Tue STRATFORD MIRROR Published Weekly by the Stratford Mirror Press, 123 Ontario St. BENSON JOHNSTON, Publisher DAVID RAE, Manager Vol, 24 Circulation 4,200 STRATFORD, March 1, 1946 No. 9 Ratepayers Face Increased Levy While no definite mill rate for 1946 has as yet been struck, Alder- man Wilfrid P. Gregory, chairman of the Finance Committee, informed the City Council on Tuesday eve- ning that the city faced an increase of approximately three mills in the tax rate unless some method is found to pare down the estimates submit- ted by the various boards. Considered in the light of frozen rentals and government restrictions on wage increases, it is hard to see how such an increase would be just- ifiable or necessary. Stratford has long been considered a highly-taxed city and previous councils have made strenuous efforts to bring the mill rate down. To bump it up again so drastically can hardly be the wish of the tax-paying public. Well past the initial planing stage are two civic projects, both of which call for huge outlays and the issuing of debentures that will materially affect the mill rate. One, the new hospital, is expected to cost the city in the neighbourhood of $600,000. The other calls for a large expendi- ture of civic funds to erect a new high school. Both projects are great- ly needed and should be given the full support of the general public. However, with such mammoth out- lays pending in the immediate future, it hardly seems timely to up the tax rate three mills just to meet ordin- ary expenses. It would be well for the local legis- lators to consider those who must foot the bill. While no definite figures are immediately available it is gen- erally conceded that about 50 per cent. of Stratford's householders own their own homes. This means that 50 per cent. of the householders will be forced to shoulder 100 per cent. of any increase in taxes, as the government rental regulations make it impossible to pass any of the in- crease along to the man who pays rent. So long as these conditions exist the council should certainly explore every means of cutting its estimates before asking the taxpayer to dig even further into his pocket. Drive Brings Results R. W. Hardwick, member of the Stratford Industrial Commission in charge of that body's campaign to find living accommodation for re- turned soldiers and their families, today reported that considerable pro- gress has been made and voiced his thanks to those citizens who have cooperated in this endeavour. However, there are still 44 un- placed families on Mr. Hardwick's list, 24 of them families of returned men. He stated there is an im- mediate need for 50 additional living units and appealed to all citizens able to help in this regard to get in touch with him. Greatest need is for units of two or more rooms. Those having only one room to spare are asked to noti- fy either the Y.M.C.A. or the Y.W. C.A., as these organizations are in touch with those who need such accommodation. Canada's Governor-General, Field Marshall Sir Harold Alexander, is well-known to many Canad- ian soldiers who served under his general commzxnd during the campzigns which conquered Sicily and Italy. His wife, Lady Margaret Alexander, is pictured here with her three children at the family home, "The Vaile", in Windsor Forest, Berkshire, Fngland. Left to right: Shane William Desmond, 9; Lady Alexander; Rose Marie, 12; and Brian James, 6. Men's Parliament Meets On Wednesday The Men's Parliament of Central United Church has chosen a highly controversial question to debate at their next session which will take place on Wednesday March 6, at 6.30 o'clock in the church Sunday school- room. Prime Minister Murdoch Keith has announced his intention of plac- ing before the house a bill advocat- ing the erection of a War Memorial on utilitarian lines. Opposition Lead- George Hosie has stated that his party is unalterably opposed to any such project. The resultant fire- works should be well worth watch- ing. The meeting will begin with an- other bountiful supper such as was served at the last gathering. All members are urged to be on hand and on time. es PVOVEVOVEVEVEVEVECEV OV OVE EVOVOV OV OV EC OV OVOC EV OVO? @' > PO26,99,909094) o o NoosOSOSOSOOC o oe, PE LOLORILOROSE DODO SOLO SOLS, POPU TIT TTT T ETT R RNS A she oe ososOeOsOeOsOe Oe OP OTOP Oe OP OPOPOPOPOPOSOR. 'oF IN FITTING Many styles are available in or- thopedic types. These shoes are ° 7, o PERELO LORE SOSA LOSES OSES OLO9O8 rye ts OVOVOVOVOS SE COVECEVEVEVEV EVE EVES R built to fit weak feet and % z: weak feet only. Thus "abnormal 3 z measurements" are not even ex- 3 $ pected to fit normal feet -- but 4 3 they're g-r-rand if your feet need # 3 them. 3 33 3 33 33 3 33 4 33 : : 33 ; 33 ONTARIO 3 4 33 = 8ST. : a Y.W.C.A. To Launch Appeal For Funds a substantial amount, there is little doubt the citizens of Stratford will give generously to so worthy a cause, Opportunities for service such as only the Y.W.C.A. can supply are multiplying. The leadership at the Y.W.C.A. has shown itself fully alive to the problems and needs of young women in these post-war days and, once the burden of debt is lifted from their shoulders, can be relied upon to expand their activities into even greater usefulness to the com- munity. In these days of socal unrest there is no organization doing more worth- while work in the community than the Y.W.C.A. Fashioned to meet the needs of girls and young women in both social and physical spheres, it has a record of achievement in its chosen field that is second to none. Starting on Monday, March 4, the Y.W.C.A. is launching a campaign to raise sufficient money to clear the mortgage from their fine building on Waterloo Street. The sum of $15,000 is required and, while it is JULIET HOME AND SCHOOL TO HOLD FATHERS' NIGHT Juliet Home and School Club will hold a special meeting on Monday evening at 8 o'clock to which the fathers are especially invited. Fea- ture of the program will be an ad- dress by Capt. Filer, O.B.E., who will tell of his experiences as chap- lain with the armed forces overseas. A full turnout is expected.