10th February 1915

Harrogate, in common with the rest of the Empire, is passing through strenuous times. It's people have risen to the occasion, and shown not only their patriotism, but the finest human qualities - sympathy, generosity, self-abnegation, even humility. The demands made upon the purse have been strenuous and manifold. They have been met magnificently. It is in such times as these when our minds are apt to be centered upon matters of the most pressing and obvious nature. It is then that other causes, those we have always with us, are likely to retreat into the background and became overshadowed by stronger claims. Harrogate has many local institutions, of which it is proud. Some of these are suffering from the pressure of national causes. We dwelt upon the financial condition of our Infirmary last week, therefore we need now but casually include it in our list. There is another old institution of Harrogate which needs our consideration. That is the Harrogate Liberal Club. We approach this institution without regard to political exigencies. Quite property politics during the war are tabooed. The club has a social, elevating, agency, of which we desire now to speak. We realise that it is good for the young men of our community that their minds should be directed to those influences calculated to develop their intellects, temperaments, and aims. By doing so we fit them for the serious duties of life. From time to time this club had had its lectures, addresses, and discussions, all tending to widen the outlook and intelligence of our young men. At this club they have found wholesome recreation, and an intercourse with mature minds, which has already proved of immense benefit. It will be seen, therefore, that the objects of the club have not been exclusively political. It is an old institution which commenced in a small way at the People's Hotel. Removed to its present site in Raglan Street, it was able to develop so as to extend its sphere of usefulness. Eventually the club purchased the premises, but it is not free from encumbrance. A considerable debt still remains on the building. The finances of the club are not satisfactory, and the difficulty can't only be surmounted by an increase of membership and other pecuniary support. It is not too much to ask every male Liberal in the town to become members. The grading of the subscription makes it possible for men of the most limited means. We desire, however, to urge upon those Liberals better circumstanced the desirability of enrolling as members. It is not much to ask, and we trust that those who are not already members will feel it a duty to straightway join. If they do not use the club, they will have the satisfactory consciousness of making the institution more beneficial to their poorer neighbours.

And now we turn to another institution, for though it is a cricket club, it has a great influence upon Harrogate's progress. It has made Harrogate attractive in many ways. Its members have always extended their help to ensure the success of other public movements. We refer to the Harrogate Cricket Club. We regret to hear that the finances of the club are not quite satisfactory. We feel sure that this fact has only to become known, when new subscribers will come forward to support the committee in their temporary difficulty. Like other undertakings of a public or semi-public nature, it has been affected by the war. Harrogate cannot afford to see its Cricket Club in anything but a comfortable financial position, because the town owes it such a debt of gratitude. We therefore venture to suggest that those of our readers who are not already subscribers to the club might come forward at this juncture and enroll their names on the list of membership. A sympathetic wave in this direction would just now be acceptable, and we are convinced that in the interests of Harrogate alone they could not do better.

17th February 1915

What will become of the town?

"If you buy out of the town, and we buy out of the town, and all our neighbours buy out of the town, what will become of the town?" This is the argument of the Newtown and Rockmansworth Town Councils, who have decided, as a first reform, to give their printing orders locally. They might have added other trades, and the query, "Where are our rates to come from?" However, they have realised the right principle. The Harrogate Town Council might consider this question. It is unfortunate that nearly all the immense quantity of stationery used by the Harrogate Corporation is purchased out of the town, and much of the printing and kindred work is also done outside. These are but two of the products similarly placed, as Harrogate tradesmen know to their cost. The rate collector, who realises what the Corporation owes to the financial support of the traders, we happen to know, reciprocates all he can in this direction. There may be other departments wherein the interests of local trade are not overlooked. Of this we cannot speak. The fact remains, however, that for years Harrogate traders have complained of being left in the cold. They allege they have seldom been asked to tender in these cases. Except in the matter of a few specialities, they are in a position to give as good terms and value as London rates can afford, in many instances better. How it happens that are overlooked remains, at present, a mystery. The strength of the community, as of a nation, demands upon the condition of its trade and industries. Corporations, or those responsible, are apt to overlook this fundamental fact. On the other hand, Harrogate traders should see that they convince their customers that they do not suffer by their patriotic support of local trade. The visitors should be led to realise that traders' methods of conducting business do not press unduly on the visitors' purse. There cannot always be complete uniformity of price between all towns, because some have heavier railway charges to meet. But it should not be difficult to prove to reasonable minds that Harrogate dealers do business on a fair margin profit. The crucial point in local trade, however, is the need of that co-operation which will ensure that the business of Harrogate shall remain in the town. The Corporation might show the way. Then, perhaps, families, private individuals, and the traders themselves might see that the Corporation's action was good, and follow the example.