ANOTHER VIEW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 19, 7 September 1911, Page 5

ANOTHER VIEW.

FROM ONE WHO KNOWS

Mr. J .B. Richards, Secretary to the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, who certainly ought to ho in touch with Stratford’s business and trade conditions, was seen for a few moments by a representative of the "Stratford Post” to-day on the question. He was decidedly scornful of the idea of any retrogression, and told our representative—“ln reply to your enquiry concerning conditions of trade and prospects of Stratford, I should like to direct attention to the fact that whereas there were numerous empty houses in the town five years ago, vacant houses ■ are now very difficult to secure, and this in spite of the many new houses which have recently, and are now being built. The last ccnsus shoived a substantial increase of population, and increased trade naturally follows. The geographical position of this town could not he well improved, situated as it is in the heart of a fertile district, and it needs no prophet to foretell an important future for it. Its progress, dependent as it is on the surrounding district, should be steady and sure. “The establishing of the Stratford A. and P. Association was most significant of the potentialities of the district. When it was first mooted there were not wanting the pessimistic ‘wot blankets’ who predicted failure, and yet within six months of its formation the resultant show was sufficient demonstration of the resources of the district. With the time at my disposal I am unable to delve into the question as deeply as I should desire, but I may revert to it later. I will content myself at present with saying that trade for the past twelve months in Stratford has probably never boon equalled for a similar period in the history of the town. ’ _ , FINANCE. BETTER THAN EVER. If one more convincing proof than another is asked to show the utter fallacy of our correspo ilent’s Mild statements it is given by the gentlemen of the legal profession doing business in mis town. They are unanimous in stating that there is more money for investment on town property now than ever hitherto. In addition they state that the payments of rents and interests, of which naturally the profession is especially cognisant, have been more than usually prompt of late, and that arrears are unctically unknown, b his grate of affairs, narticularly at this time of the year, is the strongest evidence of marked prosperity. FROM OTHER SOURCES. The best winter I have ever known in Stratford for business,” a leading Broadivay business man told a representative of this paper yesterday This rather puts “Commonsensi ’ out of countenance. ■ This morning another well-known Broadway retailor, in reply to a question as to what he thought of trade in Stratford at tin’s present time, said that on making his last weekly balance ho was most agreeably surprised, as he had expected the usual very quiet time at this season of the year. Finally, the building trade was never so busy before as it is at present.