The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1921-01-12
board Of alfeeLoTs raa ha7e asrlcnl.

=
dry is another activity which makes
the chamber worth while. A shot
time ago a company desired to sell |
$40 900 in stock to people here and |
asked the endorsement Of the cham
Der. Upon Investigation it was
shown that it was not worthy OF sup
port and the chamber refused its en-
dorsement. No attempt was made to
sell the stock. II it had not been
for the chamber no Investigation
would have been made and the stock
would probably have been sold, as it
looked like a good investment. II
the people who would have invested
in this proposition have been saved
$4,000 then, by this one thing alone
the chamber of commerce has justi-
fled its existence and more than paid
expenses.
Good roads and highways are some
thing else which interest everyone in
the parish. Some time ago when road |
legislation was about to be enacted 1t
was discovered that St. Landry par
ish had been practically left out Of
the program except for the Pershing
Way. A conference was called and It
was shown to st. Landry representa-
tives that there was logical need for
an east and west highway through
Opelousas. While all legislation was
withdrawn from the last session, the
chamber will keep in touch with the
situation and will see that St Landry
is not overlooked when the matter
comes mp for consideration again.
Committees will be appointed to in
vestigate the roads in the parish,
which are already constructed and see
that they are kept in as good condi-
ton as possible. There is a move
ment on foot to provide for a high
way, through Opelousas, from Beau
mont, Texas to Pass Christian, Miss,
If this is a feasible proposition the
chamber will help put it through.
Without investigation it might seem
that it would be simple matter to
secure industries for a town. How
ever, it must be token into considera-
ton that unless there is good and
sufficient reason for company NOV
! ing here it would be a drawback rath-
er than an asset to the town to have
it locate here. Many companies
would move here If they were offer
ed fire site, free building, exemption
from taxation or If they were able 10
sell sufficient stock. Unless these
propositions are investigated it is safe
to assume that what they want is the
site or the sale Of stock and that once
these have been secured the company
would not prove an asset but rather
a liability to the community.
/ In this connection 1t might be an
noumced that the chamber is endeav'
oring to get in touch with man cap
able of managing and investing in a
rice mill An Investigation will show
whether or not such mill will pay
here.
Another saw mill will be erected
: here within the next six months. O
l this the chamber is assured by the
parties interested, who have alread!
r secured their site.
= The chamber secured a special traiI
:. to bring back those VIII oattended ;
n base ball game at Eunice. 1t ha
r made arrangements for public res
: room. It has shipped car of pota
+? toes for the farmers of the parish. TIL
r parish demonstration agent has o.
h fees with the chamber of commerce
r All of these things needed attentio
9 but unless there had been an organ
Is zatio like the chamber here the
* could not have been done.
# Then there are small routine ma
IS tiers which come up for attention fro1
day to day. For instance:
10 Some members has a freight clail
a whcih is not getting proper attentio
"a or his rate is too high.
ir A single tax lecturer would like
n. come here.
or A chain bakery wants to kno
~ whether or not it would pay to esta
IT. lish a branch here.
oh A packing company would like
va find small warehouse where it cou
so distribute its products.
or One man would open a billiard roo
,s and another wants to know the pC
sibilities for moving picture theatl
n Local members cotemplate insta
~ ing a small ice plant and want
og know what it would cost.
ba A moving picture company wou
IN = make pictures at Opelousas if tn
,ho were paid enough.
.1n The police jury, or a member
that body, asks endorsement of a ma
cation district project.
,oh A train on one of the roads d.
mo not seem to be serving the public
az the best advantage.
&c The railroad commission intends
charge higher fare from the e
49,, to the west by way OF New Orle;
than via St Louis OF Chicago.
"a A repcese ntative Of the Salvat
M Army desired to form local bo
,i+b here to cooperate with their worl
eli The state department OF agricuIt
e. wants cooperation in arranging Lo
iaa exhibits for state, national