THE MARCH OF PROGRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1929, Page 11

THE MARCH OF PROGRESS

RECORD OF CLOSING YEAR

dominion’s new year outlook.

MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER.

Dy Tdearapli.—l’n'ws Association.

Wellington, Last Night. The Primo Minister issues the following New Year message:— Another year is just closing and I avail myself of the privilege of extending to my fellow ctizens my cordial good ■wishes to one and all for a happy and prosperous New Year, May I say how very deeply I have appreciated tho' kindly sentiments which have been extended to mo in the indisposition which has unfortunately overtaken mo during • tho past two months. I am deeply sensible of tho generous consideration and sympathy which have been shown to me by all sections of tho connnunty, and 1 rejoice in tho hope that in tho near future I shall bo able to take my accustomed place actively amongst you. I think wo may look back upon tho year now closing as having been a successful ono from many points of view and consider that tho Dominion has proceeded on its march of progress, especially towards that restoration, of prosperity and employment which is so essential to tho wellbeing of our people. Our national trade figures disclose a healthy position, although thenj has been a decrease in the value of exports owing to tho decline in prices in tho external markets. Our banking returns give no cause for any undue anxiety; on tho contrary, they show healthy /monetary conditions and ample funds for tho financing of our primary products.

Tho Government has, since it came into office, boon called upon to handle finance questions on an extensive basis, both in regard to our overseas debt maturing and iu finding money to carry on and promote those undertakings necessary for tho country’s progress such as State Advances, land settlement and public works development. It must bo matter for congratulation that these largo financial transactions have been successfully carried out, especially as tho State Advances Department has thus been enabled to take its proper part in meeting tho requirements of settlers and homo builders. It is also a source of satisfaction that tho money required for 1 this latter purpose has been raised locally in Now Zealand. Tho completion of tho largest overseas debt transaction of tho .Dominion in November last was a noteworthy event in tho country's financial history, and its successful operation was favourably commented upon- by authorities in London as an indication of tho high credit of tho Dominion and of our sound finance on progressive lines. Just a woixl concerning our manufacturing industries. It can bo said that during tho year these have enjoyed a greater degree of industrial activity than they had experienced for some time, and it is tho intention of tho Government in tho coding year to devote dose atten-. tioh to tlioir interests and welfare. Busi-; ncss conditions should also show the improvement which has been manifest in our 1 trade and commerce. While the prices of our primary products, particularly wool, have unfortunately experienced a decline, it is to be hoped that with tho exorcise of care and tho maintenance of the high quality which has characterised New Zealand’s products in the past, combined with improved marketing facilities, the returns from our staple exports may soon recover. While there is no ground for pessimism in regard to tho future, yet it may not bo out of place for mo to sound a note of caul/ion against uneconomical expenditure. Industry and thrift are just as essential to-day as they have been in tho 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. The energy and virility inherent in our population will always stand to the Dominion, and with prudent administration wo need have no. misgiving regarding its progress in tho years to come. 1 sincerely trust 1930 may bring to all our Wizens a full measure of prosperity.