STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

"(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left nttb Mr U. }. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.) MAYORAL ELECTION. -Stratford, April 25. Tt was, perhaps, only natural that there should be a good, attendance at the Town Hall last evening to hear Mr. W. Boon's initial address on borough matters. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. B. Richards, who mentioned that Mr. Boon had served sis and a half years at the ' council table, the last two yeaxs as Mayor. He was always prepared to do what he could to further Stratford's interests, and was president of the A. and P. Association and aiso chairman of the school committee, while, with Mrs. Boon, he had always taken an interest in patriotic work. The candidate, on ris- ; iug to speak, was warmly welcomed. Mr. J. W. Boon said, inter alia, that Stratford had a splendid future, being the centre of a rich fanning district, the rail junction from Auckland, the distributing centre to Ohura and Pimnvhakau district and contiguous districts. The Stratford District High School, for results, was second to none in the Dominion, having 865 on the rolL Fourteen acres had been purchased for a new technical high school, the initiative in coiin-Mion with the purchase of which emanate a from the Stratford School Committee, of which he was chairman. £7500 had been promised and plans were practically ready. It was the intention of the school committee to press the Education Department for two hostels for boys and girls, and they expected this would develop into the chief agricultural instructional centre for the North Island. These grounds, while only seven minutes' walk from the station, joined the Stratford model dairy farm, where the lads of the school were now receiving instruction. Stratford also' at its recent show proved that it hat. the best dairy &how in the Dominion.

Mr. McMillan had referred, to the good work he had done, but the speaker Raid he would show that he had complete'- billed. The speaker left office with the: £4OO better off than when lje wrni in. Mr. Boon said he was a member oi the Council when the road roller and crushing plant were purchased, and took an active part in persuading the Council of the necessity for both being paid for out of revenue. In reference to the municipal buildings, his Council bad supervised their erection, procured the necessary furniture and fittings, and secured tenants, and when Mr. McMillan took office every shop and office was let. Another important undertaking out of loan was the purchase of the electric light for £10,000,' which paid itself off in thirty sis years. If valued at the present time the plant would no doubt cost at least £20,000, and with the £7OOO loan just carried would make an up-to-date plant and one of the cheapestjn the Dominion., In any case, the Council had no other option, as the Diesel system, recommended by Mr Climie would probably cost £35,000 now. The street loan of £15,000 was secured by Mr. McMillan; £7500 would be due in March 1, 1923, and £7500 due on March 1, 1928. This he considered a very bad piece of business, as the Council in less than four years would have to go to the expense of raising a fresh loan, especially as nearly £2) ,000 would have to be raised during that four years to pay off debentures coming due. Mr. McMillan reported after the first twelve months that his Council was' a thousand pounds worse off than when he took office, and his report at the end of the second year showed that he was £1771 worse off, seeing that the whole of the tarring plant and work in Broadway had been done out of loan money. This was disastrous to the welfare of the borough The Mayor, in his report, stated that he had had a busy year, having 14 council meetings. Mr. Boon's council had 26 meetings. Most of the heavy work and preparation of a council was done in committee. Of twenty-four of the general committee and works committee Mr. McMillan attended two. He attended some lighting committee meetings, and caused a scene in one of them by resigning because the Council wouldn't support his recommendation, and all the pursuasion of the councillors failed to get him to go on the committee again. Thiß alone proved conclusively that he was quite incapable as a chairman.

Mr. Boon said his policy, if elected, would be to study economy in all departments, ensure sound rind endurable work, keep down expenditure, extend light and power, extend concrete curbing and channelling, extend the drainage, press the Government for a new post office, press the Education Department for a boys' and girls' hoste!, help industry m Stratford and surrounding districts, and cany a loan for street improvements. In reply to Mr. J. H. Ford, the candidate said he was in favor of extending the sewer systems to thickly settled portions of the borough. Refuse from the shops should be carted away in sealed tins. He had left a sample tin with the council on retiring, but had heard nothing further. Regarding householders voting on loans, the Council hfl,d no power, the question being one for Parliament.

The meeting closed, after passing a vote of thanks, moved by Messrs S. B'. Hunter and J. H. Ford. GENERAL . Stratford platform was densely packed to-night to welcome home the soldiers. The Mayor, in a fine speech, congratulated the soldiers on their safe return, and, at his call, cheers were given for the men, and an extra one for the British brides. Althongh shipping arrangements are far from being regular or satisfactory, Mr. C. E. .Tames has been fortunate in landing some splendid sets of English china tea-sets, ranging in price from £1 ISs to £2 2s 6d (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 and i the prices are unapproachable. Still a good range of ladies' hand-bags to clear.—Advt.