THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1923, Page 2

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

A MATT Kit OF I’Ol.lff. Il is part of the Government’s limction to relieve actual privation, but it fins no responsibility ter the depression of markets, which may be due vjielv in ill-advised operations by those engaged in the industry concerned. II tlie Government is to be expected to Iniv kauri gum when the price- is low, then there would be claims from sheepf.irmeis that- it- should huv wool to force tip values, or from graziers that it should raise ihe price oi heel by purehasiiig stock which I In- ordinary market could not absorb. To do this n must have funds, and tla- obvious source would he a levy on all produce sold above arbitrarily fixed standard prices. In fact il would lie a- short step to tlie pooling of the proceeds from all produce, and ihoir distribution in equal shales witlnnil icgard to the eflieieney of | articular sections. The Government- has quite enough to do without am-muting to manipulate the market for kauri gum or to play foster-! a rent for everyone who engages in mi pn litahlf. eiiterpiiscs. 'New Zealand Herald."