ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1917, Page 3

ELTHAM.

(By Our Travelling Representative). Eltham, March G. A meeting of the C.E.M.S. Club was held last evening, Mr G. H. Bucker'dge presiding. It was decided to secure additional rooms at the present premises for the purpose of fitting up a rending room, etc. in which it is proposed to hold socials to welcome hack returned soldiers. Tt may not be generally knowi that a hearty welcome is extended U returned soldiers, and free membership granted for six months if des'red. Although of recent origin, the club has a srowin? membership, which now totr.h 102. Mr W. Harvey, of the railway staff, succeeds Mr Hill-Johnstone as socetarv. Some'eomment has been occasioned at the possibility of the leal railway station being reduced a grade. From what one can gather, the volume of trade keeps up very well, so the reducing will not create anv enthusiasm among business people. The Chamber of Commerct can be deoended upon to keep the interests of the town steadily before the railway department. I delight to bump against the optimist. I struck one here to-day. In answer to a query "How's business" the tradesman replied, "Look here, wc are ■working up quite a solid business. You ask the bankers, and they will tell yon that we are all in fairly comfortable positions. How manv business men have had to seek the Bankruptcy Court during the last two years? Xone to my knowledge. There may not be many people about, but Klthfl'a's sound, and don't you forget it." Mr \V. J. Tristram, county clerk, formerly town clerk, will undertake the latter duties during Mr J. M Poynter's absence with the Expeditionary Forces.