THE PRESENT CRISIS.

Southland Times, Issue 21264, 10 December 1930, Page 9

THE PRESENT CRISIS.

To The Editor.

Sir, —With your kind permission I wish to make a little further comment on our present situation. Reading, like many others, of tho reports of‘various proposals through your paper, I often think that those directly concerned in the handling of the position facing this country, are “loth” or ‘‘quite easy" on the matter. But. to tho.;e directly affected there appears quite a different picture. Now, Sir. to try to solve the farmers position. 1 note where some of our members arc doing their utmost (in the right direction), that is they are desirous of a loan to assist (he backbone of this country, but,with failing results. Why? Quite easily explained. How could any weakly industry knock at the doors of any counting house where they appear to be gambling or wasting within and expect assistance? Again what would bo the use of financial assistance if it were forthcoming under our .present system. Borrowing to assist another nation, America and the like? Not so in my mind. I think if we look back through the files of this country wo will find that its credentials 'were gained by tho sweat of the brow; hard toil, backed up by qualities which are not with us today, and should we prefer to get back to business to secure our position I am of the firm belief that the only ray of hope is. a working policy. We read also about our present Government and what they are doing, but what cun we expect them to do? They appear, to have no policy. What good can be derived from any goodwill where no policy is attached. Hopeless from my point of view. We hear of fusion, labour and so on, but a policy government without a name of any particular brand would enhance our position and if loft in power would no doubt, in my mind, and the minds of many, solve the whole problem. Borrowing under this “heading" for the primary producer which in the meantime is tho country's wealth, could then be undertaken with ease as the policy would protect, and prohibit, the present system of waste and ildness which is the greatest burden on. the state to-day. Finally, the prosperity of this Dominion could more easily be assured if we placed the country first and its people next. —-1 am, etc.,

PROGRESS.