STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1920, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (Att communications, letters, etc.. left with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will rtceln prompt attention.) BOROUGH COUNCIL. March 8. The general purposes committee of the Borough Council was held to-night. Present—The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), and Crs. S. B. Hunter, C. B. Walsh, W. J. Newton, T. Lawson, C. Jackson, J. H. Thompson, A. Stewart, W. H. Young and R.. H. Cameron. REPORTS. The electrical engineer (Mr. E. F. Hollands) reported (that the proposed alterations to the hydro station were well in hand. The diesel station was running well, and took up the day load while repairs were being carried out at the hydro. The poles ordered for the alteration to transmission line to hydro station had now come to hand. New lights authorised were awaiting fittings.. Sixty meters had been erected in .assessed houses during 'the month and meters were also connected to all milking plants as instructed. The units generated during the month were: Hydro 19,237; diesel 5,859; total 25,096.—Received. The engineer (Mr. T. D. Sullivan) reported that 554 c.y. of sborie had been crushed, some footpath formation completed, and decking of Victoria bridge repaired.—Received. The Works Committee recommended that Mr. Sturrock be asked to meet the council to discuss the loan work; that the town clerk report on the financial position of the loan, and the engineer on the amount of material required ito finish •the work; that the engineer's suggestion to give Broadway Central a coat of tar be carried out. Warwick road was not in a condition to be tar sealed at present. —Adopted. The General Committee recommended that the application of Mr. C. H. Fox for a nine months' lease of tihe Town Hall he granted, 'the rental to be £0 per 'week, .tire lessee to let the hall, when required, at the council's schettuie rates. The committee also recommended that the scenery in the hall should be reduced in length to 15ft to facilitate removal— Adopt ad. The borough inspector reported having impounded 28 head of stock, also that he had visited the back premises of all fruit, fish and butchers' t-hops. several times and found them all in good order. —Received.

The abattoir manager reported that the following stock "was killed during the month of February, the numbers for the same month last year being given in parenthesis: Cattle'l3l (102), calves 19 (")), sheep 256' (200), lambs 101 (06), pigs 10 (0) ; fees earned fO6 14s Od ( £sl lis 3d). Two cattle had been condemned on account of disease.—Received.

CORRESPONDENCE. From N.Z. Welfare League re urging the Government to call a conference of employers and workers with a view to effecting a better understanding between the two classes.—The Council decided to endorse the attitude of the League in regard to the matter. From E. McCluggage, re state of Lear Street through carting boulders along the street.—Referred, to the Works Committee.

From Taranaki.Eduoation Board, agreeing to bear half cost of diverting water-, course through the site of the new Technical High School, the Board's share not to exceed £62 10s.—Tt was decided to reply that the Council could not be bound to any fixed price. From Under-Secretary of Lands, forwarding a copy of <a letter received from, the Domain Board, making suggestion? regarding improvements to King Edward Park.—The Mayor reported that he had entrusted the town clerk to reply, stating that the Council had adopted periodically all the Board's suggestions, but ■was unwilling to allow the Board to dictate the Council's financial policy. The action of the Mayor was endorsed.

From Messrs. Sladden, Palmer and Horner, asking approval for the sub-div-ision of part of section 105 in Pembroke Road. A plan was submitted, showing a new road 100 ft wide, with four sections fronting on to it.—lt was decided that as the proposed new street would have a blind end, the Council could not grant its approval. • , From Department of Agriculture, re disposal of butchers' offal at the abattoir, and .pointing out that the enforcement of the Council's by-law regarding the appropriating of the offal was outside the powers of the Council. —Received.

It was decided to vote £IOO towards the expenses in connection with the visit of the Prince of Wales.

It was also decided to accept the offer of Mr. W. P. Kirkwood, proprietor of the County Hotel,*to allow the Council the use of the hotel balcony on the occasion of the Prince's visit, and to admit the public to the baJcony on payment of a fee.

SALARIES INCREASED. The Council we.it into committee to consider the question of increasing the salaries of the staff. On resuming it was reported that the following resolutions had been carried:—"That the Borough Engineer (Mr. T. D. Sullivan) be given three months' lioticj of termination of his engagement, and that applications be called for a qualified engineer to fill the position; further that the Council rote a bonus 'to ill'. Sullivan at the end of three months on condition that lie carried nut the work satisfactorily in the meantime." The salaries of the Town Clerk (Mr. P. Skoglund) and the electrical engineer (ilr. E. V. Hollands) were increased by X->y> per annum. The salaries of the other members of the Council staff were also increased. The wages of the. electric light department were revised, giving the electrical committee power to raise same periodically up to certain limits. GENERAL. A number of members of the school committee waited on the chairman of the Education Board (Mr. R. Masters, .\lJ\) on Saturday night, in connection with the contract for the building of the proposed cocoa room at the Stratford fichool. As only one tender was received, and this was considered exceptionally high, the matter was deferred until the next meeting of the committee. Mr. Masters promised to give the committee every assistance in regard to the pro.ject_ The general committee in charge of the arrangements for the visit of the Prince of Walss to Stratford' has decid«

Ed that the most suitable route to be taken by the Prince would be from the station entrance, along Broadway to a dais erected in front of the Bank of New Zealand, where the school children will be marshalled. In addition to the presentation of the address, a short programme will also be earned out elsewhere. election of the members of the Stratford Licensing Committee will take piaee to-morrow. Secure the greatest degree of pleasure from motoring by having your car renovated by C. D. Matthews, Page Street, Stratford. He specialises in reliooding and repainting, and will make your car look like new, for a very small cost. The very best of materials are used, and first-class workmen arc employed. On Monday next, the schools will be re-opening, and the kiddies are now preparing to resume their lessons, after the long holiday they have had. The selection of school requirements is an important matter, and wise parents will make a point of inspecting the full stock at H. J. Hopkins', bookseller and stationer, Broadway. Here they will find everything the kiddies require, and always at the lowest possible price. It's time to have that long-promised portrait taken. No need to wait for a fine day. With the equipment at McAllister's Studio, Stratford, you can be taken any time, day or night. The most up-to-date Studio in Taranaki—McAllister's.