BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10473, 31 December 1927, Page 9

BRIGHT OUTLOOK

DOMINION'S PROSPECTS FOR i . 1928. .

TR ABE POSITION SHOWS IMPROVEMENT.

THRIFT, INDUSTRY AND MURE PRODUCTION ESSENTIAL.

PREMIER’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE.

(Press Association.) WELLINGTON,. Dec. 31. “Another year is closing, and 1 take the privilege of addressing a short message to my fellow citizens in the Dominion. .

“Following upon the general election two years ago, when the people expressed their confidence in myself as Prime Minister, 1 stated that the guiding-principles of my administration would be the safety and stability of the Stajtc and the Empire, the security of the individual, toleration with equal opportunity for all, and peace aijd oriler in the community. Those principles since that time I have, endeavored to the best of niv ability- to promote. ‘‘During this period the country has passed through a time of difficulty which has proved embarrassing to many of our popple. The reasons were mainly economic in their character, and were not confined to our own hut were world-wide in yheir cause and effect. New Zealand is dependent very largely for her prosperity upon external markets for the. satisfactory disposal of her primary products. Most important among these markets is, of course, .Great Britain, and any depression in Great Britain, combined with a decreased purchasing power on the part of our kinsfolk in the 'Homeland,- is immediately )\ reflected in this country liv diminished returns to our producers. Those factors unfortunately'existed, with the inevitable result that the .Dominion suffered tne experience of an adverse trade balance.

‘■.The Dominion ’ has undergone similar types of depression in the past, and the virility and industry of her people have enabled her to surmount tnese obstacles. But there is a lesson to be learned from those happenings. Greater attention must he paid to economic tendencies in relation to our overseas trading, and our imports should he regulated by the value of out- exports. “I am glad to say ■ that the trading position of the country has greatly improved as compared with the past year. Imports have decreased, while firmer and more stable prices are being obtained for our exports, bringing much-needed relief to the primary producer, upon whom the country is so largely dependent for • its prosperity. “With the prospects of a bountiful sea soft, the outlook for the New Year is bright, but we must not, for this reason,. lie led into a false feeling of security. .Prudence in administration, thrift and industry on the part of the individual, and greater production are still essential, if we are to reap the full benefits of returning prosperity. •‘lt is pleasing to note that trade conditions in the United Kingdom have shown an improvement, and that there are signs that many of the economic disturbances of the Old Land are being more or less settled.

‘When 1927 dawned 1 was absent from the Dominion on account of my attendance at the Imperial Conference, which marked an.important epoch in the history of the Empire. Already good results have arisen from it, in tlm strengthening of tbe ties of unity and the fostering of inter-Empire trade. I say again that it is our duty to do ail we can to strengthen this unity and to destroy those influences which, are likely to promote class conflict, disturb the social order, and hinder good government.

“One of the . most outstandingevents during the, year was the visit to New Zealand of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. Their stay amongst us has endeared them to all our citizens and will be long remembered. “I must also make mention of another notable event, namely the visit to the Dominion of the Right Hon. L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for Dominion - Affairs, and Mrs. Amery, who have so recently taken their departure, from our shore. This has marked the first occasion when a British Cabinet Minister in office has visited this far-off land, and Mr. Amery’s tour of the overseas Dominions must give a great impetus to the cause of Empire co-operation which is' so essential to our national'unity. It has been truly written “What do they know of England who only England know.” The more frequently responsible statesmen or tbe Mother Country can leave the Homeland and acquire first-hand knowledge of the Empire’s territories, the -greater'will he the opportunity of bringing about better understanding of its peoples and its problems, and of more firmly consolidating those links which bind us all together under one Crown.

‘•Jt is a source of satisfaction to see the efforts which are being made by those in authority atHome to got into close and sympathetic touch with the outlook of the various Dominions of the Empire. it is therefore incumbent upon us to do oiu’ part in promoting mutual counsel, and common understanding. Bv so doing wo will help to maintain the spirit ol idealism which wo have inherited. “Not least-in this spirit of idealism 'is the effort to promote peace among the nations with a view to bringing prosperity, to all mankind. It thus behoves all classes of our people to Work together, to bury as far- as possible petty) and party differences, and to ...strive earnestly for the common good. “I congratulate my fellow citizens again upon the hotter outlook with which wo face the New Year, and in its prosperity I sincord v hope that all may share. (Signed) .1. G-. COATES. Dargaville, ,30th Decemhor, 1027.