STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1921, Page 7

STRATFORD.

TARANAKI DAILY NEWS. STRATFORD AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication should be left at the office of the local representative, W. J. Wilson, next Union Bank. BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING. Jan. 7. The General Purposes Committee meeting of the Borough Council was held, this afternoon. Present: Crs. C. Jackson (Deputy-Mayor), R. H. Cameron, W. H. H. Young, A. Stewart, J, H. Thompson, T. Lamason, W. J. Newton and C. B. Walsh. Leave of absence was granted to the Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), and Cr. S. B. Hunter. Cr. Cameron moved that the engineer be instructed to procure the necessary meters for coping with the water supply. He stated that at the present time the Council was losing revenue through not having proper meters, and he was convinced that they would soon pay for themselves, and also make the consumers more economical in the use of -water. Recent tests have shown that the pressure was about down to zero, being as low as 20 pounds. The acting borough engineer (Mr. E. F. Hollands) reported on the work done during the month. A number of footpaths had been cleaned up and gravelleg, and culverts inserted in severa. streets. Juliet Street Central and Broadway South, from Lear Street to the borough boundary, had been tarsealed during the month. Cr. Cameron, in moving that the report be received, stated that a great amount of work had been accomplished by the borough staff during the past month, and the town had looked very clean and tidy for the races. The Deputy-Mayor also congratulated the acting engineer and the workmen on the amount of good work done.

The electrical engineer (Mr. E. F. Hollands) reported that during the last fortnight in December the river was very low and the hydro station plant had to be shut down every day for several hours. In consequence long runs were experienced, at the Diesel station owing to the shortage of water. Both plants were running well. The new transmission line along Orlando Street North was now completed, and a 10 k.w. transformer erected. The distribution lines in this area will be strengthened and poles renewed where necessary. The new service line along Brecon Road south had been erected, and four new houses connected. This new work was authorised during the year, and had not exceeded the estimate. Seven new service conditions vere made to the Council’s main during the month. All street lights were examined twice during the month. At the hydro station 9545 units were generated, and at the Diesel station 9679, a total or >19,224, being a decrease of 2336 units from the previous month. The report was received. Cr. Lawson brought up the question of the blackberry nuisance, and suggested tha steps should foe taken to compel property owners to remove blackberry from their properties. It was decided to authorise the inspector to take the names of owners on whose property blackberry was prevalent, and give them notice that it must be removed within a certain time, failing which the Council would do the work at the owners’ expense. It was decided to inform the County Council that Flint Road required remetalling at once, and to ask the County Council to bear half the cost. The matter of appointing a foreman was held over until the next meeting of the Council.

WATER PRESSURE. TESTS BY ENGINEER. The acting engineer (Mr. E. F. Hollands) reported as follows regarding tests he had taken of the borough water supply:— * f As per instructions I took readings of water pressure at fire plugs during a fire practice on December 16. At 6.45 p.m. the pressure read 781bs; at 7.45 p.m. 651bs; at 7.55 p.m. 661bs; at 8.2 p.m., the fire master had three leads on with a lin. nozzle and two 7-Bths inch nozzles (approximate height of water 27ft). The pressure dropped immediately at 391bs and rose to 401bs after two minutes. At a ten minutes test the pressure kept steady at 401bs. At 8.15 p.m. all turned off pressure ’66lbs. At 8.20 p.m., three leads were again turned on with one lin. nozzle and two f-inch nozzles, the pressure dropped to 321bs and Tose to 401bs within three minutes. Test over five minutes pressure, fairly constant at 401bs. Approximate height of water from 7-Bths inch nozzle 32ft. At 8.30 p.m. two nozzles were shut off and one J-inch left on. The pressure at this stage had risen to 801bs with all off and 761bs with one nozzle (height of water approximately 42ft). At 8.40 p.m. all lin. nozzles (3), pressure 301bs; at 8.45 p.m., all 7-Bths inch nozzles (4), pressure 311bs; at 8.50 p.m.. all 7-Bths inch nozzles (4), pressure 291bs till 8.55 pan. In my opinion the foregoing will show, should an extensive fire occur in Broadway, where more than two leads are required, the pressure and volume would be inadequate, and I consider that at least & pressure of 651bs. should be maintained with four leads of each 7-Bths inch nozzle.”

GENERAL. Mr. H. J. Hopkins has sold his book and stationery business to Mr. W. G. Liddell, of Dunedin, and the change over will take place about the end of the present month. Mr. Liddell is at present the manager of one of the departments of Wilkie and Co,, Ltd., of Dunedin, and formerly held responsible positions with Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd. Mr. Hopkins intends to remain in Stratford. During the quarter ended on December 31st, 1920, 132 plaints were entered for £2151 6s lid at the Stratford Magistrate’s Court. The number of civil cases heard was 110, £1722 12s 5d being claimed and £1694 12s 2d recovered. Fifteen judgment summonses, ten distress warrants, and four commitment warrants were issued. The civil fees collected totalled £l7l 4s, fines paid amounted to £l4 ss, and criminal fees to £7 Is 4d. Thirty-three persons appeared on criminal charges, and six sittings were presided over by the Magistrate and eleven by Justices. Mr. R. Masters, M.P., has received a telegram from the Secretary to the Post Office, stating that tenders are being called for the erection of the new Stratford post office. There was a good attendance at the meeting held last night for the purpose of arranging a public presentation to Mr. G. Burgess, who has taken a prominent part in Forestry matters in Stratford for many years past, having been secretary of the local Lodge for

12 years and a trustee for nine years. It was decided to tender Mr. Burgess and family a complimentary social in the Town Hall on Thursday, January 17, the programme to consist of musical items, cards and dancing. Invitations are to be extended for members of all lodges in the district to be present, and it is expected that there will be a large attendance. Sub-committees were appointed to take charge of different matters in connection with the social, and ; numerous offers? -of assistance have been received. Plunkpt Nurse Peterson, of New Plymouth, will be in attendance at the Stratford Plunket Rooms from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 10, and also on Monday, January 17, and country and town .mothers are advised to take advantage of these visits.

Redeem the long-standing promise and have the photograph taken at McAllister’s Studio. We are always ready, day or night; no delay; no waiting either in taking or finishing, at this studio. Ring 25, Stratford. Have you bought your 1921 diary yet? If not do not delay any longer, but call and inspect the splendid selection of diaries at Hopkins’ shop. Also all the best lines in commercial and general stationery at reasonable prices. Now is the time to procure your requirements. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller and stationer, Stratford.