N.Z. TROUBLES

Grey River Argus, 22 October 1934, Page 6

N.Z. TROUBLES

PREMIER’S HOPES Better Quality of Exports (Per Press Association.) CH RISTCHT’RCH, October 21. Confidence in the ability of New Zealand people to fave the difficulties of the present crisis, and eventually to solve them, was expressed by the .’Prime Minister, Air Forbes, in a speech at Woodend School diamond jubilee. ‘‘We are not the only country in the world in financial trouble,’' said Mr Forbes, ‘‘but we have one great advantage in New Zealand. We are of British stock, and the finest quality of the British race is steadfastness in the face of difficulties. Our’s is only a temporary problem., and it will prove not beyond our power to solve.” In sixty years, Mr Forbes continued, by sound and faithful work, a country had been built up of which all might be proud. But the problems of the past had presented a far easier task to those in administrative positions than the problems of to-day. The early work had been the development of production, and though there had been occasional fluctuations in prices, there had always been some outlet for the goods produced. To-day we found our principal market, the United Kingdom, to be supplied by every country in the world, and to be in a state of glut. ‘‘Bui there is one thing we can do,’’ he said. ‘* We can get our products out of the ruck and into the forefront as regards quality. There is always a market for the very best product. That undoubtedly is a way t««- open to ns. In the meantime, we have Io do our best to carry on the services of the country with diminished revenue; though, with the improved juices for wool and meat, we have been able to produce a budget that we are not ashamed of. If yon look at the conditions in other countries, you will find that, in comparison with them, we have something in which to take consola lion.’’ MR FORBES S WOOL LEVY. CHRISTCHURCH. October 21. Legislation aiming at the establishment of -organised research for Iho help of the wool i'ndustry would remain in abeyance until such time 9s the industry itself realised that. «ome action i s necessary, said the Prime Minister to day. “There is a strong opinion that action is neces sary,” said Mr Forbes, ‘‘a. difference being centred on the details. There

r eomed to be a great objection that it was just instance of tho Government’s assuming control. or

interfering. Nothing could have been further from the case. The Bill was intended to give the industry itself complete control. the Government's only functions being the raising of the money and the facilitating of the work. The whole admi'nistralion would be in the hands of the shecuowners themselves. ’ ’