N.Z’S PROSPECTS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1919, Page 3

N.Z’S PROSPECTS

VIEWS OF SIR JAMES WILSON.

WANGANUI, July 18. Sir Janies Wilson, who is recognised as one of the heads of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, has forwarded to tho Wanganui “Herald” some interesting views concerning the general outlook in the dominion of New Zealand. He says:— “Being a new country, New Zealand devotes all its energies to producing' the necessaries of life and none of its luxuries, as older countries have not in many instances the climate and soil (and per-

haps, the incentive of paying prices might be added). Their production of food and clothing has to be supplemented from afar. New Zealand can supply these, of the best quality. Her butter, cheese, wool, and frozen meat have found favour with the British and some Continential people. If, then, we take precautions not to allow ourselves to be exploited by trusts, we should receive the best prices for our products. These prices cannot remain the same after the war, but the British Government has guaranteed us remunerative prices for another year, and if it makes anything out of us by the transaction, as far as I am concerned,, it is heartily welcome to

it. By that time the world may be expected to be settling down to normal life, and we shall be better able to judge, of our future. It is certain that taxation will be increased to meet the engagements. This can be met in only two ways; by increased output or by reduction of cost.

“The most dangerous outlook £hat can be seen at present is the position of capital and labour. Labour has in its hands a powerful weapon in the “go slow” attitude. This is dangerous to all, but in my humble opinion most dangerous of all to the worker. Unionism is a species of co-operation, and it has been a. mystery to me that the worker has not extended this, even to the extent of meeting employers cordially and discussing how a fair share of profits can be paid them for their work. If this were done the worker could not only benefit by it, but would live much more happilv in striving towards efficient labour than in searching for grievances Labour has never sufficiently considered the fact that the wages of ability must bo'llighly paid. In nothing more than farming is this seen. Good management and business knowledge of distribution will make o profit where others wthout skill would not make it pay. There should not be much difficulty in coming to an agreement as to what share each is entitled to, but a definite period of employment would be required before participation could b.e given. The employer too, has his duty to the State — to increase production. The speculator is a bad farmer. Others are troubled with the infectious disease of ‘salitis.’ They might probably be more profitably employed at home. Tile farmer, too, must realise that if his employees arc to he permanent they should he married and therefore well housed, and an increased use of high-class machinery must replace manual labour wherever possible. The daifry farmer, by the simple process of testing his cows, could make 26 per cent more profit. There should be an official tester, who could embrace the suppliers of several companies. The cost, in comparison to results would be infinitesimal. The question of freights must bo tackled, and a combination bo made to counter the shipping companies if we are enter the ling oil the same terms. The State has its duties, but cutern'g into commercial undertakings is not likely to reduce costs or lower prccs. Forestry ami afforestation'should receive •the fullest consideration. Our educational system, especially in relation to agriculture must be extended. Science and research in relation to the soil must be substantially encouraged. Our future, therefore, depends largely on the ‘sweet reasonableness’ of the people. I have no doubt that as a result the output will be increased, but our personal incomes will be smaller, as tile indebtedness will have to be met. But we have won the war, and are no longer threatened bv the Gciman octopus.”