Sir. Joseph Reviews Successful Year

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 859, 31 December 1929, Page 8

Sir. Joseph Reviews Successful Year

MESSAGE TO PEOPLE/ BRIGHTER FUTURE WELLINGTON, Monday: “Another year is just closing and I avail mvself of the privilege of extending to my fellow citizen* my cordial good wishes to one and all for a happy and prosperous new year.” The Prime Minister, Sir J u3ep j Ward, sends this message to tkt people of New Zealand. "May I say, he continues, "how very deeply ( ha Te appreciated the kindly seminie ats which have been extended to me i a the indisposition which has unfortna. ately overtaken me during the two months. I am deeply sensible at the generous consideration and sym. pathy which has been shown to me b» all sections of the community and I. rejoice in the hope that in the near’ future I shall be able to take my aecustomed place actively among you, “I think we may look back upon tbs' year now closing as having been *1 successful one from many points «l view and that the Dominion has pmi ceeded on its march of progreau especially toward that restoration o) prosperity and employment which is so essential to the well being of oar people. Our national trade figures disclose a healthy position. Although there has been a decrease in the value of exports owing to a decline in, prices in external markets our banking returns give no cause for anyundue anxiety. On the contrary, they sJTow healthy monetary conditions and ample funds for the financing of one primary produce. MONEY FOR THE PEOPLE “The Government, has since it camd into office been called upon to handle finance questions on an extensive basis both in regard to our overseas debt maturing and in finding money td carry on and promote those undertakings necessary for the country's progress, such as State advances, land settlement, and public works development. It must be a matter for congratulation that these large financial transactions have been successfully carried out, especially as the State Advances Department has thus been enabled to take its proper part Ip meeting the requirements of settlers and home builders. It is also a soured of satisfaction that the money re* quired for this latter purpose has bee# raised locally in New Zealand. “The completion of the largest overseas debt transaction of the Dominion in November last was a noteworthy event in the country’s financial history and its successful operation was favourably commented upon by the authorities in London as an indication of the high credit of the Dominion and of our sound finance on progressive lines. MANUFACTORIES’ INTEREST “Just a word concerning our manufacturing industries. It can be said that during the year these have enjoyed a greater degree of industrial activity than they had experienced for some time, and it is the intention of the Government in the coming year to devote close attention to their interests and welfare. Business conditions should also show the improvement which has been manifest in our trade and commerce. While thd prices of our primary products, particularly wool, have unfortunately e* perienced a decline, it is to be hoped that with the exercise of care and the maintaining of the high quality which has characterised New Zealand’s products iu the past, combined with improved marketing facilities, the returns for our staple exports may soon recover. “While there is no ground for pessimism in regard to the future, yet it may not be out of place for me to sound a note of caution against uneconomical expenditure. Industry and thrift are just as essential today as they have been in the past. I have a high sense of pride in the achievements of our country, and I am certain that the future holds for New Zealand still greater development both commercially and industrially Energy arid virility, inherent in onr population, will always stand to the Dominion, and with prudent administration we need have no misgiving regarding its progress in the years to come. I sincerely trust 1930 may bring to all our citizens a full measnre of prosperity.”