TIME TO SPEND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 177, 29 July 1932, Page 10

TIME TO SPEND

EMPLOYERS’ VIEW ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT PUBLIC WORKS POLICY. WELLINGTON, July 26. The opinion that the Government should set an example by letting go its purse. strings and pushing ahead with public works in the meantime was expressed in the annual report of the Wellington Employers’ Association, presented at the annual meeting today. “The world-wide economic and financial depression still continues to overshadow all other Interests, and is seriously affecting the commerce and industries of the Dominion,” stated, the report. “Although many industries and business have been disorganised, and are experiencing desperate times through the unfortunate circumstances prevailing, resourcefulness and energy are prominent factors, and the difficulties consequent upon the lack of business and finance are being grappled with by the Government to the best of its ability. The prevailing conditions are unique in the world’s history, and the legislators of our country have been called upon to face unprecedented problems which necessitate drastic measures •calling for great sacrifices by the people of New Zealand. “It is a time for sane optimism and supreme courage, and great, comfort, is to be derived from the manner in which Great Britain is overcoming her multiplicity of difficulties and problems. The balancing of its financial Budget, despite the adverse conditions, calls for tho highest admiration, and speaks volumes for the courage and loyalty of tho people in the Homeland. Despite the many accusations as to the decadence of Britain, Ver statesmen are rising to the occasion and proving to the world that th e Mother Country is an important factor not only in creating confidence, but in the restoration of financial stability, which is so vital and necessary at the present time. The fact that British manufacturers are, in many instances, reporting increased business will do much to restore confidence and to bring about normal conditions of trading. It is generally recognised that the circulation of money is of paramount importance in the encouragement of trade and enterprise. If people could only be persuaded to let go their purse strings and circulate their money the present outlook would undergo a rapid change and a buoyancy in the spirits of the community would soon be apparent. It is claimed that the Government should sot a lead in this direction by immediately pushing ahead with numerous public works which have been shelved in the meantime. “Surely it is wiser to put public works into immediate operation, thereby greatly assisting to encourage confidence and relieve tho unemployment situation, than to delay such works until the advent of better times when the same urgency and necessity will not be apparent. If ever there was a time when the Government should be bold and proceed with all necessary public works, on a contract basis, which will require to be carried out sooner or later, surely it is the present time when the urge is so great and construction costs are down to a low level. In this connection the example of the people in the Hawke’s Bay district is to be highly commended. The people there are suffering a double •calamity. They suffered greatly as the result of the earthquake disaster, and they have also been called upon to bear their share of the existing financial stringency. By proceeding as quickly as possible with reconstruction work they have displayed courage and enterprise, and by the circulating of money they are not only helping themselves but rendering an invaluable service to the rest of the community.”