TO-DAY’S PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1921, Page 4

TO-DAY’S PROBLEMS.

BURDEN OF FINANCE STRINGENCY. POSITION OF THE FARMER. The problems facing New Zealand today were referred to by the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. W. Nosworthy) at the opening of the Winter Show at New Plymouth yesterday. The Government, he said, realised the burden under which the country was struggling. Through the accumulation of a debt that was double the pre-war figure, the necessity for meeting the interest on that debt, and other things that con* fronted the country, it was no light burden and one that taxed the people, but with an Anglo-Saxon spirit they were determined to see a way out. “Do not for a moment think that 1 or the Government feel in any way dis-* eouraged or are not hopeful for the position in the future,” said Mr. Nosworthy. “Whether a recovery will come shortly or whether it is delayel we will have to go on.” The Prime Minister, before leaving New Zealand, had told the people that what was wanted was “Production, more production, and still more production,” and with this the speaker was heartily in accord. We must have increased production, not only in this country, but in every other country in the world if we were to survive the position that had been forced on us through no fault of our own. Proceeding, Mr. Nosworthy remarked: “I say it with no carping criticism, but the position in this country is primarily caused by the commercal interests who, through their vast imports into the Dominion, in the way of clothing, motor cars and other materials, made a. call on the financial institutions, and this did not leave to the primary producers of this country the financial ease and facilities they expected some twelve months ago, and which, in my opinion, is necessary for fuller development.” Referring to the price received for primary products the Minister said that the high freight rates were having an effect in the low return to the produce!. Whether the State would ever think it advisable to launch out on a large scale in another direction —State shipping — wr. 3 a matter he was not entirely in accord with. 'There were other avenues, however, in which the State would be forced to help the farmer. As Minister of Agriculture he recognised the responsibility of the Government to do everything possible. Every institution, however, was confronted with the financial position and if it tied up the individual it tied the Government’s hands to a certain extent. It might happen that the Prime Minister would be successful in the attempt (if he made one) to borrow money in London, and this would bring relief.