A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22448, 18 December 1934, Page 10

A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

IMPROVEMENT IN TRADE CONFIDENCE STEADILY GROWING

An optimistic note was struck by the president of the Duuedin Chamber of Commerce (Mr C. B. Barrowclough) in the course of some remarks which he made last night at the last meeting of the council for the year.

" This year, like its immediate predecessors, has been a difficult one," said Mr Barrowclough, " but we have seen definite and unmistakable signs of improvement. Whatever statistics we examine we see a healthier tone. Our national revenue has increased. The seasonal decline in business activity normal in the winter and early spring months was largely counteracted this year by an improvement in general economic conditions. The unemployed figures up to the end of October showed a gratifying decrease of 21.2 per cent, from the total recorded a year ago. Wool prices, unfortunately, have shown a decline, but it would seem that the satisfactory prices ruling for fat lambs last year are to continue. There is a greatly increased activity in land transfer registrations, and the building and allied trades art> experiencing a much-needed revival. Railway returns, both as regards goods and passengers, are improving. Interest rates are down, and capital is accumulating ready for productive employment. The blackest feature is undoubtedly the unfortunate position of the dairy industry. "What the future may have in store none can say. Our prosperity, like that of all nations, must largely depend on world prosperity, and in that connection the unsettled conditions in Europe must cause all grave concern. But even there we can glean some comfort from the steady improving conditions in the Homeland, and it would seem that Great Britain's influence will be a large factor in stabilising European affairs. That influence did much to avert trouble in the Saar and to assist towards a settlement of the ill-feeling between Jugoslavia and Hungary. " With a growing feeling of confidence something may be done to break down the tariff barriers which are stifling commerce. Without that a return to prosperity i s impossible. Great Britain, by a series of trade agreements, is making a determined effort in this direction. 1 sincerely trust that these indications of a return to better times will be fulfilled, and that the coming year will have in stpre for us all health, employment, and reasonable prosperity."