What More Do tine Critics Want?

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 256, 7 October 1931, Page 4

What More Do tine Critics Want?

SOMETIMES people ask, "Is the Chamber doing all it might for Stratford?" to which could be retorted with justification, "Is Stratford doing all it might for the Chamber of Commerce?" It has been stated that the Chamber has led a somewhat: moribund existence for the last month or two, and this is said to be due to a lack of finance. Whether that is the position, we do not know, nor would we care to say that its activities were moribund, despite the fact that not much has been heard of it for some time. We have very' little patience with those who criticise the Chamber, because for the most part they do not seem willing to come forward and lend a helping hand, and the critics have had ample opportunity on numerous occasions to join the executive and take an active part in its programme. There is no member of the executive who would not be prepared to make way for some one else, if the latter thought he could do better. This attitude is surely a reasonable one to take if the criticism levelled had any great deal of justification, but no one can truthfully say the Chamber has not done good work for Stratford. To quote but one thing, the creation of the inner area has saved business men a tremendous sum in fire insurance premiums, and for this state of affairs the body in question is directly responsible. There are other benefits which could be named. There is probably no need to fear that the Chamber will go out of existence, however "fed up" some members may be of carrying the burden, without reasonable support, but if that did happen it would be nothing short of a calamity. A live Chamber of Commerce is an absolute necessity, and it can be only as alive as its supporters make it. The membership fee is small, and despite bad times can be looked upon as a useful investment, and it is to be hoped that every business man in Stratford will belong to it in the near future. It is conducted on democratic lines, it is open to anybody, and the executive is elected by the usual method of voting by members, who are thus empowered to direct its policy. What more can critics demand?