ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1922, Page 7

ELTHAM.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The Eltham Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting last night. The council presented its annual report as follows: Notwithstanding that the year haa been of great importance to the business community uu account of the very great depression existing throughout New Zealand, it may be said with confidence that Eltham town has maintained its reputation. ?o rar as the amount of business ob; lined is concerned, and this is a matter for congratulation, as it speaks highly for the country and district on the whole.

It is the opinion of the council that the wave of depression passing over New Zealand cannot be lifted satisfactorily until more stabilisation takes place in Europe, and the people realise the need for economy all round, which is vital to the well-being of the Empire as a whole, and to New Zealand in particular.

Great hopes were entertained by the council that the recent conference at Genoa would be the forerunner of stabilising credits throughout Europe, which would react beneficially on Great Britain, by absorbing the unemployed, and in turn would fetch better prices for our produce here.

However, on the whole, with the increased yield of butter-fat, due to the excellent season just past, it may be said that the clouds are slowly lifting and that there is a more optimistic feeling prevailing throughout. It is the opinion of the council that prices for our primary products will be steadier than in the past, especially in view ofthe fact that the winter will be approaching in Great Britain, which will cut down the Home supplies and have a tendency to stimulate prices here. A matter of more purely local importance was the institution of the continuous telephone service begun last year, arid carried into effect in the year just closing. Another aspect of the telephone service has been the installation of a public telephone, which is a great convenience to the public generally. The telephone service between New Plymouth and Eltham is considered unsatisfactory by the business people, and it should be a recommendation to the incoming council that the matter should receive early attention.

The courthouse hours have been improved, and are considered satisfactory by the legal fraternity, especially in view of the fact that there is a clerk in attendance daily.

Considerable interest has been taken by the Council in the progress of hydro and other methods of electric lighting, and it is satisfactory to note that an electric power board has been formed and is making considerable progress. During the year Mr. Carman addressed the Chamber, and gave a very interesting address on the progress made by the electric committee. The chamber should congratulate the Eltham members of the electric power board for the valuable work they have done in furthering the interests of the district generally.

The secretary (Mr. Bain) handed in his resignation owing to his leaving the district on February 1, 1922. and the duties have since been carried on by Mr. J. Taylor. Several disastrous fires occurred in the town, and as two buildings were actually gutted, it behoves the chamber to keen a vigilant eye on the progress of the fire brigade, as well as enquiring into the efficiency of same with a view to setting up a fire board if found consistent with the progress of the town. The council wishes it understood, however, that no reflections are being cast on the present brigade. It must aiso be observed that progress regarding the erection of new buildings will be considerably retarded if a satisfactory system of dealing with fires is not maintained.

Considerable discussion has taken place in the council meetings regarding the position and status of the nightwatchman, which has created a large amount of interest by subscribers, some of whom have taken exception to the council appointing and dismissing the nightwatchman. therefore it is important that the relation of the nightwatchman and the chamber bp fully cleared up and the position defined.

It is a matter for regret that one rural mail delivery in this district has been without service this season, due. of course, to same not being contracted for. The chamber should keep a watchful eye on deliveries and assist the authorities possible in obtaining contracts for same.

It is desirable that useful co-opera-tion should exist between the chamber and progress committee, therefore, discussion should take place with a view to amalgamating the two bodies.