POST-WAR INDUSTRIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 22, 7 November 1944, Page 4

POST-WAR INDUSTRIES

DOMINION industries are flourishing today, owing to the abnormal conditions brought about by the war, but many people have misgivings as to what will happen when peace returns. It is freely asserted by politicians that there will be no economic depression, this time, because the reconstruction and rehabilitation needs throughout the world will create a demand for all sorts of supplies, and this will give remunerative employment to all who desire it. Committees of investigation have been appointed by the dozen, and if planning can guarantee future prosperity, all will be well. Optimism must be encouraged, but it is well to re r member that the good time will not be had by all unless endeavour and production are similarly general. New Zealand high standards of living and comfort have, been possible because of the huge natural resources of the Dominion, and not because her people worked harder ter than those of less fortunate lands. Post-war conditions must lessen the New Zealanders' advantage, and they will be faced with the necessity of producing more to pa.y off the burden of debt left by the: war. The Dominion has few reserves to help to meet the strain, extravagances of the past being partly responsible for this deficiency. Proposals for currency freedorft, lowering of tariffs, and less restricted immigration are part of Atlantic Charter and similar schemes for the post-war world. Do New Zealanders realise what must be the practical effect of these plans on their own industrial and social affairs? If the Dominion holds aloof and refuses to co-operate, other nations might retaliate and this country would have new problems to solve. There will b£ other matters to be considered if the Dominion is to remain prosperous in the post-war world. High wages will be possible only if the production is in keeping, 40-hour weeks will be expensive luxuries if the extra day's idleness is not compensated for on the working days and higrh costs mean high prices which restrict trade and consumption in normal days. There is no need to be pessimistic about the future of New Zealand's prosperity, but wider views of responsibilities must be taken by all classes of workers and their employers if economic depression is to be avoided.