STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent), fAH communications, letters, etc., loft with .Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] IMPROVING BROADWAY. Stratford, Dec. 21. For many years the Borough Council has been faced with the problem of utilising some tietter method of street making. Schemes have from time to time been in the air, and in the dying hours of the last Council the question was again raised by the late Mayor (Mr. W. Boon). The present Mayor (Mr.-.1. W. McMillan) soon found that Broadway was (he big thing to tackle during his term of office, and so, from last April till the present the question of improving Kj"oa4w,iy has been 'kept uppermost in mind, until the time has come when the Council fee's justified in asking the ratepayers to sanction « loan of £15,000 to put Broadway in a state of efficiency. The Council have not rushed matters, but. carefully gone into the various methods They despatched their engineer to Wellington to obtain details re concrete. Mr. Sullivan made the most, of his opportunities and after seeing concrete, asphalt and other roads, returned to Stratford more than ever convinced that concrete was the most acceptable antl satisfactory roadway for the borough. It was an agreeable surprise to find that the difference in cost between concrete and tar-macadam is very small —concrete 34s (id per yard, tar-macadam 32s fid. a difference of 2s, and durability greatly in favor of concrete. The engineer at Napier, in a letter to the Stratford Borough Council, states that Napier is experimenting with tarsealing and concrete, heavy wool waggons passing over the two blocks, and the result* favor concrete. There may be some who believe the difference between the two roads is greater than indicated by Mr. Sullivan, but he was careful to verify bis figures before placing them before the. Council. The dust nuisance should not be forgotten. At present there are not a few who prefer a rain storm to clouds of dust. With concrete there would !be an absence of dust, practically no need of a water-cart, nor need to point to Eltham and Hawera as' examples. Ratepayers should distinctly understand that, voting "No" will not lessen '"loir rates; on the contrary they will ■ o faced with increased rates, and ft '•apidly wrecked thoroughfare that thfearens to collapse under present treatment W'forc many voars. The Council have . latcd the position fairly and conclusive- , and it remains for the ratepayers to end their support to fhe proposal at the poll to-day. TOKO ROAD CONCERT.

There was an excellent attendance of the parents and friends of scholars of the Toko Road school at the entertainment held last evening. Mr. R. Masters, chairman of the Education Board, was present, and during the evening gave a short address, in which he congratulated the school, the teachers, and the committee on the work achieved during the year. He also presented prizes to four pupils for attendance, and prizes were also presented to all scholars. A very fine and varied programme was given by the children, the items including dialogues,recitations, action songs, etc. The veteran songster, Mr. .T. S. Rowe, contributed monologues and character songs that were much appreciated. Mr. Bocock, chairman of the school committee, thanked Mr. Masters, the performers and others for assistance in making the evening pass so pleasantly. PEMBROKE ROAD. The erection of the cheese factory is being somewhat delayed through several little difficulties, but it is expected that a month or so will see the work well in hand. Several of the settlers have their hay in the stack. This is somewhat unusual, as it is generally after New Year before haymaking begins here. The school committee has carried out considerable improvements about the school during the past five months. A girls' shelter shed, tool house and new porch have been erected, and a very nice flower garden and rockery greatly improve the appearance of the grounds. The cost to the committee, if labor and material had to be paid for, would be between £4O and £SO. The thanjes of the committee are due to Mr. Cuthbert (chairman) for the amount of labor and time lie has given in having these improvements carried out. Mr. Miers also deserves thanks for considerable assistance. The school closed on Thursday afternoon for the summer holidays, after a very successful year's work. Three candidates. Victor Miers, Sidney Cathro and Norah Wicksteed gained proficiency certificates at the recent examinations. THE BOROUGH LOAN. So far there has not been much interest created in the ."€15,000 loan for roadway improvements. The Mayor and councillors have issued a manifesto in which it is stated that, in the event of the loan being carried, a consulting engineer will be secured, and the matter further considered by a public meeting. In the event of a hostile vote, ratepayers will find it necessary to raise £IOOO in rates for improvements (or repairs) to Broadway, which, under the loan proposals, would be put down in concrete. [ All ratepayers are desired to vote tomorrow, and thus indicate to the council whiclwthey desire. The issue is a plain one. and should not be misunderstood by any. The council is unanimous in thinking that something should be done to Broadway, and a vote in the affirmative will mean a big improvement in its present condition. GENERAL. Country visitors were shopping well ifi town to-day, business being good. The weather at present, however, looks anything but gaud. Last evening members of St. Andrew's Church choir visited the hospital and treated the inmates to several glees, carols, anthems, etc. The soloists were Mrs. .Tardine, Misses Lunam and Jackson, and Messrs H. L. Bctts and Tissiman. At the close of the programme, Mr. C. D. Sole, a member of the board, thanked the choir for the musical evening provided. Refreshments were kindly provided for the visitors, the Rev. .1. D. Madill and Mr. Betts responding to Mr. Sole's appreciation.

Two smart waitresses are required for the marble bar at the new picture theatre. See advt. on page 1.

T. Lama son wishes to give a final reminder of his sale at the mart to-day, which place should prove the most interesting in Stratford. He has some splendid lines of turkeys, geese, ducks and fowls, also green peas, new potatoes and fruit No one should miss'this sale. Come early and do not go away disappointed. J A steady stream of satisfied customers [each day at Mr. C. E. James' jewellery

warehouse indicates that the ladies and others are making tile most of the opportunity to get m early. The exceptional range of bargains now offering in fancy goods, jewellery, c'niiiaware, stationery, smoking material, shaving outfits, etc. Toys there are in large array, lit for a fretting child and to drive the tears away. Sporting outfits for boys, etc. Don's hesitate to visit C. K. .James' stor".* This is a jewellery Christmas. From youth to old age the jeweller furnishes you with love offerings and mementoes of the brightest, best, and most honorable events of our lives. The jewel as a gift since time immemorial has been the ernblem of deepest affection. You will be rewarded by an inspection of the most, useful and appropriate season's gifts now displayed at. the premises of Ben. .1. Peters, jeweller. Broadway. Stratford. Shop early and at your leisure*