AMERICAN CONDITIONS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3110, 30 January 1934, Page 7

AMERICAN CONDITIONS

GLIMPSE OF DETROIT ''STREETS A PITIFUL SIGHT" An idea of conditions in America is gleaned from a letter written by a master printer in Ysilanti, Michigan, to a friend in Matamata. Referring to economic conditions, the writer says:— " The bottom has completely dropped out of the printing business. Prior to the depression we had a very nice business, but now it has petered out to nothing, and how much longer we can keep afloat I cannot say. You are quite right about this country. Things are going to be in one devil of a mess before they get through. I have tried to keep optimistic, but even that is slipping. Personally I have lost my home, bank deposits, insurance and securities. All that we have left are our socks. We have just got to take it on the chin and hit back. " Detroit is 30 miles from here, and Ypsilanti (11,000) is in the metropolitan district. It is there where most of the shopping is done. The centre of the automobile industry and subsidiaries, Detroit has felt the slump more than any city in this country. It is pitiful to drive around there and see the empty stores, office buildings and houses. Before the endof next year (1934) you are going to witness a great many changes, but it is too early to venture even a guess whether they will be good or even worse. As far as U.S.A. is concerned I am of opinion that they will be the latter." i i