STRATFORD MUNICIPALITY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 56, 9 June 1916, Page 2

STRATFORD MUNICIPALITY

NEW CHAMBERS. THE OFFICIAL OPENING. Last evening there was a large anil representative gathering of citizens of both sexes in the Council room of the new buildings, when the Mayor (Ml J. \V Boon) presided. Seated on the dais with His Worship were two exmayors, Mr W. P. Kirkwood and Mr J. Masters. In front sat the clerk (Mr; p Skoglnnd), and comfortably ensconced in "high-backed leather-furnished (hairs were the present civic fathers in their places at the oval table. From behind, seated and standing, the public looked on interestedly. The Mayor’s table was covered with a Union Jack. His Worship the Mayor, in opening, said ho was pleased to have associated with him on such an occasion two ex'mayors in the persons of Mr Kirkwood and Mr Masters, it was pleasing, also, to notice others who had occupied the mayoral chair, namely Mr .n. J. King and Mr G. gangster, I 'besides past and present eouncillois 'in representative numbers, all of whom 1 bad rendered yeoman service to Mm borough in their time, j 'Joucning on other matters, the Mayor relcrrod to the death of Lord 'Kitchener, which, following so closely 'on the loss of many hundreds of brave 'sailors in the battle in the North Sea last week, came as a great shock to 1 every loyal member of the Empire. I Lord Kitchener was the one man that !all of them had absolute confidence in. '—(Applause). They regarded his 'death as a distinct loss, but he (the i Mayor) believed it would only serve Ito stimulate them with the determination to sooner bring the war to a victorious end. He asked the gathering, as a mark of regret and [esteem for the late Secretary of State, to stand in silence for a moment “Thank you!” said Mr Boon as seats were resumed. The Mayor then referred to the death of an old and respected occupant of the mayoral chair, in the person of the late Mr P. F. Ralfe, who passed away at Raglan shortly alter receiving the invitation to be present at the opening ceremony. Mr Halle was one of their citizens who had worked honestly and well for the welfare of Stratford, and had done a [great deal for the borough as well as the country. He moved that a letter of condolence he sent to Mrs 0. M. Curtis, daughter of the deceased. Mr Kirkwood seconded the motion,, land in doing so, referred to the late Mr Unite’s sterling character and to the work that he had done in connecjtion with the town of StrStford, all of which was very much appreciated. He was a man of rugged character and straightforward principles, and there [was no doubt all were much grieved to [lose him. , The motion was carried in silence; all standing.

THE MAYOR’S ADDRESS. Rou nding tlio opening of the building, His Worship said he had a few words to say in regard to this ceremony. The old building was a tine asset and revenue-producer, and the Council who carried out the scheme are to be. commended for their fine work. The population in May, 1900. was 18%, and to-day was over 3000, or an increase of 100 per cent. No doubt we had outgrown our buildings, the reading room was too small, and jtlie library was very small indeed. Hie Town Clerk pmd Engineer had no rooms, and it was impossible to get the best work from them under such 1 conditions. The lire occurred on October 17, 1914, and the revenue at , the time was £584 per annum. The • loss in revenue and rates alone amounted to £9OO, besides the building of £IOOO. The loss in furniture, etc.. Amounted approximately to £IOO, making a serious loss of £2300. The past council approved of the [plans and called tenders, which the .present Council accepted at its first i meeting. The tenders varied from £9740 to £12,345. These were cut | down by £917 10s, and three days after the meeting, J. L. McMillan’s tender of £8792 10s was accepted. The Architect’s fees amounted to £490, extras (approximately) £6O, gates £l6 15s. the furniture, fittings and shelves bringing the total cost to £9359 ss. The expenditure and liabilities amounted to £10,661 14s, money available £9OOO, leaving a deficiency of £1750, bringing the total amount to £10,750. The building contains four shops, a large tea room, four offices upstairs, and two offices downstairs. After paying interest and sinking fund there, should he a profit of £3OO. Electric heaters are installed throughout the building, and the current will he supplied at Ipi per unit. The budding is one of the finest in the Taranaki district, and reflected great credit on tin' architect (Mr J. 1). Mealy) and the contractor (Mr J, L. McMillan), they having done good, honest work. It was to be hoped that other substantial buildings would be erected in Stratford. Messrs McMillan and Fred-, ric did the plumbing and electrical work, the furniture and council tables 'were made by Mr Weston, of the Excelsior Furnishing Coy, the council ■chairs by Messrs Evans and Tichbon, the engineer’s furniture and four dozen (chairs liy Mr (Jarrett Wilson, and the [gates by Messrs Mcßain and Childs. The whole work was done locally, and reflects great credit on the makers. Continuing, the Mayor said that Stratford having rich country around it, and a large tract of back country loading to it. would no doubt continue to grow for a number of years. To a groat extent, its prosperity depended on making it clean and attractive, and he felt sure the Council had done right

iii erecting a building of a permanent nature. Siich a building bad the advantage in that the upkeep was very small indeed compared to a wooden structure, and it, was as lire proof as could lie made. In conclusion, the Mayor tendered apologies lor the unavoidable absence of Messrs >). D. Mormon, H, LI. Betts, "Will Dalton, A. B. Blackett, and A. Stewart. Mr Kirkwood, in his remarks, explained the delay that had occurred in connection with the commencement of the erection of the building, stating that it was due to the difficulties arising between the Council and the old tenants and their leases. Though it was unavoidable, it was to be regretted owing to the loss of revenue that followed. As to the- building itself, he was thoroughly of opinion that the Council had done right in accepting the present plans. The building was loss ornamental, but it would prove the more serviceable of the two plans submitted. Such a building, too, would have a good effect upon the architecture of the town in the future, and he expressed the hope that there would he less “ramshackles” erected than had been the case in the past. In proportion to the value of business in Stratford and other towns, there should, without doubt, bo a better class of building for business premises. Already he had hoard visitors most favorably comment upon the striking and substantial style of building which was just completed. The ratepayers were, indeed, to he congratulated upon having such a tine asset to the town. Mr Kirkwood, continuing his remarks in fa von of the progress of the borough, said that what was wanted now was the asphalting of Broadway. It would mean money, yet, in the end, it would he the most economical! for the Council, and the time would’ come when they would have to get on with such a work. He believed there would be no difficulty in letting the shop; and offices in the building, but at the same time lie was of opinion a mistake had been made in not putting the leases up to auction and letting them- go at a reasonable upset price. Mr Kirkwood commented favorably on the town of Stratford compared to other Taranaki towns of the samp size, affirming that it was the most; prosperous town on the coast. He urged the continued progress of the Strat-ford-Ohura railway as a matter of great importance to the town and district. Referring again to borough affairs, he congratulated' the architect' {Mr J. D. Mealy) on Ids faithful work on the plans and building from start to finish; also the contractor, Mr McMillan, who, he believed, was under the disadvantage of meeting the advanced prices owing to the war.

Mr Masters followed in a congratulatory strain, mentioning the architect and builder, and also the ratepayers of the Borough. Ho reviewed the history of municipal building from the time the town was in its intancy.

He advocated lotting the tea-rooms fit a small rental with a view to popularising the building, when, he stated, there would be no difficulty in lotting the shops and offices. Mr Songster also congratulated the citizens ol Stratford upon the erection of such a splendid building, and referred to the progress of the town and district.

Mr'Tvng jocularly remarked that ho almost regretted having made the statement that he had retired altogether from local politics, as the sight of the councillors so comfortably seated in their palatial chambers made him

'somewhat envious- (Laughter). in| his time as Mayor and Councillor they 1 had had many strenuous debates, and he hoped that, as usual, the representatives of the people would in the future continue to look after the interests of the town and district. Ho 'congratulated the architect and the builder on their work, and referred to j the fact that the railway lease on the cast side of 1 Broadway was a very great: 'drawback to the advancement to thwj j building propensities of the place. H“j urged concerted action being taken to 'get legislation pot on the Statute Book with the object of removing the 'disabilities attached to the occupation of Government leaseholds. Mr King concluded by congratulating the citizens and the Council on their now ’building. ' Mr G. N. Curtis, as the first chairjman of the Town Board, said he felt something like the celebrated Hip van 1 Winkle after his long sleep. Looking (back on the position when he first came to Stratford, it seemed like a dream. As a boy ho had looked down 1 upon the site of Stratford from the 1 top of Mount Egimont, there was nothing on it then but bush, and the way of the pioneer was a hard one. He'spoke reminiscently of the early 'days and how Stratford came to be ! where it is. ’He congratulated the people on the fine building now in their possession, and was certain there, was an era of great prosperity before the town and district.

j The Mayor tlieh referred in - detail to the furnishing of the budding, and congratulated all concerned on the ' value which they had given the Couu!oi). He doclaiied’ 1 the building open.— (Applause).

i , ’-i . , ; ’ : ;• 1 of ;|hoG opening ceremony, ‘ah \Vps dlfade to; the social eyjmpng And euchre'party, held under tlle ! ankl>icV*s 'of the '‘Ladies’ Patriotic ii t $qpipiiffep!.!; >; Tl)p :; table? | were well arranged upstairs, and the large assemblage'present spent a very enjoyable evening. The Egmont Club Orchestra was in attendance, and during the evening played selections, : which were much appreciated. , i With nine games to her credit, Mrs Crofts secured the first prize lor ladies, and Mr W. Fleming, also with nine games, won the gentlemen’s ’prize. Mr F. Jetson, with one game, , was unchallenged for the booby prize, j At the conclusion of the tournament I supper was served by the ladies, after which the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon!, (on behalf of the Borough Council, thanked the members of-the Ladies’ Committee for organising such a successful function, and a .vote, of thanks wafe passed accordingly. Mr Boon also moved a vote of thanka -to the members' of the Fgmonf; Club Orchestra, who, he said, always gave their serjvices when required. The motion-was carried by acclamation. The function was a great success financially, and the work of organising it reflected much credit on the members of the 'Ladies’ Patriotic Committee.