NEW YEAR PROSPECTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17454, 31 December 1930, Page 7

NEW YEAR PROSPECTS

CAUTION STILL NEEDED ACTING-PREMIER ’ S MESSAGE NO OCCASION FOR PESSIMISM (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. ; “The year which is just closing has recorded many events of outstanding importance,” states the acting-Pvime Minister, the Hon. EL A. Ransom, in a New Year message, ‘‘and it is fitting that I make reference to the loss suffered by this Dominion and the Empire through- the death' of the late Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward. When that eininent statesman Issued his New Year message, at the close of last year, his financial acumen prompted a note of caution to the people against uneconomical expenditure and an admonition to industry, and thrift. Time has proved the wisdom of his advice and, in view of the present difficulties facing the community, I feel that 1 cannot do better than repeat that advice with added emphasis. “With other parts of the world, we find ourselves in a process of deflation in values, witn its consequential readjustment. But, notwithstanding this, the economic position ot the Dominion id sbvind and we shall, doubtless, win through. Relative to its size and population, New Zealand is of all the British Dominions one of the richest in potentialities for expansion of trade and cornnrtre# and for the employment of large numbers of people. With its fertile soil, favored climate and industrious population, the Dominion cannot fail to expand Its primary industries.

INCREASED PRODUCTION ■> “The year just passing has recorded a notable Increase in the country’s sheep Hocks. There has been a record production of lamb and mutton and a materially enhanced wool clip. The aggregate weight of the frozen meat output has also reached a new peak, while the dairy industry has provided a high level record in output of butter and cheese. The export of apples surpassed that of any previous season. The wheat crops recorded exceptionally high per acre average yield and cereal growers have substantially Increased their acreage for the present season. "Whilst it must he realised that the national income from exDorts is dependant upon the purcnaSing power of countries overseas, it is. nowever, m our own,power materially to assist ourselves by purchasing New Zealand oroducts in preference to those provided elsewhere and I would commend this appeal to all my fellow citizens. “From the point of view of finance, the year has been a very difficult one and the people have been called upon to bear increased burdens in order that the (Dominion's,reputation for sound finance may be maintained. While our difficulties are bv no means behind us, there at? indications that the bottom has been reached so far as prices are concerned and. as soon as a measure of confidence in the market is restored, it is highly probable that prices will recover, though the prospects or a return to the level that obtained prior to the denrt scion is ' somewhat doubtful. Some readjustments will, of course, be necessary before economic conditions will atralh function smoothlv, but, as I have nlre-'dv stated, the natural wenltti of the Dominion, combined with" that resolute farm" of the facts which is cn»raetet)stic of New Zealanders, will enable us to overcome our difficulties. It means hard Work, but there is certainly no occasion for pessimism; in fact, I think we r:>n lorJ forward to the new veat with quiet confidence and hope for a return to more prosperous times.

UNEMPLOYMENT EVIL “The people cai> rely upon the Government to deal with the position resolutely and to do its utmost to assist the recovery of the country. Unemployment, which is probably the world’s most distressing problem at the moment, is with us a matter of gravest concern. The special unemployment legislation of last session, and the setting up of a board, is an earnest of the Government’s desire to provide a for 'meeting the problem and it apnea's to all loval citizens to afford their fullest co-operation and assistance.” After remarking that the Prime Minister had worthily represented ns at the Imperial Conference with a watchful eye to further develownent of Empire unity, Mr. Ransom continued : “What will count' most in the difficult days ahead will be the snirit in which we face our task. Unselfish co-operation and equality of sacrifice will make the burden lighter for all and the foundation of a more permanent prosperity will the more readily be laid if we have a com-mon-sense regard for our mutual obligations and interdependence as fellow citizens. Needless to say, the Government will afford every assistance in this direction, but the nation must rely for its own salvation not so much upon the State as upon the character and energy of its ppople. We ore still a young virile nation and our problems ere those of growth alnd not of decay. We should be false to our great heritage if we were pessimistic. To be up and doing is the only wav to be true to the great traditions of our race. I feel sure that, under the blessing of God, the indomitable pluck and determination of our eitigenerally will soon put ISew Zealand once more on the high road to prosperity/' Mr. Ransom extends to his fellowcitizens the best wishes for the new year.

THE SILVER LINING LESSONS OV ADVERSITY {Special to the Herald.) ( CHRIBTOIITJROII, this day. Cheerfulness, despite tho seeming blackness of the future, is the keynote of the following new year message from. Bishop West-Watson: “The new year promises had wontfher, There are heavy clouds on the horizon, and even above our heads, but the British taco is at its best in a tight place, and has a way of not knowing when it is beaten. In the war, the tougher the job the mote we dug our toes in and got to like and understand each other. Since the trials of the war wo have rather slipped back into our old grooves. It may be that these bad times are God’s way of reminding us that the good times made us rather selfish and apt to forget how much wo owe to one another. Behind the clouds God’s Idve still shines, and there is always a silver lining.. It may be a happy new year in spite of our trouble, if w,e let those troubles pull us together and face them shoulder to shoulder.’’