Thames Star WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1935. IMPROVING CONDITIONS.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 19362, 20 March 1935, Page 2

Thames Star

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1935. IMPROVING CONDITIONS.

"With malice towards none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right."—Lincoln.

The quarterly report of the Department of Industries and Commence contains the full figures for Dominion trade in the year 1934, and no one can turn over the pages without realising how greatly conditions improved during that period. Our exports brought in over £6 millions more than in 1933, which meant that the people had that much additional to spend. The sum of £43 millions was spent on additional imports, of which £3 millions came from Britain. These purchases gave employment to a good many extra workers in that country. Our own factories also did well, increasing their production by £s£ millions during the year. These industries employed 3730 more persons than in the previous year. There was also a considerable flail in the numbers on the unemployment registers. In recent years the Dominion has fceen losing more residents by migration than it has gained, but the loss in 1934 was 1647, as against 2183 in !the previous year. The value of building permits showed a steady increase, and bankruptcies dropped from 435 to 306. Substantial increases took place in all classes of railway traffic, both passengers and goods. Free deposits in the banks shoAved a tendency to increase and fixed deposits to decrease, indicating a corresponding increase in business activity. Another hopeful feature is that our Budget promises to balance, therefore there should be no increaso in taxation, but whether the much-hoped-for decrease will be possible remains to be seen. A further reduction in the unemployment taxation would affect everyone and be generally welcome. This year the receipts from wool will not be as great $s last year, but we may expect better figures for our other primary products. With increased confidence we may look for continued progress during the present year.