"THE WORST OVER"

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 150, 6 April 1933, Page 8

"THE WORST OVER"

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA. VIEWS OF BUSINESS MEN. (Special to the " Guardian.") AUCKLAND, April 4. Business men arriving at Auckland by the Aorangi were unanimous in their opinions that better times are in sight and the worst of the depression is over. "Australians are not squealers in any sense of the term," said Mr H. Berry, of Auckland, who returned after spending five weeks in the Commonwealth. He added that prominent merchants had informed him that Australia was 3io longer turning the corner, but had definitely turned it. From his own observations he came to the conclusion that things were better all round. A bank superintendent said that there was a healthier tone everywhere. "The farming community and the storekeepers will still have to be nursed for some time," he continued, "and this will be done. Since the bank crisis in America many commercial men have been viewing the banking system of Australia and New Zealand, and the opinion is general that our system is splendid. What is necessary for the good of New Zealand and Australia is a greater measure of reciprocity between the two countries. There is a lot of feeling in Australia in certain quarters against the Dominion, and the fruit embargo has had much to do with it, but I think that if the right methods are adopted a relationship will be established in the interests of all." Mr G. W. Woodbridge, commercial research officer for the Australian Gas Light Company, of Sydney, who is Mayor of Hunter's Hill, expressed the view that rock bottom had been reached and a new feeling of confidence and optimism was apparent throughout the wholo community.