STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, litters, etc., left with Mr. H. 3. Hopkins, eookisller, will recalvi prompt attention.) Jan. 14. The monthly meeting of the Stratford Chambor of Commerce was teld' last evHj.'E','. Present: Messrs. W. P- Kirkwood (chairman), P. Thompson, W. A. Hjwitt, 1) J. Miilone, C. Martin, and W. Power (secretary). On the motion of the chairman, it was dtciJed to write to the PostmasterGeneral asking when definite information v.oulc! be available regarding the new Post Office. The district engineer for the Telegraph Department wrote stating that the delay in installing telephones was due to shortage of materials, and that the Department was doing its beat to meet applications for installations.

The Stratford stationmaster wrote, in reply to a complaint from the Chamber, stating that he could find no evidence that there had been numerous instances of delay in opening the booking office window before the departure of trainsIf the Chamber had any complaints to make in future he would be glad to have full particulars, so that the offence could be brought home.—Received. Sergeant Dale wrote stating that the matter of damage to property in Stratford had been receiving attention from the police for some time. Ho thought much of the damage to canvas window blinds would be avoided if the curtains were securely fastened. There had been occasions when the police picked up curtains from the street.—Received.

A committee, consisting of Messrs, McDonald, Malone, and Hewitt, was set up to make inquiries regarding the cause of delay in forwarding goods from New Plymouth after discharge from the ships. Mr. J. W. Boon presided at tho monthly meeting of the Stratford School Committee last -.ming. Tho district health officer >rted that the new school had hee imigated, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Pinkey, to have the school fumigated three times a year during holiday seasons. Dr. Doris Gordon's advice and assistance in this connection was acknowledged with a vote of thanks. The t resignation of the Rev. R. B. Tinsley as a member of the committee was received, but. in view of the early expiration of the committee's term of office, it was decided to grant him leave of absence. Miss Sanderson was thanked for her offer to take charge of the books- during the school children's hours. Messrs. Smart and Clarko were appointed a Visiting Committee, and Messrs. McMillan, Martin, and Clarke were appointed a committee to make inquiries regarding suitable accommodation in town for school boarders. There was some discussion respecting the cocoa shed scheme, and-a deputation was appointed to wait on the Education Board the folio .vir.g day. A sub-committee was appointel to make inquiries regarding the proposed school seaside excursion, and the secretary (Mr. Thompson) was requested to write to the stationmastcr a-.king whether Thursday, March 4, would be a suitable date for a special train. A meeting of the Stratford Repatriation nnmmitt...in was hoW nn \Tnnrinv

ion Committee was held on Monday night, Mr. A. F. Grant presiding. Of four applications for loans, three were recommended. The other was deferred, ns the applicant was out of town. Two Applications were received for loans for furniture, and one for a sum to acquire tolls of trade, and all were approved. Some time ago, Mr. Noilson, of Midhirst, mentioned to a. Daily News representative that he was negotiating with some settlers for the erection" of a new factory. The arrangements have now been completed, and a ferro-concrete building, with a three vat plant, is to he erected at Kaimiro. It will be ready for opening at the beginning of next season. Mr. Clias. H. Vov has handed over to the Stratford Lodge of Druids the sum of £5, part of the proceeds from a dance on New Year's night.

Messrs. Henderson and Moore, the successful tenderers for the building of the new Stratford Technical High School, which is to cost about £17,000, have signed the contract, and a start will be made as soon as possible. The contractors are Christehurch men who have recently started business in Stratford, having purchased the business formerly owned by Mr. N. Q. King. They have already secured a number of men from Chrr?tchurch to work on the technical school, and the chief difficulty will be to obtain materials as required, particularly concrete, of which there is a serious shortage at present. Stratford frequently profits from the central position she occupies, and there seems to be a tendency for .arge business concerns to make the town their headquarters. The Farmers' Co-op. Association has lately decided to make Stratford the clerical centre for New Plymouth, Inglewood. Eltham, and Krponga, and the alterations necessary to accommodate the stall' are now being carried out.

The Telephone Department has lately received a supply of wire, and thn staff has been very busy installing telephones for applicants, some of whom have been, waiting many months. At present the public telephone office closes at 5 o'clock opening again between 7 and 8 pm. This means that only subscribers can use the telephone after 8 o'clock. The question of having a slot telephone in the street has often been discussed, and, from a statement made by the Mayer a short time ago, the Department is quite willing to establish one provided the Rorougli Council will meet the estimated .•'(•Mency in revenue. Those who could move in the matter are not personally interested in a street telephone, and those who are interested, though numerous enough, are not sufficiently active or influential to have anything done. With the public telephone office diving at 8 o'clock, a street telephone accessible at all hours the exchange is open would be of much advantage to the people generally.

During the holidays, while, the kiddies are looking their best, take them along to McAllister's Studio. The photographs will give, you satisfaction to-day, and lasting pleasure. McAllister's Studio is the most up-to-date in Taranaki. Reduce the depreciation in yonr motor car hy 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 best paints and varnishes, and workmen who know their trade. Save yourself trouble and avoid loss hy providing yourself with the means for keeping records of those things you need to remember. Get a 1020 diary from H. J. Hopkins without delay. These diaries contain a lot of useful information in handy form, and can be obtained in sizes to suit requirements.