WAKE UP, STRATFORD!

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 359, 13 February 1937, Page 4

WAKE UP, STRATFORD!

LEIT ER TO EDITOR.

The Get-Together Spirit Is Needed. (To the Editor). Sir,—'While Stratford is to be congratulated upon an evident air of progress and prosperity, it cannot be classed among the meet sociable of towns. Some blame the mountain, some the weather; almost everybody blames the other fellow, but nobody blames himself. To put it mildly—what we want is more of the get-together spirit. We need to show a brighter face to passers-through; and to offer a brighter welcome to netocomers. Why has Stratford no luncheon club? Are the business men all toe* interested in making money to be interested in getting sociable once a fortnight, and getting together to hear an ineresting speaker Surely not.

Then again there is the question of a Savage Club. We had a. visit from the secretary of the associated clubs three or four years ago, and a provisional committee was set up. Since then nothing has happened—except silence. The depression, you say? Suurely a depression is a time for keeping bright. Anyway it is over now, so let’s get a Savage Club on its feet this winter. There is a lot of unsuspected talent in the town just; wtalting for an opportunity to express itself.

Then what about Rotary? A leading business man etas making a careful list of foundation members three or four years ago. The question is when do we take off?

I imagine that the get-together attitude will help local business anyway—that point at least will appeal to our local financial magnates and captains of industry. Anyway lite is short and if we keep running into each other's ugiy phlzs all the time why not meet with a grin now and then?

The organisers and founders and things of the above clubs will be conferring untold benefit on the town and itn inhabitants. So who’s going to start?—l am, etc., "FORWARD;” [Our correspondent's views are sound, we believe, and we will do all in our power to further any moves made along the lines suggested Something of the same note has been struck in various editorials and we certainly offer our services in the directions indicated.—Editor.]