ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 238, 5 September 1940, Page 6

ECONOMIC CONFERENCE.

The economic conference called by the Government commenced in AVellington yesterday. Its task was clearly stated by the Prime Minister in his opening address to the delegates, when he said they had been invited to survey the general economic position of the country under war conditions, in order to consider the possibility of stabilising costs and prices and wages, and to discuss expanding production so that the strain of war expenditure might be successfully borne and the standard of living maintained as far as possible. The difficulties were not minimised by Mr Fraser, but he did not regard them as ‘‘insuperable if there is a spirit of willingness on the part of all sections of the community to make equal sacrifices whenever and wherever they are required. This,” he added, “is obviously the time when concessions must be made all round if unity of purpose is to be achieved.” There is a fine sentiment in these words, but this alone is futile unless accompanied by a desire to give them full efl'ect. Democracy, the Premier also pointed out, had the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to find a way and to accept sacrifices in the cause for which we are fighting. If the Government recognises these points to the fullest extent the way of the conference —and of the people should be made easier. The delegates can perform their allotted task of usefully surveying the country’s economic position and all this entails; in this matter it is an advisory body only and does not possess executive authority. Action must come entirely fiom the Government, who will be expected by the public to boldly face the challenge in the position as it exists to-day. The difficulties are well-known and need not be recapitulated. In the mam they are the result of a policy forced upon the country in spite of the warnings of experienced men. The war lias aggravated the position, but given courage in attacking the problems and anomalies of the day these can be removed.