warehouse indicates that the ladies and others are making the most of the opportunity to get in early at the exceptional range of bargains "now offering in fancy goods, jewellery, cliinaware, stationery, smoking material, shaving outfits. etc. Toys there are in large array, fit for a fretting child and to drive tlie tears away. Sporting outfits for boys, etc. Don's hesitate to visit C. E. James' store.* This i s a jewellery Christmas. From youth, to old age the jeweller furnishes you with lovo offerings and mementoes of the brightest, bcßt, and most, honorable events of our lives. The jewel as a gift since time immemorial has been the emblem of deepest affection. Ymi will be rewarded by an inspection of the most useful and appropriate season's gifts now displayed "at the premises of Ben. J. Peters, jeweller, Broadway. Stratford. Shop early and at your leisure.*