CURRENT TOPICS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 5, 29 October 1924, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS

THE STRATFQRD-OKAHUKURA LINE.

The president of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce was asked for an expression of opinion concerning the reference to tlie Stratford-Okahukur a railway in the Public Works Statement. Mr Richards said it would ho considered very unsatisfactory throughout Taranaki. Throughout the province there is a Strang demand that work he vigorously prosecuted at both ends in order that through communication may be established an. the shortest, possible time. Ample evidence of.'this lias been . provided by two delegations which placed the,views of the .province before Ministers in Wellington. Those, two deputations were the most representative ever assembled in the general of Tanuiaki. The Public Works Statement indicates to him a policy of "marking time" so far as the Stratford-Okahukura railway "is concerned and dashes the hopes which.were raised when the Prime Minister in his reply to the last deputation said; "We cannot allow that gap to remain for long."

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY.

Labor Day in Stratford passed off without undue excitement and the appearance of the town resembled a Sunday more than a holiday. Throughout the day the streets were practically deserted, and with the exception of the Bible Class Rally at the Showgrounds and the Tennis Tournament at Victoria Park, no public function's took placa. A good number of people left for the south, while several wont to New Plymouth. However, from what can be ascertained the number who visited the latter place with the intention of patronising Labor Day Sports was not as large as might have, been expected. The opening of the Ngaere Gardens for the season took place also, and a large number of people visited that popular resort. These included a goodly number from other parts of the district as well as Stratford residents. Those who owned motor cars took advantage of the holiday and the fine weather, and the good roads carried a good deal of traffic, but people less fortunately placed in that regard with the exception of those mentioned above, seemed to r- 1 - r n i(v;)rs and contrary to expectations, the two parks were not. patronised to the extent that might be supposed.. With the exception of the followers of tennis, Victoria Park was practically deserted. King Edward Park boasted of a few picnickers, but the number was not- extraordinarily large. It is unfortunate that a General Holiday such as Labor Day now 'is should prove to be so- tame in a place like Stratford. Nearly every other town can boast of some general attraction, and it should not be difficult to range something of the sort- here. Were something of the kind inaugurated- i-t would not only provide »■« outing worth while for those Stratford people who are not particularly interested in the attractions held at'- other places, but would prove an inducement for people from the surrounding district k> visit the town. .Motor cycle races to take place in Stratiord have often been suggested, and there seems to be a golden opimrtuuity For something in that nature to be instituted in Stratford on future "Labor Days." This is a matter in which the Progress League niighl profitably co-operate with the ..Motor Cycle Club and other sports bodies. At any rate, it merits consideration.