STRATFORD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9035, 18 March 1891, Page 2

STRATFORD.

[from our resident agent.J COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING. I March 16.— A special meeting of the [ Council was held in the Town Hall on Saturday Uth. Messrs Bayly, Irvine, Lianiet, Monkhouse, and Youngman were present. On the motion of Mr Bayly Mr Monkhouse took the chair, in the absence of Mr Marchant, from whom a letter wus read, regretting inability to be present and reporting on various matters. Correspondence. — Outward correspondence was read to Taranaki County Council, Stratford Town Board, Harbor Board, Auditor General. H on . the Premier F. McGuire, Esq., M.H.R., Patea County Council, Hon. the Minister of Lands Waimato Road Board, and 0. Samuel, Esq. Inward was received from Mr H. JD. Coutls apologizing for absence, and* Mr W. L. Tocker re footpath. Local Bodies Loans Act,— ln accordance with notice Mr Monkhouse moved, •' That the provisions of the Local Bodies Loans Act be adopted generally." E'tat Road. — A telegram was received from S. Weetmau, Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands, suggesting that owing to the lateness of the season it would bo advisable to temporal ily repair the road and asking if the Council concurred. Mr Capper asked to be heard on the subject of the state of the road. There was now waiting to be carted down 20,000 feet of timber, 700 bushels of grass seed, and 220 coils of wire, all urgently wanted, and if something was not done at once, the time would be gone by and the road closed for the winter. A comparatively small expenditure was all that was required, but between the Government and the County Council it appeared as thought it would be left until too late. Mr Liardet said that it appeared from Mr Weetman's telegram that the Government were ready to do the necessary work and moved, "That Mr Weetman be wired to, asking him to authorise the Council to make the road passable." Carried. Opunake Road. — Messrs Dingle & Tapp's offer to supply crushed stone for repairs at 6s 6d per yard was accepted. Town. Levels. — A deputation from the Town Board, consisting of the Chairman (Mr Burgess) and Messrs Capper and Ilowson, waited on the Council with respect to applications from properly owners on the Mountain Road opposite Watkins' store to have the footpath formed. The deputation asked the Council to cut away the hill so as to bring the road down to the permanent level adopted by the Bo.trd and by the Taranaki County Council. Mr Liardet asked if the Stratforl County had adopted the levels. Mr Irvine said that he for one had not seen the plan, and did not know what the levels were; the Council could not proceed until the plan had been submitted. He objected to raising the bridge on the ground of expense. Mr Burgess asked if the Council would sanction the Town Board's cutting through a 12ft footpath. Mr Irvine again urged that the plan must be submitted before anything was settled, Mr Liardet moved, " That a legal opinion be oHained as to whether the Council was bound by the Taranaki County's adoption of the levels." Seconded by Mr Bayly, and carried. Mr Irvine moved, " That tho Town Board be invited to meet and confer with tho Council on Saturday next, 21st inst." Carried, The deputation then asked if the Council would gravel the Mountain Koad between the present metal and the kerbing now being put down by the Board. Air Liardet moved, " That from Mr James' oflico to the hotel the Mountain Koad be gravelled as desired." Carried. The deputation thanked the Council, and withdrew. Dog Tax. — Tenders for collection of dog tax were received from L. Liboau, 35 per cent. ; W. G. Malone, 20 per cent ; 11, iVlohalEy, informal. Mr Malone's lender was accepted. The Council rose. A fairly good burn was obtained in tho Toko Block on Monday last, a strong west wind carrying the fire well over most of the felled bush. A few patches were left, owing to a change in tho wind during the afternoon, but have probably been burnt since. Mr Steuart intended tiring the largo a:ea he has down in the Huiakarua on Saturday. It is to be hoped he was in time; the rain set in here early in tho afternoon. Stratford is comparatively quiet, a sort of re-action after the excitement of t: o " banquet. ' Some commeuts were made at this festive gathering on the absence of so many of the leading business people; but as the ait'air was after ail only an opportunity for the victorious party to flap their wings and crow, it was h .rdly to bo wondered at that the other side did uotseo tho force of paying seven and six to witness the periormance. The Bishop of Auckland and tho Veu Archdeacon Govetl were in Stratford on .Thursday, and held service ia tho church in the evening. The Bishop preached to a large congregation, and expressed the pleasure it gave him to note so much religious activity in the district, as evidenced by its beautiful and well ordered little ciiurch, which he wah glad to hear was entirely free of debt. After service a confeiv.nee of members of the congregation was hold, the Bishop presiding. It was decided to purchase a half acre adjoining the church for the purpose of building a pusonage, the Bishop stating that from his observation of the town and district he was oonvinced that it was the right place for the resident clergyman. Arr.iuge-m.-nts would be made with Wellington to extend tho Auuklaud diocese as far us Eltham. A subscription list was opened in the room for buying the sections, and about Jt/15 promised. I v idorataud £25 is wanted, uud as it is important that tl«e land should be secured at once before any fur her advance in values takos place, tho | £1U balance will, no doubt, be speedily subscribed. Ihe tirst athletic meeting of' t,he Ualeuouidti Society tukeb plauu on Tuesday, uud with line weather is bound to bo well patronised, A concert will bo given in the flYening, the Juvonilo nnunntin Tvnmx,

assisting with tho play, "Little Pickle" so successfully produced last year. Building operations have been proceeding apace during tho recent fine weather. The police station begins to present a finished appearance. The contractor for the school extension is quickly making a show, and the Hotel additions are approaching completion. A number of new books are to hand for the publb library. As the Committee is about £5 short of the necessary amount to pay the bill, members will oblige by paying in their subscriptions promptly and by endeavouring to induce others to join.