Page 6 Advertisements Column 1

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1921, Page 6

BARGAIN DAY IN ELTHAM! A UNIQUE IDEA

SATURDAY, October 22nd

ELTHAM.’ A PROGRESSIVE TOWN. LIVE BUSINESS MEN. SHOW THE WAY. Wken one looks at the splendid wide tar-aaacadamiaed road that runs through Eltham and views some of the fine concrete edifices that have been erected, it is hard to realise that not so very many years ago the site of the borough was virgin bush. The transformation has been brought about by the progressive spirit that has always animated the public and business men of this impofrtaat South Taranaki town, and that spirit is just as evident there to-day. The town, which comprises over 2000 inhabitants is situate in the centre of one of the richest and most productive districts of Taranaki, and it well caters for all the needs of the settlers therein.

It is just about 20 years since the borough was created, having prior to that time been a portion of the Hawera County. Mr. G. W. Tayier, the present Mayor, was elected first Mayor, <»n October 12, 1901, occupying the position for eight years, when he was succeeded by Mr. T. C. Stauners, who held it for a year. Then followed in succession Messrs. E. Parrott (1910-11). G. P. Wake (1911-12), T B. Crump (1912-15), B. Dive (1915-17), T. B. Crump (19171919), and again G. W. Taylor (1919).

Right from the start the new borough «et out on progressive lines and laid down the Main Street full width in tar macadam, the first to be so laid in Taranaki, and there is no doubt that its success wae the fore-runner of the system of roa3-making since adopted in the Taranaki Province, which is rightly famed throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand for its good roads. In this connection also the 'Eltham County, which was formed, later from the Hawera County, led the way, and now good roads lead into Eltham from every direction. Eltham also adopted a progressive building policy, going in largely for concrete, and, as a result, it possesses some business premises and other buildings that would do credit to any town.

The municipality owns its own gasworks and Town Hall, as well as municipal buildings in concrete, comprising council office on the ground floor, and library upstairs. It also possesses a high pressure water supply, sewerage system, and a volunteer fire brigade, with modern equipment.

The main industry of the district is, of course, dairying, and the Eltham Dairy Company, with its several branches operating around the town, has played an important part in ite development, as may be gleaned from the fact that its turnover for last year was £261,000. There are other factories operating in the vicinity, viz., Lowgarth, Ngaere and Mangatoki. so that the total turnover must be in the vicinity of half a million in dairying alone, the back country being largely devoted to sheep and cattle grazing. The town is the headquarters of the Egmont Box Company, an important subsidiary to the dairying industry, which has erected right in the town itself a large box factory, giving employment to a considerable number of Lien. There is, besides, a large co-operative bacon factory ami meat works whilst Eltham is the headquarters of the Cooperative Rennet Company. Its local industries include engineering works, joinery works, furniture and coach factor- . ies, motor garagea, etc. Recognising the importance of electricity in the development of tb** present and new industries, a comm'ittee of energetic men has beery w<y'n.ing for some time, and now hare igatters well in train towards obtaining a supply of hydro-electricity for the district. The town is well-off for reserves, the one beat known being Taumata Park, on the banks of the Waingongoro River, where there is one of the best sports grounds in Taranaki and some beautiful native bush. There is another park in the making, to be known as the Soldiers’ Memorial Park. This contains 62 acres, and is quite close to the town. Eltham is the nearest station to Dawsons Falla, the favorite holiday resort on the slopes of Mt. Egmont, whilst it » within about three miles of Ngaere hardens. Eltham iff fortunate in having publicspirited men who are willing to do their ait to assist in keeping the town in ;he forefront, and there are several live-' ns ti tut ions, ineluding the Eltham Chamber of Commerce. Retailers’ Associations and Progress Committee. Thia latter body was established some two years ago, with the idea of drawing at ten-, ‘.ion to Eltham as a commercial centre, tod to generally study and supply the ieed- of the farming community around, -ealising that the purpose of the town settlement its to collet-t and distribute the requirements of the farmer. As a results of their efforts, Eltham. by its ?ood service and reasonable prices, is j to-day recognised by settlers aa one t »f the brightest and best shopping eery ;res in the Dominion. With the idea of further drawing at tewtion to the advantages of the town, the Progress Committee has uy Auguraxed the Unique Bargain Day which as advarrieod on thia yage.

ELTHAM’S BIG BARGAIN DAY!