STRATFORD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16421, 23 April 1919, Page 5

STRATFORD.

FROM OOR RESIDENT AGENT. April 21.—Holiday-makers, have had no reason to complain of the weather, seeing that autumn is far advanced. The bowling green, the parks. Ngaere Gardens, have had their attractions, whilst many have gone further afield to the mountain, the seaside, and the trotting mooting at Hawcra. There is as yet no great interest’ taken in tho borough elections. Most of tho old council are offering their services again, but nothing definite i> available about new blood. Perhaps tho most important post to bo filled is that of a successor to Mr. M'Aliistor ns town member of the Hospital Board. His job during tho past six months has boon no sinecure, nor is it likely that the incoming representatives will recline on a bed of roses. The enlargement of tho hospital has become a matter of urgency and there are problems that cull for solution in connection with tho Old People’s Home, tho care of incurables and of consumptives. Tho war has created a quite extensive out-patients’ department lor which, there is no adequate convenience. There will bo plenty m scope lor energy on tho board and an equal need for sound discretion. The corrected referendum figures for Stratford district give a majority of «22 for Prohibition. UTiis is a decided gain upon the best previous of the party’s efforts, but not extraordinary considering the solid work put in and tlie complete organisation. It must be admitted that the drink influence, even in Taranaki, is immensely strong, perhaps stronger than ever,' though confronted by lorcos stronger than ever for its destruction. Abundance of money and tho war’s unsettling effect are sufficient to account for tho tendency to freer indulgence, which certainly exists alongside or a movement in the opposite direction. If- people would only face the fact that one-tenth of tho whole income of this Dominion is spent on strong liquors, that is to say ten shillings a week for every household, the economic aspect of the matter alone would surely convince them of tho necessity for the most drastic measure. There are t.wo loan polls coming on neither of which is attracting the attention it deserves. The ono is on a proposal to raise £7OOO for a second Diesel engine for tho borough electrical supply and tho other is the Now Plymouth harbour extension. Tho latter project is hardly known to tho great majority of ratepayers. Dairy factory directors are reminded once a month of the harbour by statements of marine insurance charges incurred through tho malignant perversity of tho shipping companies in refusing to load cheese on the Home boat even when it is lying alongside tho Wharf.