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Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1923, Page 2

Tv regard to the financial outlook, the Minister of Customs (Hon. W. Downie Stewart) has issued a note of warning for the future. Tn the light of the coming events noted in the thought for the times to-day, the Minister is probably wise in his advice. But for the moment there is a- feeling of satisfaction and gratification that on the surface of things, events promise well. As has been noted in the foregoing article the banking returns suggest an improved economic condition. and the Prime Minister simultaneously announces a surplus of over one million. Ail appears well, but we cannot say how long present prices for the primary products of the Dominion, which gauge our economic prosperity, will remain where they are. A drop lias been predicted. In any case, looking to the experience of the past- it would be wise to be careful, and to practice economy where possible. The Government controlling legislation infecting trade and finance will soon he relaxed, and there must he a measure of reaction in regard to finance in particular, till money matters have time to adjust themselves. Tt- will be during that period that the financial fortunes of the Dominion as a whole will tie on its trial, and ir would he well to be alive to the position and possible von sequences.

A onon deal of fun is being poked at the. Prime Minister who lias become the Minister of Promises when elections are on the tapis. It. would appear that after all. Tauranga did not exhaust the Treasury, prolific as the promises were, for Otunaru is now being similarly treated with lavish promises. Perhaps it is that Mr Massey suddenly finds himself with an unexpected million surplus at bis disposal, and Oilman! is fortunate in having the first sliie. It seems to be a thousand pities that for some cause or another tho West land election was not ordered over again, and the Prime Minister so prodigal in promise, was not here again to grant us roads and bridges and railways galore; reduce freights through Arthur’s Pass tunnel ; lake over all the roads, and generally leave us with a very pleasant taste in the inoittli as to what a generous and magnanimous Government we bad! Somewhere in thepast we recall that Mr Massey u«cd to rave about an alleged “spoils to the victors” policy. The Prime .Minister lias evidently made a complete study of that, wicked political practice and has become a past master in using it for the benefit of his party. It will be interesting to note this year's parliamentary votes brought forward by the Government for the benefit, of the Tauranga and Oamaru electorates.

The observance of Aiizac. Day yesterday was closely followed. The day was lieatitifitlly fine in contrast to many previous Anzac Days, and the public turned out in large numbers. The parade cf the Returned Men was not as numerous as previously, very few men from the Country being present. The church services were all largely attended and closely followed. The ceremony of unveiling the State School tnotnorinl to the memory of ex-scholars

who served in the war was observed very fittingly. It was a touching moment when the young scholars on behalf of the various classes came forward ami deposited wreaths about the memorial. There were many beautiful wreaths, the base being entirely covered. The military honors paid at the Cenotaph, and South African memorial, we;e in keeping with the occasion. Altogether tlx- day was very fittingly commemorated. The various addresses were admirable in tone and sentiment, conveying the right kind of feeling for such an occasion. The addresses to the young children were particularly appropriate, and after all that is quite the right note to strike, to remind the growing nation of the sacrifice made for them, and of the duty exported of them to carry on the security of the Empire for the heritage (if those of their own kith and kin who will come after.

The attendance at the Town Hall cn Tuesday night indicated a reviving interest in municipal welfare. The crowded meeting and the attention of the audience, indicated that the public are prepared to take an intelligent interest in their own welfare, ‘if given the opportunity to do so. To-day the electors are making their choice. A\ hoover constitutes the new Council, will have greater responsibilities to (Vschnrge than any previous Council which lias gone before. The town will move ahead, and the Council must go with it—so much the better if the Council will move ahead of the town, and prepare the way for better times in store for Hkoitika. There is to be n large expenditure by the Council itselt; the Railway Department is going to spend » largo sum of money here immediately; private enterprise will he doing likewise; ami there is the Exhibition expenditure shortly to begin. All this cannot take place without a mild boom setting in, and the townspeople enjoying the wave of progress, will realise that, municipally, they must keep pace with the times. A busy, useful term of office should therefore he ahead of the new Council shortly in take up its duties.