NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 183, 1 May 1933, Page 8

NOTES OF THE DAY

General relief will be felt at the news that the missing trampers have been found. The lapse of time since they were reported missing, and the exceptional severity of the weather, had reduced their chances of survival to a very* slender hope. No doubt their experiences will provide useful lessons for the guidance of future trampers. The knowledge that even seasoned explorers of the Tararuas may get into difficulties shows the need for safety precautions. There is always a danger that the searchers for lost trampers may themselves get. into difficulties, with serious, perhaps tragic, results. In the interests of all concerned, therefore, these outings should be subject to the observance of rules which experience has shown to be necessary. It is a fortunate circumstance that at the eleventh hour the shadow of what appeared to have been an imminent tragedy has been happily dispelled. ♦ * * *

Mr. Forbes’s visit to Massey Agricultural College has been followed by an interesting announcement. It is more than time that closer attention should be paid to the factor of quality in courting the-favour of the Home buyers of our primary products. This applies particularly to our wool and dairy produce. Hie Empire Marketing Board has frequently stressed the importance of research work in wool-growing, and insisted on greater attention being given to breeding as a factor in reaching required standards for certain woolfibres. Much also has been heard of late on the subject of butter and cheese quality. There is no doubt that in both departments there is room for improvement. Foreign competition can best be met by superior quality. It is satisfactory, therefore, to learn that steps are about to be taken to have this question systematically investigated.

• An indication of the psychology of the times, is given in the published accounts of the private savings banks in Auckland and Dunedin. In the case, of Auckland, withdrawals during the yea ended March 31 last exceeded deposits by £86,276. In spite of tha*. however, the amount standing to the credit of depositors is greater by £164,854 than it was on the same date the previous year. The Dunedin Savings Bank returns show that deposits exceeded withdrawals by £17,839, greater by £11,685 than the excess of the previous year. In the light of the present economic situation these figures are very striking. They reveal, for one thing, that the spending spirit of the people has been restrained. The thrifty have become more thrifty, otherwise unemployment and lowered savings would have depleted the funds of the Savings Banks. A similar psychology is observable in the statistics of private saving in the United Kingdom. In each case the main cause is a feeling of uncertainty and lack of confidence regarding the future. How to remove this and promote a flow of money in. trade is the problem. What is wanted are clear signs that the worst is over. The Finance Minister’s assurance that the country’s accounts have been balanced with a margin to spare is one hopeful sign. Others may come from the results of the Washington conversations and of the World Economic Conference. British industrial prospects, too, are distinctly brighter. A little more courage in wise spending might just now start a welcome thaw.