A BRIGHT OUTLOOK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14345, 15 April 1910, Page 6

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK.

THE DOMINION'S PROSPECTS. "NEVER LOOKED BETTER." [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] - Gisborn'e, Thursday. The Prime Minister, who has .-recently made an extensive tour of the Dominion, wis questioned to-day in regard to the general prospects of the country. In reply, he spoke very hopefully of the outlook. "I went practically all over New Zealand with Lord Kitchener," said Sir Joseph, " ai.d since then 1 have been all over the South with the Governor. Speaking generally 1 can say that our country has never looked better, nor do I know of any time when our producers were in such good heart. They have had a fine season, and the best test we can obtain in that respect is the increase in the volume of exports, apart altogether from their enhanced value, and added to that is the fact that prices, speaking generally, have been good, especially in wool and dairy produce. Frozen meat, which, when 1 was in England last year, was almost difficult to get rid of, even at a ruinous price to the holders, is now, practically speaking, in active demand, and better prices are ruling. There is also considerable vitality in the flax trade.

"Then, again," continued the Prime Minister, " money, which for 12 months had been difficult to obtain (the market having for 18 months been disorganised, more through fear than through actual reality), has regained its normal condition. The evidence of this is to be seen in the increase in the deposits in all the institutions, including the Post Office Savings Bank. The amount of money the Government is bringing into the country is also doing its share by making the local market much easier. As far as one can see we are in for prosperous times, in spite of a boom in prices of land, which still exists in some parts of the country.