A CONSTRUCTIVE PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 7, 8 July 1931, Page 9

A CONSTRUCTIVE PLAN

The general idea submitted by Mr. Poison in his presidential % address to the Farmers' Union is entirely sound. He urges-that our endeavours to grapple with the depression would be more successful if the whole nation could be united in | support of a constructive plan. The needs of the moment, as he sees j them, are: —- First, a national understanding; second, the subordinating oi! all other issues to this one; third, the assent of all sections to the adoption of a definite objective. For the attainment of the unity essential to recovery and progress he has formulated what he terms "a salvage and reconstruction plau" with a fivefold, aim:' (1) Encouragement of essential Dominion industries; (2) stabilisation of future development by directing expansion along scientifically planned lines, (3) mainten-

ance of reasonably established slanclards of living by increased efficiency in production and distribution; (4) promotion of Empire co-operation to facilitate trade and increase economic stability and national spending power; (5) establishment of industrial peace. It may be said that these are general aims to which every section of the community may subscribe, and that difficulties and differences would immediately present themselves if one were to attempt to go further and set out in greater detail the steps to be taken. Certainly there would be difficulties, but these are not insuperable. Mr. Poison has outlined a course to be pursued which would give such a measure of initial progress that there would be an incentive to go further and face the difficulties. We do not think Mr. Poison would claim that his plan is perfect or complete. But, as we.have slated, the general idea is sound. Hitherto the battle with depression has been an effort to avoid defeat. It has been defensive. Every defensive action is, more or less negative and uninspiring. If we can by any means substitute something positive it must have a heartening effect. ■ A definite objective, a goal, is something to work foiv It is not'enough to say to this or that section: "This is your sacrifice, and this your part." Cheerful acceptance of the sacrifice and willing assistance in the general task arc secured only. by understanding. If men can be shown that they are helping in a general plan, and how they are helping, they will work harder and with a greater will than if they cannot see where their efforts are leading. We need a plan to induce . all sections to work together and so that they may see the results, and be assured of a share in results.