STRATFORD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1107, 19 May 1893, Page 17

STRATFORD.

Even the footballers were daunted by the steady torrents of rain that came down on Saturday. A boy who wanted to go to the match between Ngaire and Eltkam Schools, now thrice deferred on account of rain, declared ' there ought to be a tent over Taranaki with Mount Egmont for a centre-pole.' It was pretty fine on Sunday, but on Monday it rained again, considerably to the detriment of the Presbyterian annual tea meeting, which was held at Stratford in the evening. It was surprising what a number managed to come out in spite of the rain and mud, and within the ball was abundant refreshment, tasteful decoration, and agreeable warmth. The clergymen of various denominations assembled on the platform after the tea was cleared away, and vied with one another in making merry speeches to the sounds of laughter and applause. The Eev Mr English (Church of England) declared there was one word that all took a great interest in, and eagerly looked for, and that was the word ' finally,' but surely never was It less eagerly looked for than on this evening. The Eev Mr Macintosh (Presbyterian) was in the chair, supported by the Eevs T. McGregor, of Hawera ; McDonald, of Waverley ; J. Connell, Wesleyan Methodist; and the local clergy, the Eevs A. English and J. Clover. A number of ladies and gentlemen entertained the audience with a long musical programme. The National Anthem and the Benediction brought the meeting to a close.' Mr Mackenzie's smithy and workshops are now all removed further back, and the frontage they formerly occupied south of the bridge is now cleared and the foundations laid for the new hotel. Mr Watchorn has invited tenders for building a new shop, and Mr Barleyman is also calling tenders for the erection of two shops. The carpenters and builders complain of being greatly impeded by the frequent rains. Bushfelling is also impeded by the same cause, but some considerable areas are to be felled this year.

Considering what numbers of people thor-e are in Stratford with little, or no possibility of amusing thenjselves after their day's work is over, and often with no home to go to, it is surprising that something is not done to pvo--vide amusement and comfort so that they may not be compelled to haunt hotels. A People's Institute, where all oomers would find warmth, light, comfort, society, refreshment, games, amusement and occupation according to taste would be a great boon to Stratford. Do the Prohibitionists ever consider what would be the result if they succeeded in closing all the hotels, and do they make any attempt to provide relaxation for those whom they would shut off from their accustomed haunts ? It is rumoured that there is to be a second hotel erected at Midhirst, and that a great effort is to be made to obtain a. Uoj*nse for an hotel at Ngaire, whe.ro hitherto, local option has been decidedly against opening any drinking place. As the Licensing Committees meet on the 9th oE June we aha)! not be long in suspense, For many reasons it would lie a pity to do away with the idyllic, quietude of the charming Ngaire village, A strong meeting of ratepayers has expressed its belief that the Now Plymouth Harbour Board haa no legal right to levy a rate in the Stratford County. It was decided to ask Mv Barleyman to defend a, test oaae, and a, number of gentlemen were appointed to canvas for subscriptions, to cover expenses.