STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1922, Page 6

STRATFORD.

STRATFORD AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representatatlve. Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also be left with him. BOROUGH COUNCIL. THE MONTHLY MEETING. May 16. The monthly meeting of the Stratford Borough Council was held last night. E. Selby, secretary of the Stratford branch of the New Zealand Labor Party, wrote asking if the council would have the Maoriland Worker, the official newspaper of the New Zealand Labor Party, placed on the table at the library. In opposing the application the Mayor said he did not think the council should encourage the circulation of a paper which he declared was really a vehicle for propaganda on the part of the Labor Party. Crs. Lawson, Cameron and Jackson thought the application should be allowed. Cr. Jackson said the public should read the paper and judge for themselves. Cr. Ward could not see why the application should not be granted. The Mayor’s motion that the application be refused was finally lost, and the application was granted. TAXI LICENSES. Cr. Ward moved that in future taxidrivers’ licenses be brought before the council for approval. Hitherto the issue of licenses had been left solely to the town clerk, who should be relieved of the responsibility. He said the fares charged by some of the taxis were scandalous. If a taxi-driver bad to come before the council for a license he would be more careful. Cr. Lawson thought the police should also be consulted before a license was issued. A resolution embodying both suggestions was carried. COMMITTEES APPOINTED. Committees for the ensuing year were set up as follows, it being decided that two committees should replace the larger number in vogue previously:—Works and general: The Mayor and Crs. Jackson, Walsh, Stewart and Ward. Electric light: Crs. Rutherfurd, Cameron, Lawson, Mclnnea and Hunter. The committees will elect their own chairmen. GENERAL. The Taranaki Education Board wrote in regard to the suggested removal of electric wires from the Technical High School grounds, that it must still insist upon the wires being emoved. The Mayor moved that the board again be asked to share the cost of removal, and that a Government inspector ie asked to report on the safety or otherwise of the lines. The motion was carried, several councillors expressing the opinion that the board’s attitude was unreasonable.

The Postmaster-General wrote stating that the question of again inviting tenders for the erection of a new post office was under consideration, and when a decision was arrived at an announcement would be made. On the motion of Cr. Ward, it was decided that it be a recommendation to the electric light committee that consumers he allowed to pay for their current at their own homes, the meter-reader to collect. BROADWAY VALUATIONS. REDUCTIONS SOUGHT. The new valuations on Broadway properties again came under discussion at the meeting of the Borough Council last night. The Mayor said that in view of the reduction of 10 per cent, made on a number of properties by the Assessment Court. »n justice to the public a general reduction of a similar amount should be made throughout Broadway. Cr. Hunter said some ratepayers had not lodged objections to their valuations because they had been led to believe by officials connected with the department that if a reduction was made on any Broadway property the reduction would become general, and an objection would not be necessary. Some objections had even been withdrawn on this understanding. Cr. Jackson raised the objection that if a reduction were made on. the freehold side of the street it would be unfair to the leaseholders on the railway leases on the opposite side. It was finally resolved to ask the Valuation Department to make a reduction without a revaluation. STRATFORD MUSICAL SOCIETY. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Stratford Musical Society was held last night, Mr. J. McAllister presiding over a good attendance. The annual report (as published) was read and adopted. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: Patron. Mr. R. Masters, M.P.; president, Mr. P. Thomson (subject to consent) ; vice-presidents, Revs. McKenzie. Howard, Father Maples and Messrs. C. 11. Rogers, J. Masters, C. H. Lawn, J. W. Boon, F. Cook, H. Masters, A. E. Copping. A. W. Budge, W. Mclnnes, A. Moon, J. McAllister, Drs. Steven and Gordon (2) ; committee, Mesdames Robinson and Steven, Miss Moon and Messrs. Ching and Robinson; conductor, Mr. V. H. Lester; secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. A. Betts; librarian, Mr. D. McAllister; pianist, Miss E. Moon; deputy-pianist, Miss Cook. Mr. Smith gave notice of motion for a special general meeting, that the subscription be £1 for men, ladies being admitted free.

It was decided to recommend the committee to commence rehearsing “The Messiah” for presentation next Christmas. GENERAL NEWS. Thirty-six applications have been received by the Borough Council for the position of borough foreman. A special meeting of the council will be held next Monday to consider the applications. The golf season in Stratford will be opened by the Stratford Club on Thursday with mixed foursomes. The following team will represent the Stratford Hockey Club in the match against Manaia at Stratford to-morrow, at 3 p.m.: H. Masters, C. Clark, A. G. Lowry, D. McKearney, R. Curtis, L. Curtis, Alger, L. Berg, Betts, Deere, Dodd, Tocker. Selbv.