Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, SEPT. 17, 1936. TRAVAIL OF THE JEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 248, 17 September 1936, Page 8

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, SEPT. 17, 1936. TRAVAIL OF THE JEWS.

Dr. Hertz, the Chief Rabbi, in his New Year message to Jewry, recalls the agony of the Jews in Germany and Russia, and in other countries. Why the Jews should be so persecuted is beyond the comprehension of British people. It is quite apparent that the Jews are providing the dictators in Central and Eastern Europe with an excuse for spectacular displays. The Jews have, in Germany at least, been a tower of strength to the country, especially on its cultural side. in music, grt, science, philosophy, medicine, chemistry, and all tlie higher cultural fields, they have been prominent, and have placed Germany on the map. One could say a great deal in defence of the Jews, but there is one trait in Jewish character that stands out—that is their conspicuous loyalty to the country in which they are domiciled. The British know that from experience and fully appreciate it. In referring to Falestine Dr. Hertz remarks: “As loyal citizens of Britain, which is the earth’s nearest realisation of might coupled with justice and humanity, we deem her incapable of a breach of faith. As Jews we cling to the Divine promise of Israel’s resurrection in the Holy Land.” The Chief Rabbi pays Britain a well-deserved tribute. Palestine was promised as a national home to the Jews under the Balfour Note, and Britain will not dishonour her promise. She gives clear and convincing evidence of that by the despatch of a division of troops to Palestine. The Arabs must be taught to observe law and order. Under British rule law and order are held to be the primary requisite for peaceful development of the country. The Jews are working wonders in Palestine; they are transforming the country which in the course of a generation or two will be a land flowing with milk and honey- Palestine’s existence under its present form of administration has coincided with the stormiest period of peace in the world’s history. This is not the most favourable atmosphere for the rapid growth of the practically new country. Nor have conditions been ameliorated by the sudden turmoil which has arisen within the bounds of the country itself. Fortunately, commerce finds a way of struggling on in the face of the heaviest odds, and Palestine’s record of economic achievement in the brief years since the country became "a territory mandated to Great Britain is little short of phenomenal. The annual revenue of the country, only a little over £2,000,000 (Palestine currency,) in 1924-25, increased to £5,500,-

000 (Palestine) in ten years, and there is now an accumulated surplus in the Treasury of nearly £7,000,000 (Palestine). Palestine last year imported goods to the value of nearly .£18,000,000 in her currency; and the tonnage discharged at the ports is mounting by leaps and bounds. In fifteen years the area under orange cultivation has increased fifteen-fold; dairy farming and vegetable production are being pursued on scientific lines; Reclamation is being carried on by afforestation, and irrigation campaigns show tlie extent of Palestine’s progress.