BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21251, 3 August 1932, Page 12

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

OPTIMISM IN AUSTRALIA GOOD SEASON EXPERIENCED MORE WORK IN FACTORIES New Zealanders who returned from Australia by tho Mariposa yesterday were enthusiastic concerning the signs of economic recovery to be note'd in various parts of the Commonwealth, and the spirit, of confidence with which the New South Wales Nationalist Government is inspiring tho people. Many of tho passengers gave expression to tho most optimistic views that have been heard for several years, concerning Australia's immediate future. - "There is a much happier feeling in Sydney than there was last year," said Mr. Stanley S. Scott, managing director of Bcrlei (N.Z.), Limited, who returned from a business visit to Sydney P-nd Melbourne. "Australians seem to have recovered something of their former

optimistic outlook and are looking forward to the new season with more confidence than has been displayed for a long time. , . ■ . "Many instances can bo given to si.ow how things are looking up. Several firms in Melbourne and Ballarat are putting on extra hands. I went through one large shirt-making factory in Melbourne which is employing, moro operatives than in 1923, and machines have been put into operation which have been idle for nine years. In many secondary industries the tendency toward price-cutting appears to have been checked, both retailers and customers realising that it is better to pay a little more for the sake of getting a better article.". Absorbing Unemployed Mr. Scott said & great forward movement had been launched in New South Wales to absorb a substantial proportion of the unemployed. Local bodies were providing work for hundreds of additional men, and relief employment was bping offered instead of the dole. "In some circles in Sydney the use of the word 'depression' is barred," said Mr. I. J. Goldstine, Mayor of One Tree Hill, who spent six weeks in Sydney. "It is an example which New Zealand might well follow. There is a general move for a return of confidence, and a distinct spirit of optimism pervades Sydney." Looking at the throngs of shoppers in Sydney and noting the crowded amusement places, it was difficult to believe the city was feeling a depression, said Mr. Goldstine. It was a mistake to suppose, however, that Sydney had yet solved all its troubles. People were anxiously awaiting the result of the Ottawa Conference which, it was hoped, would achieve some- | thing that would be of tangible service to Australia. The new Government in New South Wales vras, making a strenuous effort to arrest the drift shown by the State's national deficit, and with careful administration and tho practice of strict economy there was no reason why Australia should not soon be on the road to better times. Building Activity The Hon. E. H. Farrar, a member of the Legislative-Council of New South Wales, and Minister of Labour and Industries in the Fuller Government, 1922-25, and the Bavin Government, 1927-30, who is on his way to Suva, said the past two seasons for primary products had been tho bQst experienced for many years, the pastures were in splendid condition and production was at a high peak; It only required additional orders "for produce to put Australia definitely round the corner. The defeat of the Lang Government had restored commercial confidence and livened the investment market, the manufacturing industries were improving, and there was distinct activity in the building trade and architectural profession. The policy of tho Nationalist Government was to replace the dole with work ; At present men on relief work were paid the basic wage of £3 15s for a week of 40 hours; the basic wage, however, was at present under' review.