STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) 1 HOSPITAL BOARD. .Stratford, Feb. 13. Mr. J. Mi'Ai,.s.."r presided at the monthly meeting of the Hospital Board, held to-day. Other members present: J. O'Neill, V. J. Mackay, K. W. Hancock, R. McK. Morison, and C. R. Finiierty. A welcome was extended by the chairman to Messrs. O'Neill and Finnerty on their first sitting as members. Dr. Steven, in his report, stated that during the month ,23 patients had been admitted, 27 discharged, and two deaths had occurred. Nine operations had been performed under anaesthetics. He also mentioned that on Sundays and after midnight some inconvenience was caused by the telephone between the hospital and his residence not being left connected, or else had faulty connection.—Received. The chairman to see the postmaster re the telephone. The chairman stated it was pleasing to note that the isolation ward had been closed since January 2S), the first occasion during the last ten months. A. Gray, health inspector, reported two cases of diphtheria during the month—one in the borough and one in the county. Both places where the outbreak occurred were attended to.—Received. The chairman reported that while in Wellington recently he had endeavored to obtain some information from the Department regarding the suggested hotwater system for the hospital. Unfortunately, Dr. Valintine was not available. He believed the Department objected to the hot-water system being carried to the cottage occupied by the nurses. He suggested that the Department should advise the board what their objections were, as they could not be very serious. The board would take the advice of the Department, and cut out the extension if desirable. Up to that day no letter had been received from the Department on the matter. The secretary tabled a list showing that expenses during the past ten months (to January 31) totalled £2592 0s fid,' against £2305 10s 7d for the corresponding period of last year. Charitable aid had cost £338 «Js lOd, against £3BO 2s last year.

BOROUGH COUNCIL. A special meeting was held last evening. Present: Crs. J. Masters (Deputy Mayor), A. Coleman, D. J. Malone, C. Jackson, C. B. Walsh and W. McDonald. The Deputy Mayor said the works committee desired permission to purchase sufficient tar to tar-seal three roads (Hamlet, Portia and Miranda) from Seyton street to Pembroke road. During the past ten months the council had made no progress in its road-making, which had been the same during the past twenty years. The upkeep of roads was 1 becoming more expensive every year, ind something of a permanent nature was desirable. All the works committee desired was to tar-seal the roads mentioned. If the council did this with each road as it was refaced it would bo a permanent work, and the up-keap would not be a quarter of that of the old system. Cr. Malone agreed. The engineer hid done good work in his roads, but it was recognised that they could not stind the heavy and fast traffic. Tar-r,ealing would be a great saving in expenditure. It was false economy to continue the present rystem. Cr. Jackson also favored tar-sealing. He paid a tribute to the engineer's work, but the fast traffic played up with the roads. He favored the purchase of a portable engine crusher and tar sprayer, and this would be going the right way to improve the town. Cr. Coleman said he was in sympathy with any improvement to the road, and mentioned other roads on which he would like to see tar-sealing. The Deputy Mayor said if they could get sufficient tar, practically the whole of the roads in the borough could be tarsealed during the next twelve months. A resolution was passed, authorising the work to be taken in hand, and the council proceeded with the next business, which was to confirm the action of the council at Saturday's meeting donating a reserve to the Education Department as a school site. This was formally moved by Cr. .lackson. Cr. Coleman said it should be understood by the public that the reserve was • being used for education purposes only. He moved that the following words be added to Cr. Jackson's motion: "That it should be used for educational purposes in Stratford, and if leased, the revenue should be treated as an endowment." Cr. McDonald was not favorable to the proviso added. The point to him was that the whole transaction was a gain to t)ie borough and profit to the ratepayers.

Cr. Malnne could not support the gift, being made, except, with the. proviso. The Deputy Mayor said the chairman of the Kdueation Board (Mr. R. Masters) had assured them there was no need for the proviso. They could depend upon it that the conditions of the gift would not he lost sight of at the conference in Wellington with the Minister. Cr. McDonald said that the proviso might prejudice their claim for a school. He moved an amendment ''That the property be handed over to the Department on the condition that the reserve be used only for educational purposes i* Stratford." This was not seconded, and eventually Cr. Jackson's motion was carried, Cr. McDonald dissenting. GIFT AUCTION SALI3. Ngaere (R. Orr, canvasser): Orr Bros, and E. Magner, £2 2s each; A. D. Walker, 1 weaner; H. C. Taylor, 1 weaner; F. Tecofaky, 2 young rams. Midhirst: V. licit« 1 harness horse. Pohokura (11. M. i'itcaithly, canvasser): R. McCluggagc, £3; J. Mounsey, £1 10sj donations (anonymous), £3; R. Hogg and A. Coulter, ' £2 each; T. Carr, £1 0s (Id; 0. A. Swanger, £1 Os Od; P. Coatts, (Geo. Todd)," K. King, (A. McCluggage), (H. FazackerW), •). Lund, W. Wilson, (J. MeOillivray), £1 each; H. Larkin, 10s; H. Alves, 7s (id; E. Hellier,,fls. The names in parentheses are donors to Y.M.C.A. GENERAL. Miss C. W. Christie, national lecturer for the Theosophical Society, arrives in Stratford on Wednesday, and will deliver a short course of public lectures. Miss Christie is a fluent and eloquent speaker, who attracts large audiences in our largest cities, and is well known throughout the Dominion as tolerant of all beliefs, and an able exponent of Theosopby. She is also specially apt in answering questions. Should there be sufficient interest shown, there will be a public question meeting, which will be advertised In duo course. During February visitors to Stratford tire advised to keep a watch on the many «xeel!ent lines of jewellery, stationery, cto.. being offered by Mr. C. E. Jamft9. It is surprising the sterling value being given In the many lines he is offerlug, ladies'handbags are selling freely,

satisfied customers thai here they obtained the very best at lowest prices. Just stop inside and note the grand bargains.