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Otago Witness, Issue 4069, 8 March 1932, Page 67

“ South Africa is by far the most prosperous of the British colonies at the present time,” stated Mrs M. C. Matheson, of Johannesburg, who is at present on a visit to the Dominion, when in conversation with a Manawatu Evening Standard reporter. “ There is very little unemployment, no dole system, and the country is still on the gold standard. However, the retention of the gold standard by the Nationalist Party under General Hertzog has had the effect of placing the farmers at a disadvantage, and they are unable to dispose of their wool. As a result the farming community is experiencing more difficult times than the other classes. The retention of the gold standard. however, is far from popular with many of the residents; indeed, there are many members of the party in power who do not hold the same opinion as their leader. Many hope that another election may be necessary in the near future with the return of the South African Party under General Smuts to power,” added Mrs Matheson.