STRATFORD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144360, 26 March 1914, Page 2

STRATFORD.

FROM OUR RESIDENT AGENT. March 25.—Mr. N. J. King has consented to stand for election as Mayor and will make a doughty opponent for Air. Kirkwood or anyone else who has the temerity to enter the lists. Air. King, in thanking the deputation that waited upon him, said that it was time Stratford got a forward move on if she is to hold her place in the race with neighbouring towns, meaning Eltham and Hawora. When candidates for municipal honours talk of forward moves, the ratepayer of experience smells further borrowing and higher rates. I have a theory, evolved from a good few years’ observation of this and other centres of local activity, that the impetus to continued progress comes from outside. There are just two factors in Stratford's further advancement. The one is railway construction and the other more dairy produce. If the factories could “get a move on,” Stratford would soon respond and such matters of convenience as a new post otfice, asphated streets, improved lighting would come in tho natural course. Tho sine qua non of the progress of a country town is the growth of a well-to-do farming population. Given more milk, more mon, and more money, tho towns will grow. Otherwise the boomsters boom in vain.

Local bowlers had a treat this afternoon in watching tho final struggle for the provincial banner. New Plymouth and Hawera had been left in. the former having easily defeated Opunako in tho morning. The issue was in doubt until tho last bowl, with which the redoubtable New Plymouth skip, Allan Smart, dislodged one of tho Hawera bowls that was lying close to the jack, and so won the match for the senior chib by one point.