DOMINION TOPICS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 113, 6 February 1937, Page 17

DOMINION TOPICS

Prosperity . . . and After. New Zealand is at present living beyond her means, and not all the econo-

mic theories in the world can stave off tiie dire results of such a practice. When “boom cycles” occur nations

often begin to live beyond their means, and bring into operation the vicious spiral in which prices and wages chase each other up to the ultimate but inevitable collapse. This is the stage at which in wise countries the bank rate begins to harden and applies a brake to the nation. However idealistic the motive, it is no use Hying in the face of cold facte. New Zealand will probably experience a period of prosperity for perhaps another eighteen months. And after that, an awakening.—“Taranaki Daily News.” “Concessions.” It is understood that hotel proprietors and retailers throughout the Dominion are seriously considering the whole question of “concessions,” or special discounts, given to some of their customers,but not to the general public. Motorists, civil servants and teachers are among those whose organisations press for reduced charges to their respective members. Why should this form of what approaches commercial dictatorship be encouraged? Eacli class of concessionaire is as well able as other sections of the community to pay normal prices, and there is no justiflication for a system that either deprives the tradesmen of what is their due, or adds to the general cost of living.—Greymouth “Evening Star.” Flood Control. Mr. Semple says that the proper control of rivers is so difficult and costly that it should never have been passed from nationally responsible authorities to drainage boards and county councils. He considers that comprehensive schemes based on scientific investigation should have been embarked upon, evidently, long ago. That cry, o f course is common in all young countries. The pioneer had to cut his coat according to his cloth. Many of the problems of his own making were inevitable because there could be none of the comprehensive planning now dictated by the wisdom of experience. But it would be folly for the country with its present resources to neglect the obvious task of flood control, and if Mr. Semple applies his practical mind to the task he will be assured of general support. —“New Zealand Herald.” Afforestation. Two Ministers of the Crown speak to-day of the importance of afforestation both in conserving and regenerating the magnificent inheritance of the unique kauri forests, and in developing tree-planting to conserve land and avoid the terrible dangers that the floods in America point to. They might well be invited to study the South Island problem on the spot. No serious effort is being made on the west coast of the South Island to regenerate the native forest, although experiments conducted at the instance of Canterbury College have shown that regeneration is not only possible but easy. The indigenous forests will well 'repay whatever attention is given them now. both commercially, in competition with the vast exotic forests, which have definite weaknesses and limitations, and in the protection of land from the ravages of flooded rivers.—“ Christchurch Star-Sun.” Bicycle Registration. The Minister of Transport, who unwillingly dropped from the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act a clause requiring the registration of bicycles, has indicated that he will again attempt to legislate on the same lines; and he will deserve thanks if he succeeds. It is more than mildly surprising that in Christchurch, for example, where the bicycle largely contributes to the difficulty of traffic control and to the risks of the road, the city council should show itiself indifferent to ah obvious and easy means of malting control more. efficient. What is conspicuously true in Christchurch, however, is true everywhere else. Moreover, few offences are commoner than the theft of bicycles ; and registration would give owners more security than they have now and thieves much less. The registration fee proposed last year was one shilling, a final, not an annual payment: and it is a small price for the advantages of a registration system.—Christchurch “Press.” “Not Understood.” The Minister of Labour is in the unfortunate position, ho himself represents. of being "not understood.” Hv complains that an injustice is done to him when it is supposed that lie would be guilty of anything so reprehensible as to threaten the introduction and passage of legislation to remedy a wrong which was, in his opinion, inflicted on the freezing works employees in one respect in the award of the Arbitration Court. He is not, he asserts, in the habit of making threats. It is a little curious since he was attended in Auckland by “a very fast stenographer,” in order that his speech to the freezing workers might be faithfully recorded, that he has not produced what might be called an official report of his speecli in proof of his dis- , claimer of having in this instance departed from his virtuous habit. — ‘‘Otago Daily Tinies.” ) Wheat Production. ; In Canterbury we have a consider- ! able area of land admirably suited for the production of wheat of the highes’ quality; we would be sacrificing one of our birthrights were we to allow . that land to be devoted to other and less utilitarian purposes, and seek our 1 wheat supplies from overseas, thus 1 placing ourselves at the mercy of those beyond our gates for an essential ‘ article oi. food. We are sure the Gov- ' eminent will give every consideration 1 to the represent titions of the wheat 1 growers, and spare no pains to reach 1 a basis of values which will not onlv ensure that wheat growing will be con- ' tinned, but that there will be a steady increase in the area devoted to the pro- 1 dilution of this cereal, thus enabling us to remain independent of outside sup plies.—“Timaru Post.”

South Island Sufferings.

We are painfully aware that our local organisation (the South Island Tourist League), is not in a strong financial position, but with such a policy in view it might with infinitely more confidence approach those who have some practical ideas about the commercial value of the travel industry. The geographical position of Auckland makes it certain that for many years it will be the chief jumping off place for tourists. Luxury liners put in there and it is the first port of call for many overseas services. We are firmly convinced that a real, live agent in Auckland would be a valuable asset to the South Island, whose interests are, under existing circumstances, so inadequately served. — “Southland Daily News.” Airways—Tasman and Pacific.

Many months must pass before even the Tasman is bridged by Imperial Airways. If the New Zealand Government treats the position with realism it will be seen there is no justification for denying the people of the Dominion the very important facilities offered by Pan-American Airways, which are in brief the transport of mails and passengers from Auckland to San Francisco in 40 hours’ flying time during a period of three days. New Zealand has to play its part in Pacific affairs, and the establishment of air services between the United States and the Dominion will be a milestone in the country's progress. It should not be beyond the power of the Government to conclude an agreement with Pan-American Airways that will not unfairly prejudice Imperial Airways.—“Taranaki Herald.” Housing and Population.

It has been said before, and may well be repeated again, that the whole policy of concentrating housing activity in the large centres of population displays short-sightedness on the part of the authorities. It is true, of course, that it is in these centres that there is the greatest demand, but because there is such a demand rents have been forced up to a high level and overcrowding has been caused. The provision of a few hundred more homes, however, will not remedy overcrowding or reduce rents, but what it will do will be to attract still further population to areas where it is least desired. In effect, the housing problem is not merely one of building houses, but essentially one of distributing the population, and this, in turn, is a question of industrial organisation.— “Poverty Bay Herald.” Mortgage Application.

Simple procrastination is in some measure responsible for the last-minute rush of applicants under the mortgage legislation, but there are contributory causes, some of which are not within tiie applicants’ control. The AttorneyGeneral holds out the hope that applications lodged without the complete particulars required by the Act will be sympathetically treated, but it appears that the point will be left in doubt until a test case has been decided. It is known that some of the applications lodged are accompanied by particulars so sketchy that they will require amendment. On the other'hand, there is the probability that by tiie time some cases come to hearing the particulars now lodged concerning them will be no longer accurate. In all the circumstances, it would seem wiser to devise a way (even if validating legislation is required) of allowing extra time, so that every application may be made complete.—“ Auckland Star.” Subsidized Shipping.

It can be said in a few words that what the New Zealand Government is expected to subsidize is a shipping service, modernized in every way to meet competition from America, and designed not only to restore British ships to pre-eminence in the Pacific, but to reduce as far as possible the distances that hold New Zealand in her present isolation. No question of labour conditions has been raised hitherto, and there seems no reason—unless it be a hesitation in the face of the proposed subsidies—why it should be raised at this point. It may be said, further, that passenger conditions in the new vessels will have to be something more than “reasonable” if there is to be any chance of winning back the traffic now being carried in American liners—“ Southland Times.” Chilled Beef.

At the present time direct importation of stock from Great Britain to New Zealand is not possible, and the roundabout way that must be adopted is said to be costly, but as quality is of first importance in the meat markets which the Dominion supplies, and competition is so intense, New Zealand, if it wishes to obtain and hold a fair share of tiie demand, must produce the quality that is required. It seems now to be certain that more and more tiie export trade in beef will be in the chilled class, in which the small quarter is favoured. There can be no doubt, as to the ability of the country to meet that demand, and the Waikato should be one of the chief centres of the trade. But the vital factor is quality and it is only by prolonged effort and careful breeding that it can be assured. The day of frozen beef appears to be passing rapidly. The new task is to meet the demands of the market for chilled beef and New Zealand should be utile to do it.—“Waikato Times.”

Wool Still “Up.” The sheep-farmers have even better reason to be pleased with the result of the second Auckland sale than with the first. In November there was an abnormal influence —the trade dispute between Japan and Australia —in the market, and amidst the jubilation ar the unexpectedly high prices then paid for our wool there was a natural doubt as to the future. When the trade dispute was ended and Japanese buyers resumed their activity in Australia, would New Zealand prices fall? This time at Auckland the Japanese were bidding normally, but the strength of the competition from Bradford and the Continent resulted in prices being fully maintained at the November rate, and perhaps a little above it. The influence of buyers from New Zealand industries was also a potent oue in keeping prices high. They not only bought the highest-priced lines, but were strong bidders for all fine wools. —“Auckland Star.”