“A MERRY CHRISTMAS.”

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1924, Page 10

“A MERRY CHRISTMAS.”

A BRIGHTER STRATFORD PROGRESS DEAKJUE INTERESTED. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION". (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Nov. 18. In order that the conventional “A Merry Christmas” may be no idle remark m Stiatford. steps are being taken to arrange special means o-f making the town attractive for grown-ups and to cater for and amuse as many children from outlying districts as can possibly b<. induced to visit Stratford during the festive season. After hearing the views of a deputation of retailers, and fully discussing the matter, the executive of the Stratford Progress League, at its meeting last night, decided to call a general meeting of the League and all retailers to organise for the occasion. Messrs. G. T. Walters. W. Mclnnes, and J. K. Amesbury waited on the league in respect to organising special arrangements for Christmas- Eve and New Year, it being felt that, as the league had'inaugurated the initial effort last year, it should continue to take a leading part in any function which might ‘be instituted this year. Mr. Mclnnes thought last year’s effort had been very successful. He suggested that each business man might contribute a small trophy and on Christmas Eve a large number of balloons bearing an order on these firms could .be liberated. Considerable interest, he thought, would be aroused in finding the balloons and securing the trophies. Mr. G. T. Walters thought the business people were not prepared to go to such lengths, financially, as last year. Mr. R. Masters: Then we cannot carry the effort to the same extent as we did last year. Mr. C. R. Finnerty suggested that a general meeting of the league should be called to discuss the matter. Mr. J. K. Amesbury considered last year’s effort could be improved upon even if more money was spent. Evergreens were a decided attraction, and gave a festive appearance to the town. He was satisfied, that business was better last year as a result of the effort than at any previous year. Mr. T. H. Cooper was pleased to hear Mr. Amesbury so enthusiastic. Any man, who was too short-sighted to spend money at this time, evidently did not want to make nis town attractive. Personally he was very willing to give bis quota on the same basis as last year. He thought the band should be asked to play for a longer period. Mr. Masters thought it only right that the league should take a leading part, but he contended they should ; have the co-operation of business men even if they were already members of the league. He referred to the different opinions expressed that evening regarding the expenditure, and asked members not to forget that while the league took the stand that part of its duty was to attract people to'the town, other towns would ‘be taking similar steps. It was pcfsible that if they waited too long other towns would 'be organised and Stratford would be left to arrange a spasmodic and hurried effort. He considered Mr. Finnerty’s suggestion a good one, .because, if a good meeting resulted, an indication would be given that retailers were enthusiastic, while, on the other band, the meeting was apathetic the opposite feeling would be obtained. The £lOO spent last year was a mere bagatelle among the whole townspeople. People should Jbe generous in making their town attractive at Christmas. OTHER TOWNS MOVING. Mr. S. Ward assured the meeting that other Taranaki towns were already organising. This year, efforts should be made to get invitations sent out to school children before the schools broke up. He suggested the meeting should be called immediately, so fhat steps could be taken in good time. Mr. N. 11. Moss moved that a general meeting of the league and all retailers be called for Monday next to consider ways and means of organising. Mr. Finnerty drew attention to the fact that retailers as a whole would bo very busy in their shops and could not ’ devote the time necessary to entertain [ school children from the eastern dis- - tricts. It would thus become necessary [ to enlist the assistance of people other ; than retailers. Mr. Walters said the meeting appearl ed to be looking at the matter too much I from a retailers’ point of view. He ’ thought the effort should be considered from a whole town or community as- ; ipect. Mr. Masters: Well, you know after all it is the retailers who benefit. Mr. R. H. White referred to the same . point, emphasising that he believed the » retailers would be quite prepared to [ subscribe to the same extent as they did i'last year. He was pleased to see the 1 league so unanimous on the matter of - pushing the town forward. The chairman (Mr. L. T. Aylward): That is what we are here for. The motion was then carried, the chairman remarking that the discussion k augured well for the future of Stratford. He was pleased signs of an early taking of stock were apparent and that r something further was to be done to t place Stratford on the again, e Mr. W. Mclnnes stressed the point that all had the welfare of the town at heart and that while any move would be for the benefit of the retailer it would also tend to benefit the town generally. j The deputation then withdrew, and i, the executive went into committee to ’ discuss suggestions for making the town attractive.