HUMAN DRAMA

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 201, 22 May 1931, Page 8

HUMAN DRAMA

Enactment in Dominion

ECONOMIC PROBLEM “May be Example to World” “We are living in a wonderful age,” said Mr. H. T. Merritt, Auckland, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand, when delivering an after-luncheon address to the Wellington Chamber and its guests yesterday. “During the lifetime of most of us we have witnessed the greatest of scientific and mechanical achievements. We have witnessed nations, with the aid of spurious forms of diplomacy, plunge the world into the greatest war in the history of civilisation, and we are witnessing the period of reconstruction, which I think has only just begun. “We are now, too, witnessing the enactment of a human drama in New Zealand, the conclusion of which may be an example to the world. I refer to the proceedings of the Arbitration Court between the employers on the one side and labour on the other. While we all view with dismay the prospect of reducing the standard of living, it is inevitable that the cost of production must come down if we are to pay our way. If the worker would only put in more time and produce more efficiently for the money he receives the problem would be solved to a large extent.”

A Poison Mist.

“The depression we are passing through has been like a miasma, a poison mist, which has stupefied our minds, twisted our mental outlook, and clouded the true perspective. But as in many other things it is history repeating itself. We must not get into the habit of thinking that such conditions are going to be continued indefinitely. It is always darkest before the dawn, and it may not be long before we see the rays of the sun of prosperity once more. One indication of a change, to my mind, was the recent lowering of the Bank Rate in England. To me that is the only sure sign—but it is a sure sign. “We have recently had a special session of Parliament, during which good work was done in facing our economic problems; but there is still more to be done. Surprise for Taxpayers.“I have been informed that proposals will be made shortly that will be somewhat astounding to the taxpayers of this country; but if we can induce labour to square up to the position and help .to put the country in a stable condition it may do lasting good, and that prosperity which we shall deserve for our courage and faith may be ours. I hope that when the next opportunity is given me to. 4 leak to you it will be at a time when hope and confidence have been restored to every citizen of New Zealand.”