BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1931, Page 9

BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD

BANKER’S OPTIMISM. LESSON OF EARLIEIi YEAItS. Auckland, April 28.. An outstanding note of optimism Was struck by Air. W. J, P. Hodgkins, niii.ilager of the Auckland branch of the Bank of New South Wales; with 48 years’ service with the bank, in an address today. “What we are going through to-day is bad enough,” said Air. Hodgkins, “but nearly 50 years ago there was very little hope for. the future, At the present time ive all realise that when things improve on the other side of the water they will imprbve iii the Dominion. Ive should not lose heart. We have probably not turned the corner yet; but we are approaching that poiiii, and it behoves us all to keep a still' upper lip arid keep going. . . . ‘•During the depression of 1893,” said Air. Hodgkins; “the banks were weak and a. strong Government came to their assistance and helped them through. The banks were obliged to call up thbir capital aiid the load companies were forced into the same positioii, but nothing to the same extent was being done to-day. Again in 1908 the country was faced witu a crisis. Wool returned less tliari in the previous year, and sheep were at a very low price; but Nbw Zealand gbt bver the hitrdlb. In 1921 wool dropped by .06,0110,1)1)0 in Vdliie, arid the eoiiiitry caiiib through that. New Zeriiaiid has a good cdtiiitry to live in rind the people shblild iiot draw d loii-g mouth Because they could iibt see an immediate profit. “Things will conie tlgaih,” Air. Hodgkins bOrichlded iliiiid applause.