King Country Chronicle Saturday, January 3, 1925. THE NEW YEAR.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 2062, 3 January 1925, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Saturday, January 3, 1925. THE NEW YEAR.

-re t'-r'.-vi No c oun t ry, 'i p/ forward to the'' greater optimism' l ii l people of this DomiififoreffiiijtpPMß Is taking place in e very rift population is Increasing, aiWflit? pricSj for the produce of the country give every indication that we are entering on a new era of prosperity and progress. The finances of many who have passed through a period of stress and anxiety have been stabilised, while others, especially those engaged in agricultural and past-oral pursuits, although not yet clear of their heavy obligations, can now see daylight ahead, enabling them to put fresh vigour and enthusiasm into their work. Altogether, it can be said that New Zealand lias every prospect of entering on a period of steady progress and development, with a diminishing of the many problems and perplexities that have cast a shadow over the country for the last decade. Others may arise from time to time, but it is not at all probable that these will be so stupendous as those of the past, and which are being slowly but surely eliminated, while the experiences of these will in a large measure help to surmount the difficulties of the future.

New Zealand is a country of which the people residing in il have good reason to be proud. The progress of the past has been steady, but indications point to greater development in every direction during the years to come. The possibilities and resources of this country are being realised to a much greater extent than formerly, and last year the Dominion gained an increase of population of over 7000 by immigration alone. The country can absorb these and many more, for the sooner wo can /ill our empty spaces, ihe better it will bo for all. We arcpassing the pioneer and colonising stage, and in the words of the Premier, in his New Year message, are in the initial stages of building up a new nation in the Pacific. In this there will be the active co-operation of the Imperial Government, and the question of Imperial fiscal reciprocity will be a strong feature of Home politics during the coining year. A strong effort is being made for closer co-ordination between Britain and the Dominions in every possible way, for the stability of the Empire urgently requires this.

The year 1525 gives promise of great things, but in order to fulfil these, it is incumbent for all sections of the community to grasp the opportunities offered and make the best use of them. We have still an immense war debt over our heads; and this calls for economy and caution. The year 1924 was fairly free from industrial unrest, but in the coming year it is to he hoped that there will be no dissension between employers and employees. With prudence, hard work on all sides, and a proper appreciation of the experiences of the last few years—comprising both prosperous and lean periods--the people of this fair Dominion have good cause to look forward to 1925 with every feeling of optimism.