Poverty Bay Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, OCT, 28, 1931. A FATEFUL DECISION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17610, 28 October 1931, Page 6

Poverty Bay Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, OCT, 28, 1931. A FATEFUL DECISION

The whole world lias been watching anxiously .for the results of the British elections, which, before the day is out will be coming forward in a steady stream, for it is universally felt that the decision, of the electorate will have a vital bearing not alone upon the financial position of England and the stability of the Empire, but upon the problems of world reconstruction and rehabilitation that are confronting the nations. At the moment of writing it may bo somewhat early to anticipate Hie ultimate result of the National Government’s appeal to the constituencies, but it may safely be said that there is every prospect of tlm forecasts of a substantial Government majority being fully borne out. It is hard to believe that it could possibly bo otherwise. The issue has been so clear, the need for an effective decision so urgent, that British common sense was bound to assert itself on the side of those who are leading the nation courageously on the only straight-forward and honorable course that is open to it if national honor, pride, and solvency are lo be maintained. The process of reconstruction to which the Government is firmly committed is not an easy one—it calls for very wide and general sneriJice—but. the fact that prominent men of all political parties agreed to sinlt their political differences and cooperate in the face of a common danger showed recognition of the gravity of the situation which could hardly be lost upon the mass of the people. The combination of men serving under Mr. MacDonald, it has been reiterated by all of them, Is not a coalition in any ordinary sense. There has been no compromise of principles in the desire to hold together and work together for the common good in this emergency. There is one supreme task before them, the task of national recovery, and they have appealed to the country for a mandate to enable them to carry it through. The appeal has been met with a good deal ol factious opposition from Labor leaders who a few weeks ago were prepared r,i) go almost the whole length of the programme of economy and reconstruction now' presented by the Cabinet, but who, to serve their own political ends have been appealing to the worst prejudices and passions of their constituents. It will be a relief to learn, as w'c expect will be the case by this time to-jnorrmv, that the sordid attempt to perpetuate class warfare at a time when the very national existence is at stake will have been overwhelmingly defeated and that the Government has been given authority to go forward with .its responsible task. The effect upon the world of such a decision would be incalculable. It would demonstrate that British courage, self-sacrifice, and determination to persevere against terrific odds are not dead. Despite the problems, financial, political and industrial, there can be no reason to doubt that the well-known British bull-dog spirit will pull the nation through.

A SUCCESSFUL SHOW The A. and P. Association is to bo heartily congratulated upon the success which has attended its fiftysecond annual Show. Glorious weather has favored the event, and the almost record attendances on both days have demonstrated that despite hard times the Show has lost none of its popularity. Even more satisfactory is the fact that entries have established a substantial increase and that the standard of quality of the Stock exhibited is being well maintained, whilst in some instances there is a marked improvement. This may be taken to be one of the results of the -Association’s activities. Its exhibitions are design ed to be educational and to promote that healthy competition amongst farmers which is so vital to the progress of any district. At no time in the history of New Zealand lias it been more keenly recognised that production must be increased if solvency is to be maintained. Old-time easy methods must go by the board and intensive and vigorous scientific cultivation bo pursued before farming nowadays can be made a payable proposition. The soil of this tine district responds very readily to .scientific treatment, and it is quite certain that as more .intensive farming is practised there will be an immense development in the productivity of the district. To secure this result the flocks and herds of the district require building up to high standards of quality, and it is here, by the opportunities they afford for comparison, that the annual shows are performing a most useful function. A further good purpose of the gatherings is to bring town and country people together in social inter-

course, thereby promoting a better understanding of their mutual interests. Above all the Show, with its many interests and entertainments, acts as a gloom-chaser, enabling everybody to forget for a time the worries of depressed markets and to buoy up one another with sage advico and cheery confidence in the future.