NEW YEAR'S PROMISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20760, 31 December 1930, Page 12

NEW YEAR'S PROMISE.

POSITION OF DOMINION.

" MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR."

HON. E. A. RANSOM'S MESSAGE

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN" COT? HELTON PENT. WELLINGTON. Tuesday.

The conviction that, with pluck and determination, New Zealand will again reach the high road to prosperity is expressed by tho acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Ransom in a New Year message to the people of the Dominion.

"New Zealanders enter the New Year with n great deal to be thankful for," says Mr. Ransom. "Although we find ourselves entangled with tho rest of the world in a process of deflation of prices and painful readjustments, tho position of the Dominion is sound, and wo shall, no doubt, win through. Relative to size of both country and population, New Zealand, among all the British Dominions, is probably the richest in potentialities. There are still uncapitalised sources of wealth, capablo of providing a great field for development and the profitable employment of numbers of men and millions of money.

High Credit in London

"The Dominion remains one of tho soundest for investment funds. Our credit is high in the London money market. No country in the world offers its people a larger margin ot security and happiness than'is enjoyed in New Zealand. In its soil fertility, unsurpassed climate, luxuriant pastures, thriving herds ami flocks, mineral deposits, scenic beauties, primal sources of light and energy—in short, in the aggregate of the natural endowments of our most favoured country — we have all tho elements necessary for the happiness and prosperity of a homogeneous people.

" Tho year passing lias recorded a notable increase in the country's sheep flocks, a record production of lamb and mutton and a materially increased wool clip. The aggregate weight of tho frozen meat output also reached a new peak, while tho dairy industry provided a high level record in tho output of butter and cheese. The export of apples surpassed that of any previous season. Wheat crops recorded an exceptionally high average yield per acre arid cereal growers have substantially increased their ucreage for tho present season. " While it must be realised that the national income from exports is dependent upon the purchasing powers of countries overseas it is in our own power materially to assist ourselves by purchasing New Zealand products in preference to those produced elsewhere and I would commend this appeal to all my fellow citizens.

Fortitude in Adversity.

"It is truo that tho year just- closing has been one of difficulty for many of our citizens and for the Government. But quiet contemplation of the milestones that have been passed in years gone by, along roads not always smooth, and of the almost romantic development of a great Dominion in three-quarters of a century, cannot fail to give us fortitude in present difficulties and courage for the future. "While our difficulties are by no means behind us there are indications that bot-

torn has been reached so far as prices

are concerned. As soon as a measure of confidence in the market is restored it is

highly probable that prices will recover, though the prospect of a return to the level that obtained prior to the depression is somewhat doubtful. Some readjustments will, of course, be necessary bofore the economic machine will again function smoothly, but as I have already stated the natural wealth of the Dominion, combined with that resolute facing of facts which is characteristic of New Zealanders, will enable us to overcome our difficulties. It means hard work, but there is certainly no occasion for pessimism. In fact I think we can look forward to the new year with quiet confidence and the hope of a return to more prosperous times. The people can rely upon the Government to deal with the position resolutely and to do its utmost to assist the recoverv of tho country.

Problem of Unemployment,

"Unemployment, which is probably the I world's most distressing problem at the moment, remains with us as a matter of the gravest concern, but we must not forget that the great majority of our people are- usefully employed. The special Unemployment Act of last session awaits the sincerest co-operation of all loyal citizens to implement an honest effort to meet an embarrassing problem. "In so far as the present world-wide distress is a reaction in relative magnitude of the most cataclysmic .war the world has ever known, wo can bo thankful that the ideals of peace and co-operation are found animating the nations in the Now Year toward larger humanities and social progress. During the year the Motherland has maintained our affectionate regard, and in her great efforts toward world reconstruction our keenest appreciation and loyalty. Our Prime Minister worthily represented us at the Imperial Conference with a single eye to the further development of Empire unity in both sentiment and trade. On his return to New Zealand ho will no doubt continue, with his colleagues in the Government, to work for the strengthening of those bonds of Empire which, though light as air, must be stronger than iron.

Effect ol Lower Prices.

"Tho prices of our primary produce in overseas markets arc far from satisfactory. Tho resultant constriction in inflowing wealth, to the extent of £10,000.000 to £12,000,000 this year, must adversely affect tho tide of Dominion prosperity. Consequential problems will arise in private and public finance and in industry and commerce, and readjustments will nave to be made. Fortunately lower prices have been materially offset'by increased production and the cry of famine, more terrible than that of low prices, is never heard in the land.

"What will count -most in the difficult days ahead will be the spirit in which we face our task. Unselfish co operation and equality of sacrifice will make the burden lighter for all and tho foundations for a more permanent prosperity will the more readily bo laid if we have a com-mon-sense regard for our mutual obligations aud interdependence) as fellow citizens. What Iho Government can do >n this work of reconstruction, needless to say, will be done. But a nation must rely for its salvation not so much upon it's Government as upon tho character and energy oi its people. "We are still a young and virile nation and our problems are those of growth and not of decay. We should be false to our great heritage if wo were pessimistic. To bo up and doing is tho only way to bo true to the great traditions of our race. I feel snro that, under the blessing of God, the indomitable pluck and determination of our citizens generally will soon put New Zealand once more on tho high road to prosperity. In this cheerful confidence 1 join with my colleagues in tho Cabinet in wishing all a happy New Year."