BRISKER TRADE IN HARD TIMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1043, 6 August 1930, Page 8

BRISKER TRADE IN HARD TIMES

TOO great an emphasis cannot be laid on the value of constructive and resourceful business enterprise during a period of depression. For the time being, the tide of prosperity has ebbed, hut the waters must not be allowed to stagnate, for, in many instances, advantage may be taken of low levels. Healthy preparation should be made ai(d encouragement given in anticipation of a return to normal conditions. Advice to this effect has been offered to the community by Mr. C. F. Bennett, who addressed the Auckland Advertising Club yesterday. In the course of a vigorous speech, seasoned with optimism, yet containing a bodj’ of plain, blunt truth, he appealed for a trade .revival that would combat existing conditions—a community-wide policy that would stimulate work-, set money in circulation, enliven business, and banish the wasteful inaction that comes in the wake of financial adversity and, too often, is mistaken for prudence. One of the remedies suggested by Mr. Bennett is the adoption of a scheme for the remodelling of old business and Jiouse. properties. This was described fully in The Sun when it was first announced by a group of Auckland business men, and Mr. Bennett’s expressed opinions constitute a welcome revival of the proposal. “The idea was to open up what, in effect, would be an information bureau and, through the agency of this, educate the public as to the value of remodelling old-fashioned property which was a drug on the market.” Such a scheme, if dealt with on community lines and not given into the hands of a speculative minority, has much to commend it. At the present time Auckland is undergoing a process of transformation in styles of building and modes of living, common to every rapidly-growing citj’. Land values have reached high levels but, in a great many cases, house properties have failed to take part in the modern advance, with the result that their values have either remained at a standstill or have depreciated. Clearly the advantages to be derived by property owners from a community scheme of remodelling and renovation cannot be over-estimated. The time is ripe for the work and labour is pathetically plentiful. On the other hand, an exceedingly large section of the community would benefit from a trade revival of this kind. Building construction or reconstruction calls for a greater variety of trade services than aiiy other single form of activity, and even the most modest scheme of renovation in homes or business premises would be of widespread indirect benefit. One thing, however, is plain : Government assistance cannot be hoped for or expected, as was suggested by the original proposers of the scheme. Anything that is done must be a community effort fostered in the individual by propaganda and sound advice. In doing this, care must be taken to exclude any element of speculative monopoly which would tend to defeat or minimise the community effect of the move. What is wanted is sound general enterprise rather than isolated individual investment.