STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1919, Page 4

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Uupklu, bookseller, will receive prompt mention.) Stratford, March 21. Those who made a point of attending Mr. Brontnell's address on the prohibition question at the town hall last evening were well rewarded. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan) presided, briefly introducing the speaker, who immediately got to work on his subject and for 00 minutes, in a clear, concise, and forcible manner demonstrated the gain it will be to the Dominion by carrying the prohibition vote at the poll next month. Mr. Bnmtnell also dealt with the statements made by Messrs Armstrong and Findlay, the speakers of the Moderate League. Throughout his discourse there was not a dull moment, the lecturer illustrating his remarks with quotations that were apt and always to the point, whilst he also introduced a little humor that was relished by all. The attendance of the public was not up to expectations. At the conclusion of the address a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Bruntn ell. Heavy rain fell during the night and continued all day. It should prove a golden rain to many farmers whose pastures were in need of freshening up. Probably the most pleased man in Stratford is the electrical engineer, Mr. Hollands, who has been obliged to utilise all resources to keep the town lighting and power going, owing to the shallow state of the Patea river. Not so now, as the river has already risen considerably.

Whilst the electrical engineer was jubilant, the borough engineer (Mr. Sullivan) and his Broadway asphalt staff had to discontinue work. The last few

days saw splendid progress made, but any rain from now on will greatly retard a work tha£ all looked forward to seeing, completed before the present council retires from office.

My attention has been drawn to the ■condition of the Finnerty Road bridge, Ngaere. A motorist travelling that way to-day found the planking in two places was defective; in fact it was missing, and the driver managed to breathe more freely when he found he had missed both holes. As he says, a motor cyclist may go along that bridge and strike one of the gaps, and, if so, that would certainly damage the cycle if it did not injure the rider and lead to a possible claim for damage against the responsible authorities.

Now is the opportunity for ladies desiring to purchase choice handbags of be«t quality leather. Mr. C. E. James has recently received a large shipment of English goods, and is offering same ■A prices well within the reach of all. Those on the look-out for wedding and other presents will find Donlton ware is also being offered in large variety. Don't forget to inspect these stores when next in Stratford.