The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1911. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 111, 1 July 1911, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1911. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Those who wore of opinion that the resuscitation of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce would bo a waste of time, must ere this have changed their minds, for there can be little doubt that from the first meeting of the new-born Chamber—just over twelve months ago—the activity displayed by members as a whole, and by the secretary (Mr. J. B. Richards) in particular, has been phenomenal, and the watchful eye kept upon matters requiring attention cannot ho disputed. Prior to the revival of the Chamber of Commerce, it devolved upon the Borough Council or Tradesmen’s Association to make representations to the Government, and while the very best efforts were put forth by those bodies, yet it must be admitted that tbo results were not so good as under present conditions. This is not hard to understand. Chambers of Commerce tiie world over have a recognised standing in tbo control of the general affairs of a district, and it is such bodies Governments expect to deal with on questions ether than pure local administration. The functions of Chambers of Commerce are to take cognisance of all questions affecting tbo .good of the community at large which from time to time occupy the attention of the commercial world, but in smaller centres such as Stratford, unless specially appealed to, attention is directed mainly to district requirements. That such an institution is required in Stratford is amply' borne out by the enormous amount of business of importance to the whole district that has boon transacted by tin' Chamber of Commerce during the year, a very good idea of which will bo found in. the president’s annual, report appearing elsewhere in this issue. We congratulate the members, ami especially the secretary, upon having done so much for the general weal during the short time flu; Cham her has been in existence, and we trust that the efforts of the present somewhat small body will bo recognised by a large addition to the membership.