STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1919, Page 8

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will reeelvo prompt attention.) December 15. The need for an improved water supply for Stratford has been demonstrated during the present drought. The hydroelectrical station can now' only be worked for two or three hours each evening, and reliance has to be placed almost wholly on the 'Diesel engine. If the dry weather continues i'. may be necessary to place some restrictions on the use of electricity for power purposes, but, as yet, consumers have suffered little or no inconvenience. Mr. Holland, the electrical engineer, states that lie has never known the Patea rive:' to be so low before. There is an adequate supply of water for domestic purposes, but it has.been necessary to administer the by-law relating to the use of garden hose with a little more firmness. At times the pressure is very low and in J parts of the town would be almost worthless for fire prevention purposes. I Workmen have been engaged in ex- j i cavating for the foundations of the new bridge, which is to'be erected across the Patea river in Broadway. One of the etl'ects of the new bridge will be to join up with the main portion of the town the shops at the south end, which have I always had a deserted and isolated appearance. A further stretch of Broadway, from Kegau Street North, is now being laid down in tarred macadam, and, when Broadway is completed, the whole business portion of- the town will be as near perfection as it is,possible to make it.

A considerable amount of building is being done in Stratford at present, and other important contracts will soon be let. It is expected that the new dairy factory at Douglas will be out of the hands of the builders on the 20th. Mr. J. W. McMillan's fine bungalow residence is nearing completion, as also are a number of other private houses. The contra.-! for the new Technical High School has not yet been accepted. It is understood that the lowest tender is above the estimate, and the sanction of the Department must be obtaine4 before a decision is reached. Tenders are now invited for new two-storey offices in Fenton Street for Messrs Rutherfurd, Coleman and Macalister, who are amalgamating with Messrs Spenee and Stanford. The building is to be of reinforced concrete throughout. Extensive additions are being made to the offices occtipied by Messrs Halliwell, Spratt and Thompson, and estimates will shortly be prepared j for improvements at the Stratford race-

course. The club is prepared to spend during the coming year from £IO,OOO to £12,000 in improvements of the buildings, etc.. Important additions to the National Bank are also contemplated. It is expected that builders will be hampered by a dearth of materials and labour, and an architect stated to-day that those who delayed building while the war was on, in the expectation that prices would come down, made a bilge mistake. The cost is dearer than ever; with the advances thai are frequently hiking place in the cost of labor and materials, it is most difficult to estimate the cos! of any work. He suggested thai j it. would be a fair thing for carpenter.-. ! nnd other workers not to ask for any ! \ariation in wages once a building has | been commenced, till its completion.

The prizes won by the scholars at the Stanley Road school were distributed at a cinoprt held on Friday evening. An excellent, programme was supplied by the children, under Miss Miller, and visitors, including Miss Black, Mr. Bennett, Mr.' Aitken, and Mr. Walters. During the evening. Mr. nnd .Mrs. Bennett, who are leaving the district, were presented bv Mr. Wellington, on behalf of the residents, with an oak salad bowl and silver cake stand. A sit down supper was provided in tlie large plav-shed. Music for the dance was played by Miss Huse.

Xmas Fair now in full swing. Fancy Goods, Toys, China, Books,' or anything needed for presents. Shop early; shop now. Goods can be ! eld till Xmas Eve, and be called for -r delivered anywhere.—Charles E. James. School comn.ittees and teachers, in selecting school prize:;, should inspect- the large stock of reward and gift books at H. J. Hopkins. T.ie books are direct from the publishers, and are low priced, well boi.nd, we'', printed and illustrated, anil in every way well got up. Special consideration shown to school children.

Reduce the depreciation in your motoi 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 very small cost The beat paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trad"