WORLD’S ECONOMIC TROUBLES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 9, 8 December 1932, Page 2

WORLD’S ECONOMIC TROUBLES.

MAYOR’S ADDRESS.

“Twelve months ago I expressed the viewpoint that the economic conditions were part of a Divine plan, and now I. am going to advance further along the i lines of those sentiments by saying 1 am certain they were part of that plan,” stated the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) at the breaking up ceremony of the Palmerston North Convent School yesterday afternoon. “Have we not completed a distinct stage? is not the world knit together in material unity for the first time in history and is not this a distinct era of civilisation from those which have preceded it.? The fault of the present conditions lies not in the plan, but with you and I and the rest of humanity. The present troubles of the .world are man-made. They have not been caused by bad harvests, famine and disease. We have all been ta.ught that charity begins at home, hut not that it ends there. None cl us has been taught that it begins and ends there. ,

“New Zealand has been described as the pearl of the Pacific, as a land flowing with, milk and honey, but it, is a tragedy. We have an abundance of everything we really want and yet standing out like a light in the darkness of this Eldorado are 90,000 men wanting work and unable to get it. It requires a certain amount of fortitude to adhere to the principles of Christianity under the present circumstances. Christianity embraces faith, hope and charity. It is no good preaching the. morals of Christianity if we do not provide the economic means. Men of vision are wanted. Here in this country after three years of depression we have the Government adjourning for two months to study the position. What an admission of failure! Men in public positions have considered and studied and talked of currency reform and exchange. From what 1 have read I would say that currency and exchange are very delicate pieces of commercial machinery—more dangerous than a live electric wire to those who do not understand it —and more delicate than the most delicate watch mechanism.

“Place New Zealand in the pus tion of one family. -Would the fails deny his sons the right to work b; clothing and a place of shelter who there were buildings and fences to h erected and roads to be constructs H© might say, ‘I am short of mono jtnd have a mortgage on my farm.’ be ho would not let them starve in land of plenty. Rather would 1 sa y, I will pay you promissory not, according to the wealth you produorou may be able to cash thorn a' 1 ,j’° u not, but I will redeem tin