STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receLve prompt attention.) BOROUGH COUNCIL. November 11. The monthly meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the Borough Council was ho' last evening. Present: The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), and Councillors Hunter, Walsh, Newton, Lawson, Thompson, Stewart, and. Cameron. A grant of £l2 10s towards the funds of the local technical school was made. The Town Clerk, New Plymouth, wrote stating that the inquiries re electrical supply would receive consideration in due course.—Received.

The abattoir manager reported that for the month of October the following stock had been slaughtered: Cows 80, heifers 15, oxen 46, sheep 261, lambs 54, pigs 8. Revenue from fees and rents totalled £97 lis 3d. —Adopted. The monthly report from the librarian showed that 1376 books had been issued and 1310 returned. The odd books issued totalled 177 and those returned 153. The subscriptions amounted to £6 10s.— Adopted.

On the motion of the Mayor it was decided to grant Jhe use of several band instruments to the Salvation Army pending the formation of a new citizens' band and on condition that the officer in charge of the Salvation Army gave an undertaking to return the instruments in good order and condition.

It was decided to present Mr. Kivell, ex captain of the Fire Brigade, who has left' the district, with an illuminated address in recognition of his services to the town!

Referring to the reports published of the discussion at the last meeting on electrical supply Cr, Thompson said he thought it a pity that the electrical engineer's annual report, which placed the matter in quite a different lightj was not available when the discussion took place. The report showed that they had had a good year and it was a pity that in the absence of this report a discussion had occurred, which had created an erroneous impression. In considering the year's work it had to be remembered that the epidemic and the breaking of the weir had operated greatly to their disadvantage. Cr. Hunter said that those who had opposed the taking over of the works were ever ready to find fault. He pointed out that much of the money spent, had gone into permanent works. They had been putting their profits into new lines, which were necessary and were a valuable asset. There was no one who would not say that the light was better and more equally distributed now. Ho did not want to reflect 011 what had been done in the past, but the improvements with the eld company were limited by finance. It only had a certain amount of money to spend. Personally he had never been sorry that thn Council had taken over the works. He still thought iho works a good thing, though he did not expect the Council to make a lot of profit out of them. The engin eer's report showed that the Couneil "had got a good return for its money. On the motion of Cr. Cameron it was recommended that the Lighting Committee bring down a report at the close of each financial year. 'The caretaker reported that Mr. W. P. Taylor had made the liaiulsome donation of a cart load of trees for the cemetery. It was one of the best donations, Cr. Cameron said, they had ever had for the cemetery, and lie hoped that others with gardens would ilo likewise. Ho had been told by the cavetaker that it was quite a customary thing in New Plymouth to give quantities of trees for the cemetery—quite enough, in fact, for requirements.—A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Taylor was passed.

The Works Committee recommended that the fields inspector be asked to take , firm steps with a view to the eradication of noxious weeds.—Adopted. The Electric Light Committee recommended that lights be erected in Ariel street, north of Seyton street, Orlando street .at the corner of Celia street, Antonio street, Portia street at the corner of Romeo street, and ITamlet street south of Celia street. The committee also recommended increases of 5s per week in the wages of two of the workmen.—Adopted.

'The electrical engineer reported that the plant at the hydro station was running well, but owing to the continued dry spell it had been shut down for the past two weeks. At times the flow in the river would not develop 20 h.p. The plant at the Diesel station was running fairly well. Spares ordered over twelve months ago, and urgently needed, had not arrived yet—Adopted. HOSPITAL BOARD. . The monthly meeting of the Stratford Hospital Boafd was held yesterday. Present, —Messrs. C. D. Sole (chairman), McKay, Cameron, Hancock, Walter, McK. Morrison, and O'Neill. The resignation of Sister Marsh was accepted, and it was decided to give her a testimonial. It was decided to contribute the Board's quota ( £l6) towards an increase in the health inspector's salary of £4O. The Department wrote, stating that the Gazette of October 9th contained a. warrant permanently reserving as a site for a public hospital section ti of Whangamomona suburbs, containing 0 acres 1 rood 23 perches.—Received. The Department notified that there were several vacancies in the Otaki and 'J'e Waikato Sanatoria.—Tne chairman to consult with the superintendent re sending patients.

The medical superintendent reported that during October, 27 patients were admitted, 22 discharged, and one had died (diphtheria). Twenty remained in hospital at the end of the month. There were 10 soldier and 2!) civilian o.p. attendances. Three cases iiad been in isolation, but at date (10/11/19) there were five.—Adopted. The matron recommended that Miss Dorothy Wicksteed,.who had finished her probation, be appointed to the permanent nursing stall. No applications had been received for the position made vacant through the resignation of Sister Marsh. —Adopted.

The health inspector reported that for the month ended November 7th one ease of perperal fever and one' of diphtheria had been notified in the borough, and five cases of diphtheria and one of pneumonic influenza in the County. All, with the exception of three influenza cases, were removed to the hospital.—Adopted. The chairman reported that the building operations, which had been delayed by a shortage of bricks, were now proceeding satisfactorily. The matron had suggested that by reducing the size of one of the bedrooms in the nurses' homo, another bedroom could be added, hut it had been found that a new room could be built on the front of the building far

£l5O, and the cost of the suggested alteration would be nearly as much. No additional bedroom was needed at present, and it would be better to carry out their original purposo, adding a room latel* when necessary. A resolution was passed, expressing the Board's willingness to co-operate with other boards in adopting measures to prevent the spread of venereal diseases. SALE OF WORK. A Sale of Work organised by the Ladies' Guild of Holy Trinity Church was opened in the Parish Hall at 11 a.m. to-day by the Hon. J. B. Hint'. Prior to the opening ceremony, a silence of two minutes was observed. The vicar, the Rev. Howard, thanked the Ladies' Guild and those who had assisted them for the excellent work that had been done. The Hon. J. B. Hine, after a short speech, declared the sale open. The following had charge of the stalls:—Plain work, Mesdames Roward, Budd and Richards; fancy, Mesdames Crawshaw, Stanford,- Abraham, Rutherfurd, Trubv [ King, and Miss Constance Stanford; flowers, Misses Crawshaw and Porritt; handkerchief stall and dip, Mesdames Johnston, Grant and V. Smith; sweets, Misses Young, Hine and Liardet; produce, Mesdames Penn, Charles and Thorpe; tea rooms, Mesdames Alger, C. Martin, Pratt, Taplin, and assistants; book stall, Mrs Middleton. The attendance "was good, and business commenced immediately, th© stall-holders being kept fairly busy throughout the day. During the afternoon a number of most enjoyable items were given by tin pupils of St. Mary's School, arid in the evening a number of musical selections were played by Mr Rogers' orchestra. The proceeds from the sale will he placed at the disposal of the vestry, to be used in any desirable work in the interests of the church. * GENERAL. Employers of certain kinds of labor nave to sit up and take notice when asked for an increase of wages in these days. The woman who does the washii.g and. laundry work for a Stratford insti" tution notified her employers that sho desired a rise to 9s a day for an 8-lioui day, and, failing compliance with her request, she would leave. A letter was also received by the woman in charge of the staff, stating that the shortage of domestics was causing anxiety and disorganisation, and that applications to several labour bureaus had met with no success. Other hands were needed, but Could not be obtained. The secretary of the Board stated that he had advertised 1 m New Plymouth and Hawera for servants, but no responses had been received. The matter was left in the hands oi the chairman.

MR. FRANK AMOORE'S CONCERT. On Saturday night, Mr. Frank Amoorc, the tenor who has caused such a stir m musical circles in other places, will giyp o!ie ],j s concerts ii; tho Jarish Hal). Mr. Amoorc has a voicti of remarkable range and qualitv and one that passes triumphantly." Ilis voice has been described by one 'critic as a first-rate tenor of great compass, sweetness and purity. lie is supported by a gifted company, including Mrs P Frederic. L.T.C.L. (pianist) mid Mi. Basil Hurtman (humorous elocutionist

In these days of high cost of living it is a relief tp find something to purchase at the old pre-war prices, .lust now ladies will find at C. E. James", Broadway, Stratford, a display of leather Hand Bags at the old value They are a special purchase, and are selling nt one price. 7/fi each.

The war has done much to renew old aequaintanr.es and make many new ones They will be; thinking of you at Christmas time, so don't you forget* (hem. Suitable cards for overseas, booklets, etc., a big variety at H. J. Hopkins', Stratford.

Don't trust pictures you value to travelings and strangers. If you want any photograph copied or enlarged send it to McAllister, Stratford. The result will be the best possible, and you save the canvasser's commission.

Reduce the depreciation in your motor car by taking it to C. D. Mathews. Stratford, and if it is mechanically sound he will return it looking as well as when you first bought it, at a 'cry small cost The best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade.