STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

NEW MOUNTAIN HOUSE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Stratford, Aug. 28. A public meeting of those interested in the erection of a new Stratford mountain house waa held in the Municipal Chambers on Wednesday evening. Mr. W. J. McMillan (Mayor) presided over a fair attendance. Mr. ,T. B. Richards reported on what had been done by the committee, which recommended that proceedings be taken to float a limited liability company for the purpose of erecting a new hostel, provided a suitable lease of a site, could be obtained, with right of access. Mr. Richards said that at the meeting held in February it had been reported that the mountain house and track were in such a condition that it was impossible to allow things to remain as they were. They cither had to go forward or backward. It had been proposed at that meeting that a hostel should be erected and a track formed as a memorial to fallen soldiers, but, after full consideration, this was rejected. The present scheme was thoroughly practical. Mount Egmont was a national reserve, and, as tourist traffic was to the advantage of the whole country, they were justified in oxpeeting Government support. The flotation of the company would not be expensive, and having proceeded with this they would then be in a position to approach the Government, -it would be necessary to obtain a lease of a site for 21 years with right of renewal for, say, another 21 years. They should also make the erection of the. hostel conditional upon the Government improving the present track, which could be done by widening it and cleaning out the water tables. They had now a substantial sum in sight, but he thought they should Reek further support from those prepared to contribute in small sums. He moved the adoption of the report. Mr. Masters seconded.

Mr. Budge thought that before going to the expense of floating the company they should approach the Goveriimont and state that certain men were prepared to find the capital for a hostel provided a suitable lease could be obtained. Mr. R. McK. Morison said that the lease would be a matter for the Egmont Park Board, whose support he believed they would have.

Mr. Richards said the preliminary expense would have to be borne by those who were going to form. the company. The expense of flotation would not exceed €2O. M% Thompson had agrued to do the legal wdtk without fee. The motion was carried.

Mr. Kirkwood moved that a company be formed with a capital of £4OOO for the purpose of erecting a hostel on the Stratford side of the mountain, and that steps be taken for the erection of the hostel immediately the Government lias notified Hs intention of metalling the road up to the hostel and giving satisfactory powers over the land on which the hostel is erected. He said the amount in view was £2OOO. This was not sufficient, and they should increase it to £2500, pr even' £3OOO. lie was of the opinion that the hostel would pay 10 per cent. They were absolutely behind the times with the mountain house, which he believed they could make the best and the most popular on the mountain from a paying point of view. The proposition woirld benefit the whole of Taranaki. The motion was carried.

Tlio chairman intimated that he did not approve of the site nt present proposed, and if it was insisted upon he would go no further than assisting with the initial expense. It was agreed that tile site should bo fixed later, after an inspection. The following were appointed provisional directors: Messrs W. ,1. McMillan, VV. P. Kirkwood, P. Thompson, J. B. Richards, S. Pitt, A. W Budge, and C. James.

Mr. Kirkwood then moved that' it be a recommendation to the provisional directors that they send a deputation to Wellington with a view to having the road to the site of the proposed hostel metalled.—Carried.

On the motion of the chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the committee which carried out the preliminary work. At a meeting of directors held later Mr. McMillan was elected chairman, Mr. Richards secretary pro tem, and Mr. Moss solicitor.

Messrs McMillan, Kirkwood, and Richards were appointed a deputation to wait on the Government in connection with the metalling of the road.

SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ASSOCIATION. The Stratford branch of the School Committees' Association met on Wednesday and decided to support remits at the* annual conference in Wellington on September 1: Urging upon the Government the need for an additional capitation grant of Is Od per head for incidental expenses; the supply of all primary school books and requisites free; the limitation of children in one class under one teacher to 35; accommodation floor space on the basis of 15 square feet for each child; healthful surroundings and adequate areas for school grounds; the payment of teachers' salaries in accordance with ability, and salaries to be raised so as to attract,those of the best ability and retain them in the service; an amendment of the Act making it mandatory for a board to submit in the order of preference the names of all applicants capable of filling a position sought, and the prohibition of appointment by transfer, except when absolutely necessary; the facilitation of the holding of open air classes and free and compulsory medical and dental treatment; the increase of the educational grant to at least £3,000,00'(V, and the withholding of concessions to private schools. \ It was further decided to protest against any system -of centralisation which would have the effect of curtailing the powers of school committees.and to support the Federation of School Committees' Associations.-

GENERAL. About fifty people assembled at the residence of Mr. R. If. Cameron on Wednesday evening to say farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch, who are leaving Stratford shortly. All present were in faiicy dress, and a pleasant evening was spent with dancing, panics, and competitions. Mr. and Mrs. McCracken will be entertained at a social and dance in the Stanley Road school this evening, prior to their departure from the district.

Anyone requiring photographs enlarged cannot do better than deal direct with the specialist, McAllister, Stratford. Don't entrust pictures you value to canvassers and jobbers," but send to McAllister, Stratford.—Advt.