No Reason for Slump in America

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1948, Page 8

No Reason for Slump in America

WELLINGTON. August 6

A feeling of buoyancy and a refreshing will for work and service were the outstanding impressions gathered by Mr George Jackson, managing-director of the Ford Motor Company of New Zealand, who has returned from a seven weeks’ visit to the United States and Canada.

“Everyone seemed busy, either manufacturing or selling something,” said Mr Jackson. “There was no apparent talk of a recession and people take the view that as long as they keep working there is no reason why a recession should take place. There is a positive approach to the future.”

Prices were high, but so were wages, he said. There was no lack of the basic commodities of life and the normal working man seemed to enjoy a high standard of living. It seemed likely, however, that some measure was pending to restrict the prices of essential materials and goods. Employers and employees had come to terms regarding the rise in prices and strikes had been largely avoided. He had noticed that the workers were well aware of the dangers of inflation and realised that production was the key to the problem. Everywhere in Canada and the United States he found feeling for New Zealand very cordial. The ordinary nian realised the necessity for helping other parts of the world and the Marshall Plan was largely supported.

Mr Jackson said the likelihood of cheap cars from the United States and Canada appeared to be remote.