STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

m> ■ (From Our Own Correspondent.}" (All communication), letters, etc., left with Mr fl. J. HoUkint, bookseller, will receive prompt Rtieution.) THE MAYORAL CONTEST. April 29. Interest in the Mayoral contest here is now at its highest, and never before in the history of these eleetons 'has theje lieen so much personal matter ntroclurred. This is to be deprecated, but it appears that not only are the candidates coming under the limelight of severe and adverse criticism, but many of the supporters are getting it hot and strong. This is to be deplored, as whilst the personal element predominates, it disgusts many who have a sense of decency and feeling for an opponent. The bitterness N :ilso (.Imiding the issue concerning those who are contesting the council scats, and, as a result, the religious views of some candidates are the first consideration, and with others their qualifications as Prohibitionist or advocate for the Trade seems to be the main point. Last night the Town Hall was well filled with an interested audience to hear the Mayor (Mr. McMillan) reply to his opponent (Mr. Boon) on his administration. He also took advantage of the opportunity to reply to certain correspondence appearing in the press. His address met with the approval of the audience, and at the close he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. On Tuesday night the ex-Mayor Mr. Boon) will address the electors HOSPITAL BOAR© Messrs J. McAllister" (chairman), C. I). Sole, R. 'McK. Morison, E. Hancock, E. Walter, J. O'Neill, F. R. McKay, and C B. Finnerty were present at the meeting of the Hospital Board held this morning. As this was the last meeting the chairman would attend, he having decided to retire, all the members made eulogistic reference to the interest taken in board matters by Mr. McAllister, and expressed regret that they were losing his services. Reference was also made to the good work accomplished by Mr. 0. D. Sole, who also retires, but seeks re-election.

In replying, Mr- McAllister thanked the, board members for their generous appreciation of his efforts as chairman. There had been very strenuous times during the last two years, and, whilst he did not mind that, he thought it only fair that the position as chairman should lie n rolling one, added to which must be that a man must attend to his own business, Theie were important matters yet requiring attention. He thought the time was approaching when they should have separate offices, whilst the secretary should devote the whole of his time to the work. At present the hospital was a 20-bed institxition, with an average of 19 beds engaged, and at times 30 patients were under treatment. This meant that the accommodation required to be increased.

Mr. Sole also acknowledged the kindly expressions of his comrades on the honrd, and if elected at Wednesday's poll lie would continue to do his best for the institution. The secretary reported that his estimates for the ensuing year were £4<3S2 3s 2d, awl last year the expenditure was £4173 4s 9d. A levy of Is would bring in £1543 from contributing local bodies, Government subsidies a further £I4OB 10s 2d, and pntients fees £IOOO. With last year's credit balance, £729 9s, and other receipts the amount would be brought up to the estimates. A communication was received from the Whangamomona ?»ledieal Association desiring the board to secure a' trained nurse for the county at £2OO. The chairman stated that they had previously endeavored to assist, hut had received no replies to the advertisement. There was a time when the Government reimbursed the board, but this had been discontinued. It was resolved to write to the department to ascertain the exact position and notify the Whangamomona Medical Association. GENERAL. At a meeting of those interested in the Municipal Band, held last week, it was resolved to write to several wellknown ex-players to assist the band in practices for the peace celebrations, and then afterwards it is hoped that those remaining will carry on till the committee can put the hand on a satisfactorv footing. The finishing touches are being applied to the tar-macadam work in Broadway, and when this is completed there is a likelihood that, beyond any repair work, no lar-macadam laying will proceed till after the winter months. Messrs R. Masters (chairman), H. Trimble, S J. Smith. MP., and- P. H. Wi'te. of the Taranaki Education Board, paid a visit to the Hawera district sc'hcolb to-day.

There is a cold snap approaching. Don't bother about the breezes or the frost, but call at C. E. James' warehouse and look at the fine parlor games he has for the children, and for dad he has the host brands of cigars and also tobacco, with the best of pipes to smoke his favorite mixture. For mother there is a great variety of reading matter, so why not be cheerful and contented, and aU for a little cost; but remember you can get it at C E. James'.—Advt