CURRENT TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1916, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

NEW PLYMOUTH'S OPPORTUNITIES. The conference last week between members of the Board of Trade and the New Plymouth Chamber ol Commerce was inteiestiug in that it threw a searchlight on the thoughts of some of ouv ba-iness people concerning Umpire trade alter the war. It is very desirable that New Zealand should make every effort to assist other portions of the Empire in the desire to thoroughly stamp out trade or any description with the Powers who are at present costing us much precious life and material, and causing so much misery throughout the world. The conclusion of the war may be a long way off, and it will bo many months after the last cannon has spoken and the sword placed in its scabbard before the commercial rights will be straightened. These matters can, and must be, left to other master minds, and the New Plymouth Chamber of Commerce might well reserve its energy for matters of more moment to the town and province than the manufacture of German dyes or French motor-ears. The iown is now moving ahead. There is no denying the fact. Good roads art allowing motor-'buses and ears to daily bring to town people who previously rarely came in Itliis direction. The trains are also responsible for conveying many .residents from both ends of the borough, who, previous to their running, were unable to move in and out of the main streets so frequently. The Tourist League is .displaying energy in attracting the globe-trotter and his kindred to these quarters, hut what is being (ione to attract and retain the stationary population? Presently New Plymouth will possess two works that will absorb a good deal of labor—freezing works.and ironsand works. The wages earned will be spent in the town, but there is room for other industries. If one wants soap—and we all need this at one time or the other—we have to use a Wnnganui or Napier brand, or a Lever make. Now, why should there not bo ' an opening for a .soap works here? None iviialever. It only needs pointing out to those with spare capital. Again, there should be ample room for a biscuit factory in the town. Grocers and eonieetioners here import huge quantities of biscuits from Wangnnui, Nelson, 1/unedin. etc. An industry of this description would receive loyal support from the

bu-ine s people here, ami probably resuit in the public posseting a plant that could produce, and place on the table a biscuit equal to the best from other towns at a smaller cost. This province does not claim to be a fruitgrower's paradise, but, given the inducement, there is no reason why our dairymen and other farmers should not cultivate an apple or plum orchard. Nome of the be-t apples handled at the local marts last summer were grown round the district, and at the Warca show the di-pkiy of fruit by Messrs Burgess, Quickenden and others proved that there are some very good orchards already in full bearing. Hitherto the farmer has stuck, closely to Que;n Rcsie or Pearl Black an,| While. lie has been more concerned in extracting milk and the growing qualities of Berkshircs than the possibilities of fruit-growing. On the llawke's Bay lands the fruit industry lias made wonderful strides, and many th'Ui-ands of ca<e;; are still railed in this direction. Is it not possible that Tarauaki could produce the same results'; Tiie Chamber of Commerce has accorn-pli-.hed good work during its existence, and a lead from the business people is desirable. Members must recognise that the establishment of a, soap works, a biscuit and jam factory, etc., has much to comnienii them. ■ New Plymouth will move ahead—everyone admits that but one and all must push. It is no use leaving it to a neighbor. We must set an example and show by our own individual energy that we believe it can be done. We expect shortly a deep-sea harbor, steel and freezing works. Don't let matters stop at that. Show the rest of Taranaki and the whole of New Zealand that New Plymouth has at last realised her true position and seized her opportunities.