BRIGHTER PROSPECTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 244, 14 September 1932, Page 6

BRIGHTER PROSPECTS.

PRIME MINISTER’S CONFIDENCE

LESSONS OF THE DEPRESSION. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept, 12. “There is a real increase in the confidence of business people right through the country. It is realised that the worst is over,” said the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. AA'. Forbes, on Saturday. “The depression has taught people responsibility, and the need for working together. It is, of coarse, impossible to make any definite assertion, but the prospects are much brighter than they were a few months ago.” Mr Forbes is resting at his home in Cheviot for a few days before the opening of the Parliamentary session. A question as to the possibility of a reduction in the wage tax put the subject of better prospects into the Prime Minister’s mind.

“No one hopes so more than I do,” he affirmed, “though it is impossble to give you a direct answer for some time. However, the signs are much better. Confidence is a tremendous thing in these matters. People are beginning to realise that they themselves can do a tremendous amount in the matter. Direct taxation will always arouse a storm of protest, but it has served more than one purpose. AVhen a mau has to put his liaud into his pocket for one specific thing, such as the wage tax, it makes him think. Men who some years ago thought that a worker who had lost his job had nothing to do with them are now realising that keeping people in employment is a matter which vitally concerns everyone in the country. “Tho Youth AA'eek held in Christchurch is just one indication of the great interest people are taking now in vital problems. People are appreciating tho lessons of the depression, and are out to help. themselves a.nd their neighbours. Employers are cognisant of their responsibilities. This being tho ease, it is possible that the summer will see less unemployment, and tho position will be eased.”