STRATFORD'S TRADE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 17, 5 September 1911, Page 5

STRATFORD'S TRADE.

an optimistic view. FUTURE IMPROVEMENT TO BE EXPECTED. ’• , Chatting on the general state of trade in Stratford with a townsman who has had many years’ experience of ‘ business here, our journalistic instinct led us to ask a few questions which are given as answered. Do you consider trade generally better or .worse at the present time than it has been for, say, the last five years ? ■‘l consider trade is better to-day : than it has been at any time in Stratford. During the last three years there has been a steady improvement on previous conditions.” How do you account for the improvement noticed ? “Possibly by the general prosperity of the whole* Dominion, good prices for dairy produce, better conditions of farming, and the opening up of the oast country by the Stfatford-Onga-ruo railway.’ ’ '■ Do you consider that the present good state of trade will be maintained? “Undoubtedly. Not only should trade as at present be maintained, but there is every prospect of a large increase to bo derived by increased production from the land.’ ’ Will Stratford, in your opinion, attain to considerable proportions within a reasonable time? “I think there is little doubt that such will be the case, and within the next ten years our present population should be very considerably augmented. Of course, the rate at which any towns grows and prospers depends to a large extent on its public men and inhabitants—great impetus can bo giyqn to a town by the right action at the right time.” Dp you consider Stratford as progressive as it might bo? ’■/ “Not altogether. Although the bu- '■ giness people of our town are, spoak- ’* ihg generally, alive to their inter- !>; : ests, there, is somewhat, in my opinion, an absence of optimistic outlook on the future.’ Could you define that more clearly?" “Yes. With the large volume of business that is done in the town it . might be expected that, looking to the future, our business places would ho more impressive than is the case, with a few exceptions.” Do you not consider that more impising business premises will bo built m due course? “Certainly;'but there is ample justification for more up-to-date buildings at the present time.” What is your opinion of the present ; prices of building allotments? “In some cases what may bo considered stiff prices are being paid, but I think almost without exception the near future will see present prices justified.” Your views of the prospects of Stratford appear to be very optimistic. - r • ..“Could they be otherwise with a town so situated in one of the very, best districts in the Dominion?” .” V Have you any objection to tho publication of your replies to our queries? “None whatever; but I wish it to bo distinctly understood that the opinions stated are stated only as my own opinions. Others may differ.”