AN ANTIDOTE TO PESSIMISM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18198, 19 March 1921, Page 13

AN ANTIDOTE TO PESSIMISM

“THE RICHEST LITTLE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.” The heavy decline which has occurred in the prices of the staple products of New Zealand has had a depressing effect upon a large number of people, who express themselves in doleful terms about the badness of the times and the gloominess of the outlook. The picture has another side to it—one of which it is unwise to ignore. This side > is forcibly presented in the reminder published by an enterprising firm of advertising agents in a weekly contemporary in which they write. New Zealand tho richest little country in the world. Its wealth is the wealth of Nature. It lies in our rich pastures and fertile fields and orchards—in our flocks and herds—in our tremendous and inexhaustible water power—in our mountains of coal and iron—in our gracious climate. New Zealand’s chief job is the growing of meat, butter, cheese, and wool—food and raiment—things which the world must have. , The production of primary products in America and Europe has been gradually decreasing during the , past few decades, while *he consumption has been increasing. Therefore, the economic foundations of New Zealand are thoroughly sound and • solid. 1 The world will continue to require meat and wool and the other produce of our soil. No temporary slump at the other side i J, . 0 can l° n K affect New Zealand s position. Abnormal conditions may accumulate stocks, and reduce the spending powers of millions of people—but only for a time. Ihe world will soon be clamouring for our products—more ships than ever, loaded with our harvests, will be racing ,for tho ports of Europe and America, and a golden tide will flow to New Zealand in return. During the decade 1909-1918, Now Zealand received £266,000.000 for her exports, while she spent £207,000,000 on im-pends—-a balance in our favour of fortynine millions. The ratio represents the normal prosperitv of New Zealand, and those figures will be kept in mind by farseeing people. Working, not whining, will keep New Zealand busy—faith, not fear, will maintain progress—confidence, not cowardice, will keep the wheels of commerce turning.