UNEMPLOYMENT AND PROSPERITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21646, 17 May 1932, Page 10

UNEMPLOYMENT AND PROSPERITY

TO I’JIE EDITOR Sir, —We overtaxed citizens of New Zealand take vigorous exception to (he so-called leaders of the unemployed expressing their right to a living wage when they ale out of work. Is this country a charitable institution? Would the old pioneers) have hesitated to make work for themselves by going on the land? Why should we, poor, worried, harassed earners have to stand the brunt and burden of it all when we are' losing heavily daily, struggling along, sometimes hoping against hope—in spite of bitter dispair—to provide a: livelihood for our families and de-

pendents? This custom of thrusting other people’s troubles on to people often less able to bear them calls for censure. The whole country, which is but small in population, could be brought to a state of prosperity in a few months with a capable executive in charge. What and how? Simply by'exporting our produce to a better market than England, which is overflooded with similar produce from nearby countries. In the East, China, Siam, Malaya, etc., butter averages 3s per lb and cheese 3a 6d the whole year round. Meat is at a premium! When we stop to consider that butter brings 98s per cwt., or IOJd per lb in England only, we can, soon see the tremendous amount of money (nearly three times more) our exports would be worth. This scheme should and could be worked. Send represontatives to the foreign countries to sell our goods. Why not? What business firm could exist without its commercial travellers? Not one. Therefore, to relieve our ever pressing unemployment question, let us explore new markets and bring prosperity back quickly. Let us do something, let some action be brought to bear—or soon the whole fabric of our country will be rent by enormous over-taxation. Why watch the situation’ grow worse? Have any of your readers any better suggestions or improvements to offer?—l am, etc., - Go East.