ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1919, Page 3

ELTHAM.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Eltham Oct. 3. Business men of Eltham, when questioned by the News correspondent yesterday as to the state of trade, all gave practically the same answer. It had shown a steady improvement, especially of late, and there was a feeling of optimism with regard to the future. One man expressed the opinion that before many months had elapsed it would be as difficult to tod a vacant shop in Eltham as in any other town. Certainly a noticeable change for the better has ; already taken place. Among those interviewed was Mr. Hurrell, of Hurrell Bros., whose business includes coach-building, painting, and blacksmitliing. He said that, though it had been necessary to adjust the business to the changed conditions following the advent of motorpropelled vehicles, whicli are now so common, trade had gradually become better, and the full staff of six were not only constantly employed, but had occasionally to put in overtime in order to cope with the work. Body-building for one-ton lorries had now become an important part of the work undertaken in what are known as coach-building factories, and one of those recently turned out was for the local fire brigade, with which it will replace the horsedrawn vehicle formerly used for conveying the ladders in cases of fire. Apparently business of this kind has not been affected by the preference for motors where the proprietors, after taking an early survey of the position and the possibilities of the future, effected such changes in the shops and the organisation of their staffs as would enable them to deal with modern requirements. In farming districts there is still, and always will be, work for blacksmiths, but the anvil does not ring quite so merrily as in the old days, and, compared with other businesses and industries which rely upon the farmer for their chief support, the progress has not been nearly so marked. With Hurreli Bros., blacksmith ing continues to be an important branch of the business. The members of the Methodist Church held their annual tea and concert on Wednesday evening. The attendance, notwithstanding the wet weather, was good. Mr. W. Clement presided at the concert, and representatives of other churches and the Salvation Army were present, and gave brief addresses. Mr. T. Burrell, circuit steward, briefly referred to the activities of the Church, the good prospects, and to the excellent work that had been done by the pastor (the Rev. J. A. Hosking). A statement of the financial position was presented by Mr. H. Gubb, and was considered most , satisfactory. The choir sang a number of anthems, and other items were given J by Mesdames V. Reeve and H. Reynolds, j Misses D. Tayler, H. Mills, J. Watson, i and E. Hosking, and Messrs H. Reynold*, j H. Jackson, J. W. Murray, and the Rev. | J. A. Hosking. The Methodist Church trustees have acquired the property adjoining the i church in King Edward" Street. |