The Daily News. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1924. DEVELOPING THE DOMINION.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1924, Page 6

The Daily News. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1924. DEVELOPING THE DOMINION.

No subject can more properly come with the scepe of the activities of the Chambers of Commerce than that of development, lienee it is gratifying to find that, at the Dominion Conference of Chambers of Commerce, commercial development, based upon a well-directed policy of expansion, was made a prominent feature in the deliberations of the conference. When such a representative body expresses its views on matters upon which the members are so directly concerned, it may readily be conceded that its decisions are entitled to much weight, and even such abstract resolutions as may be passed concerning principles and methods of procedure, should be given careful consideration as foundation stones upon which concrete action may be based. The affirmation of the desire of the chambers, to co-oper-ate with the Government in advancing the interests of the Dominion by securing further publicity abroad by .means of an increased judicious expenditure Upon propaganda, in order to meet the ever-growing public demand for greater publicity as to New Zealand, her resources and attractions, may seem to be a perfunctory reiteration of an oft lepeated formula. In reality, however, it practically emphasises the fact that the Dominion has goods to offer to the whole world but especially to the Motherland, that are..well worth sampling so that they may become a profitable source of mutual advantage and prosperity. New Zealand has given most convincing proof of her ability to export primary produce of the best quality and to a marvellous extent in proportion to her area and population. There are two important needs which it is desirable should be supplied in order to further develop the resources of the country, namely, capital and a supply of suitable new. settlers. Obviously, mere advertising will not secure these requisites, though it would he helpful in that direction up to a point. The Wembley Exhibition lias been well adapted for starting a well-organised propaganda campaign, but the active interest taken by some individual visitors

thereto from overseas has done far more effective work than could be possible by ordinary advertising. It is possible that the operation of the Taranaki Chamber’s scheme of emigrating public schoolboys will prove one of the most potent factors in forwarding this country’s development, if only for the reason that it introduces the human factor. Every one of these youths represents a propaganda base which may spread indefinitely, and the more human ties that are formed between the Dominion and the Motherland, especially among the class which is represented at th'e public schools, the better will the Dominion be known and its progress facilitated, while added strength will be given to the solidarity of the Empire. By all means should the Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand do their best to further both. the primary and secondary industries of the country; to develop its resources and to attract capital to assist in the process. Rightly, each Chamber watches over the district it represents in order to further its progress in all possible directions, but that is only a part of its duty, though the advancement of the various districts comprised in the Dominion means the progress of the country as. a whole. It is, therefore, a most encouraging sign for the future of-the country that the whole of its Chambers of Commerce can and do take a more comprehensive grasp of the work that lays waiting to be done from an Empire point of view. The suggestions put forward by the conference this week clearly demonstrate its ability to set forth the needs which demand instant consideration, for, without exception, the objects mentioned in the resolutions passed are all important factors in the welfare of the country, while the request for Government co-operation and intelligent activity along the lines suggested will certainly meet with the approval of the com-' munity in general. The Dominion has never previously possessed such an advantageous jumping-off position for propaganda work as at present, and every advantage should be taken of the opportunity.