DOMINION'S COMMERCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15685, 12 August 1914, Page 5

DOMINION'S COMMERCE.

A GENERAL REVIEW.

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

WISE SPENDING AND CAREFUL

ECONOMY.

[l',\- TELEGRAPH.—TRESS ASSOCIATION'.] CHKISTCntJKGH, Tuesday. Tuf, Christchurch Civic Commercial Committee has issued tho ' following statement:—

" While fully recognising that war must cause some dislocation in the ordinary life of the community, the Citizens' Committee believe that this country is, comparatively speaking, particularly well placed to meet any contingencies which might possibly arise. Our position in this far corner 01 the hemisphere ensures the minimum chance of attack, and, although temporary cessation of our shipping might be experienced, it is fair to assume that the great preponderance of strength of the British and allies' fleets will soon enable them to clear the seas of hostile ships, and so reopen our trade routes to tho Motherland.

j " The banks have announced that the ' financial position within this Dominion is particularly good, and that there is no cause for any special alarm. The position I has been further strengthened by Parliament having passed special legislation making bank notes legal tender, which moa'ns that they arc the equivalent of gold. They have also very wisely made special | provision with regard to mortgages, ana j tho regulation of trade and commerce, I which latter precaution safeguards the pubj lic against unreasonable risks in the prices of the necessaries of life.

"As soon as our trade routes arc restored there'will be an enormous demand from Britain, and no doubt from her allies also, for products of this Dominion. Great ! armies must be fed and clothed, and war j expenditure must be used to pay for these J equally with arms and ammunition. 1 " Fully recognising the importance and ! seriousness of the position, this committee placos the following suggestions before the people of Canterbury: — "'lt is of great importance that the normal life of the community should, with due regard to its industrial resources, be encouraged to continue with the least possible interference. We believe that a duty devolves on those public bodies and private individuals whose monetary circumstances are ample to spend freely, and to pay cash for their purchases wherever possible. Where necessary financial arrangements have been or can bo fairly made for works of a non-speculative kind, contracts should be proceeded with, thereby finding work for those in less favourable straits. The best source of relief is the wage paid for work done. Give employment to the maximum number of hands possible.' ' To wage-earners and those who have small incomes we would say: 'Husband your resources, and observe, if possible, economy, so that, if employment fails and income diminishes, you may be better able to tide over the emergency.' "Wo would also strongly urge upon the community to avoid any acts of a panicky nature, such as unnecessary operations upon their saving accounts. If the public will keep their heads we are very sanguine that only the minimum amount of trouble will be experienced in this Dominion."