STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1921, Page 6

STRATFORD.

STRATFORD AGENCY. Adveriisemiants and items of news for publication in tie Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representatives, Wilson Bros., Broadway, Stratford. Orderj for papers may also be left with them. BOROUGH COUNCIL. June 14. The Stratford Borough Council met last night. Present: The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), and Grs. R. H. Cameron, S. Ward, A. Stewart, W. Me Innesa, C. Jackson, T. Lawson, S. B. Hunter, C. Walsh, and G. S. Rutherfurd. The electrical engineer reported: During the month shortage of water was experienced for four days, and on the 14th inst. the bearings nearest the flywheel on No. 2 turbine gave trouble, due to the fly-wheel shifting. A new bearing was put in and no further trouble in this respect has been experienced. At the Diesel station the new engine, has arrived and has been erected together with the alternator. Six new installations have been connected up, also additions made to 14 existing installations. During the month the units generated by the hydro plant were 19,994. The Diesel plant was running for 289% hours and generated 20,026 units, a total for the two plants df 40,020 units. ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMITTEE. Tlie Electric Light Committee recommemLd that the extension of light and power on the Flint Road, aS applied for by a number of ratepayers be granted, provided tlie applicant’s guaranteed a, sufficient income to pay interest, etc. The application was granted, funds permitting, the applicants to understand that it would probably be some time before funds are available. The committee also recommended that a Dew light in Broadway, as applied for by the Salvation Army, be granted, the Army to pay the cost. —The council decided to grant a new light on an approved site, but pointed out that the stand at present used by the Army at the entrance to a stable was not a suitable place, as the crowd that gathered constituted a danger to traffic.

In regard to an application to tile committee for an increase in wages by two of the employees, the council decided to inform the applicants that wages could only be reviewed once a year and this year’s fixtures had already been made. The committee recommended that improvements at the Diesel station, estiated to cost £l7l, be carried out. —The Mayor ruled firmly that such expenses could not be incurred in view of the present financial position of the council, but it was decided that the station should be visied by the whole council and the matter discussed at the next meeting. Following is the statement of the expenditure on account of the electric light extension loan of £7OO to date: Preliminary expenses £35 Os fid; first year interest on £l9OO, £129 15s; sinking fund, £7O; alteration to building, £300; foundations and erecting of plant, £6lO 16s sd; engine, £3621 8s 8d; switch-gear, £647 15s sd; alternator, £1276; ex and bank charges, £2 12s 6d; wire, £248. Total, £6917 8s Gd. Cr. balance, £B2 Ils 6d. “SILENT POLICEMAN.” The secretary of the Stratford R.S.A. wrote in reference to the placing of a “silent policeman” at street corners as a warning to traffic, and suggesting that the field-gun war trophy might be placed at the corner of Regan Street and Broadway. The secretary also stated that the R.S.A. was considering the matter of finding sites for the smaller trophies. The Mayor said that in his opinion, if the gun were placed in the suggested position upon a raised platform, it would be a continual obstruction to traffic, and other councillors agreed. Victoria Park was suggested as a more suitable place for the gun.—lt was resolved to allow the gun to remain at the council chambers until a suitable site was agreed on. GENERAL. The librarian reported for the month as follows: The number of books issued was 1842; number returned 1705 ; 20 new books were aded and 10 new subscribers were enrolled, bringing the total to 203. Subscriptions received amounted to £l5 12s 9d.

.Stock slaughtered at the abbatoirs during the month was as follows: Cows 64, heifers 41, oxen 43, calves 3, sheep 453, lambs 9, and pigs 125. Fees amounted to £BO 15s 3d. Ratepayers on the Cloton Road applied for the formation of footpaths on that road. —It was resolved to secure a report on the amount of expenditure required for the work. HOSPITAL BOARD. THE MONTHLY MEETING. The Stratford Hospital Board met today. Present: Messrs. C. D. Sole (chairman), R. McK. Morison, P. Thompson, G. P. Harkness, C. R. Finnerty and J. T. Belcher. The chairman extended a hearty welcome to Mr. P. Thompson on his first appearance at the board table, Mr. Thompson having been appointed to the board by the Governor-General to fill a vacancy not filled at the late elections. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. The medical superintendent (Dr. W$ Sowerby) reported that during the month of May 32 patients were admitted to the hospital and 22 were discharged, leaving 19 cases in the institution. There were no deaths. Seventeen operations were performed, 3 cass were in isolation and thre were 34 outpatient attendances. X-RAY PLANT. Some discussion arose regarding the X-ray plant recently installed at the hospital, members stating that rumors were in circulation to the effect that the plant was not being used to the best advantage, and that cases had been sent to the New Plymouth hospital for X-ray treatment. The chairman pointed out that the plant was only secured for ordinary cases of observation and photography and for this work it had been exceedingly useful. He mentioned several cases where good work had been done by the plant, which justified its use. It was always understood that complicated cases needing expert treatment should be sent to New Plymouth or elsewhere. OUTSIDE PATIENTS. Regarding the admittance to the hospital 0 of patients residing outside the SUatford hospital district, the chairman

said he wished it to be understood that the board could not continue this practice. He said that many patients outside the district had wished to be admitted to the Strutford hospital in preference to the hospitals of districts in which they resided, but this.could not be allowed. Tariki patients had applied for admittance, but as these lived in the Taranaki hospital district they a charge on that hospital. If they wished to join the .Stratford district they should petition the county council with this object in view. GENERAL. The Whangamomona district nurse reported that during April she had attended 23 medical cases. The fees charged were £9 15s and fees paid £7 12s fid. Thq matron reported that Sister Johnson left the hospital on June 1, when Sisters Campbell and Worthington joined the staff. Miss Sterling, receiving nurse, was leaving the hospital. Her work had been most satisfactory. In discussing the hospital levies question, the chairman stated that notwithstanding thre fact that the population of the Stratford hospital district had only increased by 84 during the past 10 years, the valuation and levies had increased enormously. The board had circularised hospital boards throughout the Dominion with a view to securing their cooperation in an endeavor to have the levies struck on a flat rate. Appreciation was expressed of the services rendered by the Whangamomona district nurse. Residents of that district had reported to the board that the nurse had been of more service to them than any doctor they had had. GENERAL NEWS. Advice has been received by the Stratford Chamber of Commerce from Mr. Cumming, district telegraph inspector, that the slot telephone will be erected in Stratford in the course of a few days. A preliminary meeting of St. John’s Ambulance Association was held in the Borough Council chambers to-day to consider the formation of a first aid class, and much enthusiasm was shown by those present. The question was discussed as to whether the classes should be held during the afternoons or evenings, and it was decided that the evenings were more suitable, providing they would be convenient to Dr. W. Gordon. It is proposed to hold first aid lectures for this year, and if they prove successful to follow on the course next year with home nursing, so that it will be possible to obtain a full St. John’s Ambulance certificate.

At a meeting of the committee of the Stratford branch of the New Zealand Jersey Breeders’ Association held on Friday last it was resolved that a gold medal, valued at £5 ss, be awarded tb the breeder of the winning heifer in the Stratford Futurity Stakes, conditional on the animal being bred in New Zealand. In connection with the Futurity Stakes it was also decided that a circular be drafted for the purpose of distribution to Jersey breeders throughout the Dominion, a sub-committee being set up for the purpose to report at the next meeting.

A social gathering for the purpose of making a presentation to Miss Clemow, who is shortly to be married, was held in the Methodist Sunday School room on Monday evening. A large number of friends were present and the Rev. L. Bf Neale presided. A programme of songs, recitations, etc., was rendered by the following: Misses Weston, Hammond, Lawn, Milner, Mrs. Robinson, Rev. Neale, Mr. Lawn, and Masters White Foster, and McAlister. Brief addresses eulogising the good work done by Miss, Clemow were given by Messrs. Foster, Beaumont and Lawn. The Rev. Neale also expressed his appreciation of the services rendered to the Sunday school by Miss Clemow, and on behalf of the scholars presented her with a handsome silver-mounted sugar basin, tongs and a set of silver afternoon tea spoons. Mr. Peek acknowledged the presentation on behalf of Miss Clemow. After supper had been partaken of the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought the gathering to a close. The Stratford dancing public should not miss the A. and P. Association’s first annual ball to be held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. ' There is every indication of it being a most enjoyable function. The three essential for the making of a ball have been secured—a good floor, a first rate orchestra and a supper befitting an agricultural association.

The annual social and dance of the Toko Settlers’ Association is to be held on Thursday, June 16, in the Coronation Hall. ' Mrs. Bianchi’s orchestra, consisting of four players, will supply the music. Toko Hall is recognised as one of the bes't dancing halls in Taranaki. There is to be a;presentation of prizes to the winners in the field and butter-fat competitions.

Your stationery requirements are well catered for by Wilson Bros., Stratford, who have a comprehensive stock of all office requisites and typewriter supplies. Here are a few good commercial lines: Pilot letter files, 3/6 each; wire document baskets, 4/6 each; desk blotting pads, 4/9 and 6/-; first-grade typewriter carbon, foolscap size, 15/- box. Don’t forget to call or write.—Advt.