STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1920, Page 6

STRATFORD.

(Stratford nepresentatlro: W J. Wilson, Broadwny North. Tlione 338. P.O. Box 123.) CHAMBKR OF COMMERCE. *" ■ July 7. A meeting of the executive of the Stifitford Chamber of Commerce was lield hist evening. Present: Messrs J, B. Richards (in the chair), W. P. Kirkwood, C. Martin, P. Thomson, D. J. Malone, and S. Macalister. It was decided to ask the Taranaki members of Parliament and other Chambers of Commerce to co-operate with the Chamber in urging upon the Director-Ouci'iil of Agriculture that New Plymouth be niaue a port of call for all boats arriving in New Zealand with Nauru Island phosphates.

Mr. Kirkwood reported on behalf of the committee which had considered the plans of the new post office as submitted by the Postal Department. He stated that he wa« disappointed with the plans, which did not provide for sufficient accommodation for the public or for the telephone department. As far as the architecture of the building was concerned, it was extremely plaiu, and the post office would not be an imposing building unless a clock tower striding the footpath was included." Mr. Masters had stated that the plans would be put in order and again submitted to the Chamber, and provided the alterations asked for by the committee were included, the building would be satififactory. Mr. Macalister opposed the erection of a clock tower, and suggested that the money which would be required for that purpose would be better utilised in providing extra accommodation for the public. In his experience the Postal Department never looked far enough ahead, and they should see that a building suitfd to the growth of the town was erected.

Mr. Kirkwood: Nothing less than ,£'20,000 would be adequate for a post office- to meet the requirements of Stratford and district. The chairman mentioned that a note had appeared on the plans suggesting that provision should be made for an automatic telephone exchange in the new building. Mr. Kirkwpod: Masterton has got an automatic exchange, so why not Stratford?

It was decided to urge upon the Postmaster-General the advisability of installing an automatic exchange in Stratford.

In connection with the post office plans a communication was received from Mr. R. Masters, M.P., stating that the Postmaster-General had stated that the alterations suggested would be given every consideration.

In connection with the failure of the Lyttelton-Wcllington ferry boats to eonnccvt,with the Taranaki mail train, letters were received from the Taranaki and Hawera Chambers of Commerce and Messrs W. D. Powdrcll, S. G, Smith, \V. T. Jennings, 0. Hawken, and K. Mastery, M.P.'s, promising to assist in bringing about an improvement in the position. Mr. Masters, in his letter, stated that Mr. Massey had noted the complaint and had promised to bring the matter to the notice of the Railway Department. Mr. R. Masters, M.P., forwarded a copy of a letter he bad received from I theKohurntahi settlers, asking that an endeavor ibo made to get the train from Stratford on Monday nights to proceed through to Kohuralahi the same night. The Chamber decided that on receipt of a petition signed by residents of the district affected it would endeavor to have the matter attended to. In connection with the StratfordOkahukura railway line, and the opening of the Ohura and Tangarakau coalfields, Mr. .Masters forwarded a copy of a letter sent by the Minister of Public Works to the provincial secretary of the Taranaki Farmers' Union, In which the Minister stated that the line was heing pushed on as expeditiously as possible "beyond' Ohura." , As there appeared to be some doubt in the minds of tlie members ab to | whether the words "beyond Ohura" meant the southern or the northern end, it was decided to write to Mr. Masters asking for an explanation. The resignation of Mr. Masters aa a member of the executive was accepted, and it was decided to place on record the, Chamber's appreciation of his services on the executive. SrORTS AND PASTIMES CLUB, At a committee meeting held last night it was decided to match Geo. Calm, of Wanganui (present holder of the New Zealand bantam championship), with Bert/ Facoory, of Wellington, for |i purse of £7O and £li> each for expenses, th; fight to be staged at .the Stratford Town Hall on Tuesday, August 10. Amateur bouts in heavy, middle, light, feather, and bantam weights were also arranged, so patrons of the ancient, art can look forward to a good night's amusement. A full programme will be published later. *Mr. 11. J. Dudson was elected hon. secretary. GENERAL. Referring to a published remark made by Mr. J. B. Murdoch, chairman of the Hawera County Council, to the effect that the work of shifting the Hawera railway station would be commenced almost immediately, Mr. J. B. Richards, chairman of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce stated at Tuesday night's meeting of the Chamber that the Chamber should press vigorously for the work of removing the. Stratford station to be started. ' In this respect he contended that Stratford had more urgent claims than any other portion of the Dominion, and they should not remain quiet while others were getting ahead. The Chamber deaided to request Mr. R. .Masters, M.P., to interview the general manager of railways, asking for a definite assurance, as" to when the work on'the new station would be commenced, and to point out to the general manager the danger and inconvenience of the level crossings at Fenton and Regan Streets and the present unsatisfactory position in regard to the railway leases on Broadway. Have you read these new novels?:--"The Ancient Allen" (Haggard); "The Lost Mr. Linthwaite" (Fletcher), "The Pagoda. Tree" (Crocker), "The Man who Broke the Rule" (Edgiuton). Write for them, (is each, postage (id; or the following for 2s fid, postage 4d:—'"The Road to Mandalav" (Crocker), "Simple. Souls" (Turner), "The Iron Trail" (Rex Beach), and hosts of others, from H. J. Hopkins, Broadway, Stratford. Quality of workmanship in re-enamell-ing, re-hooding and upholstering a car, ensure continued satisfaction and pleasure in its use. When next in Stratford call on C. D. Matthew;?, who excels in car renovation work. Workshop—Pag*, , Street, Stratford.