WAR ECONOMY

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 September 1939, Page 8

WAR ECONOMY

PROBLEMS IN BRITAIN. [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, September 17. Although the nation, switched from peace to war economy with remarkably little dislocation, there have already been some marked surprises. The initial effects have been definitely deflationary. Many thousands lost their employment, resulting in a reduction of purchasing power and saving capacity. This situation is undoubtedly temporary, and will be mitigated when the war economy gets into full swing. Signs of a new unemployment problem are already unmistakeable, differing from the old one, inasmuch as it affects mainly clerks, salesmen, and other blackcoated workers. The authorities do not seem to know whether to advise people to spend or not to spend. There are also indications that the control of prices is not yet fully effective. A new form of profiteer has arisen, namely, the smaller middleman, who lost no opportunity in raising prices. The “New Statesman” cites rises of 25 per cent.' in furniture and hosiery, 60 per cent, in carpets, and 15 to 25 per cent, in many other household articles. So far there have been no fortunes made on the Stock Exchange, where ■dealings are restricted to a cash basis.

PROTECTING ENEMY PROPERTY LONDON, September 18. The Board of Trade has decreed that any monies payable on account of enemies shall be paid within a fortnight to the British Government custodians. Thus it is designed to preserve properties, pending a settlement at the conclusion of peace. This announcement was made only to-day.

MORE LATITUDE FOR PRESS LONDON, September 18. The Ministry of Information states that the War Cabinet has authorised greater freedom in reporting war news, and more latitude in Press comment. Lord Camrose has been appointed chief assistant to Lord Macmillan, Minister of Information. “BLACK-OUT” ACCIDENTS. LONDON, September 18. The increase of road accidents, due to “black-out” conditions, is causing serious concern. During the first 10 days, in London, 38 were killed, and 975 injured, compared with eight killed and 316 injured during the preceding 10 days. QUEEN MARY’S MESSAGE. LONDON, September IS. Queen Mary has sent a message to “my countrywomen,” expressing admiration at the way in which they have come forward to give help in the present emergency. She sent special greetings to all nurses.

GRAVE MOMENTS FOR EMPIRE. (Received September 19, 12.15 p.m.) OTTAWA, September 18. Lord Tweedsmuir, Governor-Gen-eral of Canada, addressing the Canadian Legion, said he considered the present, moment as grave as any in the history of the Empire. “It is grave, because the war we have entered has a serious purpose, a more momentous purpose than any of the older wars which we fought for security, defence of territory, balance of power, or similar reasons,” he said. “We' have entered this war for the preservation oi those spiritual values, which alone make life worth living.”

INCREASED CULTIVATION. RUGBY, September IS. The Ministry of Information announces that the scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture of Northern Ireland for increased cultivation provides that farmers, with 10 acres or more, shall have one-fifth of their total arable land cultivaed, in 1940. The aim is to secure 250,000 acres in tillage area, and it is confidently expected that this will be reached.