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Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1929, Page 8

Life is full of pleasures if one knows where to find them. Enjoy yourself at McGruer’s fine new store, and at the same time save on every purchase* Ladies’ fine silk finish Lisle Gloves, with small gauntlets, and contrasting colours. A serviceable perfect fitting bargain priced glove, in shrimp, sand, beaver,, and rosewood. Special pjice, 2/11 pair, ’ at'■ The Hustlers, Devon- 'Street.* .

THE URBAN PREPONDERANCE. During a tour of the northern portion of the province in which they live a number of Auckland business men have had the unusual experience of being lectured on their duty towards their country neighbours. A telegram on the subject indicates that the lecturer, Dr. George Smith, who is said to be a wellknown figure in both medical and farming circles in the Hokianga district, spoke with admirable good humour, and therefore the more effectively. He is, he has declared, frightened of the city of Auckland because it is “far, far too big.” On account of its size he regards it as a menace to the welfare of the farming community. He is not among those who would condemn the business man out of hand as a very harmful parasite, but prefers to look upon him as the potential helper of the farmer. His complaint is that there is too much luxury in the towns and that distribution costs are too high, which means presumably that the farmer is charged too heavily for the marketing of his produce and for the supply of the various commodities which he must purchase from business people.. There is a o-ood deal of truth in. Dr. Smith’s comments, which deserve the earnest consideration of leaders of thought. There are, of course, other important essential industries besides farming, and even if manufacturing industry has not attained very large dimensions, the distributive processes and numerous other services are certainly necessary to the country’s well-being and progress. Without the doctors, for instance, the country’s capacity to earn its own living would be seriously impaired. But when that is said it still must be admitted that urban population in this country tends to grow too rapidly and that businesses multiply in excess of requirements, making services more costly than they should be. The prescription offered as a corrective by Dr. Smith is a little less luxury in the towns, which is a sound remedy, and he also invites the business imen to take off -their coats and come iinto the country. It is open to quesI vion whether any great good could be idone in that way, for the business folk ! who could easily be spared might make l poor farmers. The better plan would be Ito encourage suitable young people to j leave the towns for the country. The farmers themselves must take the first step by trying to make the conditions of work and living reasonably attractive, and it will be for the education authorities to second their efforts. It should not be beyond the power of the select committee of Parliament that. is about to tour the Dominion to devise amendments of the education system calculated to inculcate in youthful minds a desire to go on the land.