STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc, left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt mention.) Stratford, April 12. Judement for plaintiff was given by Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., at a sitting of the court yesterday as follows: Whangaraomonii County Council (Mr. Coleman) v. B. and G. W. Spooner, claim £lB 93 lid, costs £2 3s 6d; executors in estate jf A. M. Scott, Mr. Paul, v. R. S. Robertson, £3 2s lid, costs 10s; Mr. L. M. Moss appeared for plaintiff; Mcßain and Childs (Mr. Elcock) v. A. Wolfe, £6 15s, coats £1 13s 6d; Thomas Cuthbert (Mr. Young) v W. B Rcid, £l3 16s, costs £1 13s Cd; Wilson and Son v. C. Worthington, £8 10s, costs Ss; D. S. Maxwell (Mr. Wright) v J. W. Jones, £34 5s fld, costs £2 14s. W. Brown was ordered to pay J Blake (Mr. Wright) £3 Cs on a judgment summons, in default Wires days' imprisonment in New Plymouth gaol. A claim for £5 16s 6d by the Whaliqxonga Dairy Company (Mr Elcock) was preferred against A. G. Holland, who had paid £2 of the amount. To be paid at the rate of 10s per month, in default four days' imprisonment. In connection with the claim made by W. A. Benefield, carrier, against Leslie and W. H. Jury, for injuries to a horse through collision with ft car, the S.M. gave judgment for plaintiff for £35 (value of the .horse) and veterinary services, £3 3s. The question of costs was reserved.

RATEPAYERS' MEETING. Mr. J. W. McMillan (Mayor) presided at the meeting of ratepayers called for last evening to consider the proposed loan of £7OOO for electric light purposes. The Mayor stated that it had been considered advisable to purchase another Diesel engine, as the present plant was running to full capacity, and a break down in summer might mean the town being minus the light for a week. Cr. Hunter, chairman of the lighting committee, stated that when the council took over the plant they had 600 consumers, but there were now 900, and more power would be required if they were going to advance. The council fully recognised the hydro possibilities of the Patea River. If they installed a second Diesel engine they should have no difficultv in selling again if the Government scheme came along. People saw the advantages of hydro-electrie power, and were determined to have it. Cr. Thompson said the revenue from the plant was £4443, against £3OBI for the previous year, the units having increased by 20,000, and the price by Id per unit. He was in favor of the Government scheme, Stratford must either advance or go backwards. They were improving Broadway, and should do the same with the lighting plant. Cr. Cameron said that some people had an idea that there were hundreds of horse-power in the Patea River. Several schemes had been discussed from time to time, but they lacked the horse-power or were too costly. He favored purchasing another engine, and saw no other means of keeping up the supply of light for the next live years. Mr. J. H. Ford thought the council would have difficulty in disposing of the engine when the Government power was available, and that more power would be guaranteed if the hydro station could use the water twice, and in reply to questions mentioned that he had gathered this information from Mr. Clarke, who had repaired the hydro plant. Mr. Clarke, in explanation, stated he had mentioned that if the plant was repaired it might last for fifteen or twenty years. Mr. N. J. King desired information regarding the New Plymouth scheme, and thought they might find out what they could supply Stratford with, and cost. Mr. S. Ward said he understood that Inglcwood would in 1020 be able to get the light at Id per unit. Mr. W. J. Newton, for many years electrical engineer to the borough, said he had inspected the New Plymouth plant, and could not see how they could develop 8000 h.p. without spending a lot of money on a weir. He doubted at present if they would produce 2000-h.p. He then moved: That the Borough Council take the necessary steps to raise £7OOO for the . electric light system.Seconded by Mr. J. McCluggage and carried.

GENERAL. At the close of the ratepayers' meeting occasion was taken to bring up band matters. It was ultimately resolved to form a citizens' band, and a committee was elected to place the band on a better footing. Owing to his car breaking down there was no appearance of George Sangster at the court yesterday. Defendant was charged with failing to take measures to effect a cure of foul brood in bees, and .also with failing to transfer bees from box hives to properly constructed frame •hives. Evidence was tendered by Frank A. Jacobscn, inspector, Palmerston North, and G. Stables, Stratford, apiary inspector. A fine of £3 on the first and £2 on the second was inflicted, with 7s costs iii each case.

Midlurst dairy suppliers intend holding a picnic on May 1, the prize money being over £3O, and the open events will include races from 100 yards to 800 yards •In the evening a concert and dance will be held. Full particulars will be advertised.

Midhirst suppliers will be pleased to learn that their factory has been placed second on the list out of 25 factories on the season's work. Messrs. J. M. Bowman (manager) and T. Cookson deserve to be congratulated on the result.

Although shipping arrangements are far from being regular or satisfactory. Mr. C. E. .lames has been fortunate in landing some splendid sets of English china tea-sets, ranging in price from £i 18s to £2 2s Od (21 pieces). Later on. dinner and other sets are expected. Those in need of tea-sets would be well advised to call and see Mr. James' shipment, which are unique in design anil the prices are unapproachable. Still a good range of ladies' hand-bags to clear.—Advt.