The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1914. A WORK OF IMPORTANCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 299, 16 December 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1914. A WORK OF IMPORTANCE.

Though we have many great'and important matters to engage our attention at this time, it will not do to neglect to look after the more domestic affairs, and the things which affect the well-being of our town and district. For some years past enthusiastic gentlemen have endeavoured to impress on the settlers of Stratford the great asset we have right at our doors in Mount Egmont, and some good work has been done from time to time under the direction of local members of the National Park Board. There is now quite a reasonably comfortable house at a convenient point on the Mountain within a few miles of Stratford Borough. This house is in the hands of a most capable custodian, who is untiring in his efforts to make the stay of visitors—be it long or short—a pleasant one, and although access is fairly easy from Stratford to this Mountain House, considerable repairs to the road are needed, and one stretch which lies outside the jurisdiction of the County Council and yet again outside the control of the National Park Board, still remains unmetalled. Stratford representatives on the Park Board have succeeded this year in obtaining an allocation of £2OO towards the work on this road, but after carefully going into the matter experts find that this sum is just half enough to do what is required properly. It would be a great pity if, now tho opportunity has arrived, the chance is not taken to see the tiling through, and, recognising this, strong representations were made to the Stratford County Council at its last meeting for assistance. On the recommendation of its Engineer (Mr W. J. Lopdell), who has gone thoroughly into the matter, the Council generously decided to grant one third of the sum required, conditionally that the Stratford Borough Council will provide a similar sum and the general public the remainder. The matter was before the Stratford Borough Council on Monday evening, Mr Edward Jack-

sou and Mr W. J. Lopdell urging the desirability of a similar grant being made by the Borough. After discussion it was decided to defer definite decision on the matter For one week. We certainly hope that notwithstanding the fact that the Borough has some serious engagements ahead of it, the Council will see its way to make the grant asked,, because the matter is one of very great importance. Of course the gift could be on the same! condition imposed by the Stratford; County Council, that 'the public subscribe the remaining third of the two hundred and fifty pounds. That" this can be obtained we have not the slightest doubt, and energetic well-wishers of the progress of the town and district, like Mr Edward Jackson, are willing to give their contributions and their services towards this end. It would be highly regrettable if the special opportunity were .allowed to go by, and we hope that the members of the Borough Council will see the matter in the right light, and we are quite sure the settlers interested will do their part. With the five hundred pounds considered necessary, a thoroughly good permanent job can bo made and the luxury of quite easy access to our own Mountain House obtained. Other improvements are sure to follow, but we must first of all obtain a good road. Mr P. Skoglund, the Town Clerk, has very properly pointed out that the Borough has no power to grant the full sum of £B3 in any one year, owing to the limit of unauthorised expenditure imposed by statute, but he also indicates that the Council could grant a sum of say £25 per annum towards the work until the sum asked for is subscribed. The County Council would probably, under the circumstances, agree to carry out the work oil some such understanding, and we hope this course will be adopted. In the north sufficient energy has been shown by settlers to build a splendid hostelry and to form a good road to it, and in the south the Dawson's Falls' House is not neglected. Stratford must therefore not. allow opportunities to slip by.