FACTS AND FIGURES
V KEAL--IMPROVEMENT
THE ECONOMIC POSITION
(By Telegraph—J Jres9 Associatiou.) .• ' CHRISTCHURCH, V-July 7. That there had been a very i-eal improvement in the economic position of New Zealand in the last four years was maintained by the Hon. R. ■ Masters, Minister of Industries and Commerce, on his arrival'at Christchurch yesterday. Mr. Masters supported >his contention, which, he said, was not based on pious hopes and beliefs, but on hard facts and figures, by a statistical comparison of trade in 1933 with the position up to May, 1935.
"Nothing short of a national catastrophe was being faced in 1931 when the National Government took office," said Mr. Masters. "The total production of New Zealand had fallen in value from 127 millions in 1929 to 84 millions in 1931. Wool had fallen in value by 60 per cent, butter by 33 per cent., lamb by 27 per cent., and mutton by 23 per cent. The total valve of New Zealand's exports had fallen from 5G millions to 35 millions, a decrease of 40 per cent. Imports had fallen by 50 per cent, from 49 millions to 25 millions. Our primary producers were facing widespread and imminent ruin and their difficulties were reflected in the rapidly decreasing trade generally. Unemployment was growing, and public finances were falling into a desperate condition. •
"Contrast the present position with that of 1931. The value of exports has risen from £34,000,000 in 1931-32 to £45,000,000 in 1934-35. Imports have risen from £25,000,000 to £32,500,000. The increase in imports is most significant, as it directly reflects the restoration of the Dominion's purchasing power. .The national finances are once more in a sound position and unemployment, though still serious, is steadily decreasing. . ■ •. . . '
"I am not going to suggest," said Mr. Masters, "that this undoubted improvement is due entirely to the policy adopted by the National Government, but I do say it could'not possibly have taken place without a sound, steady, and responsible Government during this : most difficult period.". ■ / ■
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 7, 8 July 1935, Page 6
Word Count
331FACTS AND FIGURES Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 7, 8 July 1935, Page 6
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