OVERCOMING PROBLEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 49

OVERCOMING PROBLEMS.

MR MACDONALD OPTIMISTIC.

LONDON, October 1.

“ I should like to make this confer- 1 ence another turning point in our history,” said Mr MacDonald in a speech which was broadcast throughout the country. “ We have been suffering f- an a bad bout of pessimism. The weekly figures of unemployment have been serious enough, but they do not truly indicate unemployment as it was understood a few years ago. It has had a bad effect in depressing us and hiding us ii a cloud io the rest of the world. This must be stopped. Our weakness lies in our psychology more than in our skill in materials, resources, and opportunities. We need a renewal of will that the Empire shall wax and not wane. The present generation must do its part. Trade will not keep the interempire affections ' vital, but vital affection must keep our trade ample. Economic interests are often conflicting, and are not easy to harmonise Many of the schemes discussed in the press would break down in six months. They would not enrich i the Empire’s peoples permanently either in trade or in reputation. The confer-

ence open,, amid a disquieting outlook, but the genius of the British people is at its best when the difficulties are great est. On the very magnitude of the pro blems we are facing I build a good hope of overcoming them.”