THE GISBORNE DISTRICT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16295, 30 January 1915, Page 10

THE GISBORNE DISTRICT.

(Pek United Pbess Association.i GISBORNE, January 29. An optimistic note was struck by Mr John Bright, president of the Chamber of Commerce, in his address at tie annual meeting of the chamber to-day. He said that tho business of the chamber had been overshadowed during the past six months by the unfortunate war raging in Europe. The Gisborne district had, however, perhaps benefited by the rise in prices which had been brought about as a result of tho war, and the approaching season should prove one of the most prosperous in tho history of the district. It also showed an appreciation of the products which they wer-j producing. "I have never seen our products at such high prices as they are realising at present," he continued. 'We are (retting 4id per lb for fat wethers, 4 l-16d for fatewce, and 6d for lambs, -while beef is bringing correspondingly _ high prices. With regard to wool, that too is maintaining record values, and it is worthy of note that while there was a slight fall at the December sales, this was more than recovered at the recent wool «alc. At InvercargiU not a single bale on the main catalogue went under double figures." While the people of the Gisborne district haa been enjoying prosperous times, it was pleasing to record that the bulk of the producers had risen to the occasion, and had given freely and generously to the war and relief funds and tho cost of equipping the troops going to £he front. "I can only express the hope," said Mr Bright, "that when the next annual meeting comes round we will be ablo to congratulate the Empire and the district on an assured and honourable peace to Britain and her allies."— (Applause.)