The Daily News FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1933. ENCOURAGING STATISTICS

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1933, Page 6

The Daily News

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1933. ENCOURAGING STATISTICS

OFFICES: NEW PLYMOUTH, Currie Street. STRATFORD, Broadway. HAWERA, High Street.

There has been so much fluctuation in price in the markets of Great Britain during the last twelve months as to make sure forecasts almost impossible. Nevertheless, the publication oi the trade returns for the Dominion for the current export season, and for last month, reveal one fact that is certainly heartening. The exports from New Zealand show an increase in quantity and value despite the enormous drop in prices, and this is an achievement which few countries can claim. The figures show that the farming community has risen splendidly to the call for increased production, and that the fertility of the country is a factor that can be relied upon. What is still more encouraging is the upward trend of prices. Last week’s market reports showed a general rise in prices of practically all the basic commodities. Wool, metals, dairy produce, eggs, lamb and tallow each recorded an increase in value which, if it was not as great as might be desired, was a distinct improvement. Nearer home the commencement of the stud stock sales in Taranaki has shown that buyers and sellers are prepared to meet the altered conditions and that they will not be daunted by lower prices from continuing the improvement of their flocks and herds. The same desire to attack untoward economic circumstance by improved method and increased output can be discerned in the reception afforded the new dairy regulations. It is quite possible that the new rules will press harshly upon the individual, and that, in fact, experience may show the necessity for some amendment. But, speaking generally, the dairy industry is accepting them as part of the effort to recover markets and increase prices and is willing to do its best to make them workable and of economic as well as hygienic'value. In the timber industry efforts are being made to find new markets, and, in regard to birch timber, with some degree of success. Another project is for the utilisation of exotic forests by the manufacture of wood pulp, and though* this is only in its preliminary stages it is indicative of the spirit that will not accept defeat and will seek fresh ways of turning to account the resources of the Dominion. In social questions the same determination to overcome difficulties is being displayed. It is the more commendable because so far there is little to encourage the hope that daylight is not far off. The pluck with which many of the unemployed are accepting privations for which they are not to blame is magnificent. So also are the efforts of those who are doing their best to help the unemployed, efforts which in many cases are made by those who are little better off than the people they are trying to assist. Industrially there is a more reasonable spirit abroad. It is true there have been lapses. The late hold-up of shipping was a grievous error, but even that was immediately surrounded, by an atmosphere of goodwill, a determination to reach a settlement as quickly as possible, and an equally strong determination to prevent the dispute from affecting other industries. Wherever one turns it is not mere platitude to say that the temper and the courage of the Dominion can still be relied upon. The export trading figures show in the most practical manner that the claim is justified. For this, and for other reasons, New Zealand can consider herself more fortunate than many countries with wealth and resources presumably far greater than her own.