NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1926, Page 2

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

BY THE PRIME MINISTER. A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. DARGARVTLLE, December 30. The following message has been issued by the Prime Minister:— At tiie dawn of another year I take the opportunity of addressing a few words to my fellow-citizens. First of all I desire with a full heart to say how deeply sensible I am of the unbounded expression of confidence which the great majority of the community gave me as Prime at the general election last month, I can only say that with the help of Providence. mv earnest endeavours will lie to promote the progress and prosperity of our country and,the well-being of its people. .77,v ’ ■ The guiding principles of my administration will he jibe'safety and stability of the State and Empire, the security of the individual, toleration with equal opportunity for,,:ill. and peace and order in the enmhymity. We shall strive to abolish all’ causes of warfare and bittcr”>»Jss._ and imWtfso the general'hairiness of our citizens. It was inevitable that in the years of reconstruction following the war. individual losses would be incurred. In ninny eases these have pressed heavily on those engaged in the. primary industries. There are also ,otfters of our citizens who are having a'hard struggle to make both ends meet, especially the family man. It will be the earnest endeavour of my colleagues and myself to render in such cases some manner of assistance towards lightening their burdens. With health and strength I shall give of my best to prove worthy of the great trust which lias been placed in m v keeping, and T am profoundly grateful to the people for the great honour which they have conferred upon one of themselves.

As we look back upon the year now ending we cannot but recall the many notable figures in the Empire’s public life who have passed away. May I mention just a few of these—Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, the QueenMother, Lord Curzon, Lord Alilner and last, but not least, Mr Massey, whose splendid service to New Zealand and the Empire is so fresh in our memories. The Empire is the better aiul stronger to-day for their works, and they have left behind them an abiding inspiration for loyalty, patriotism and service. I should like to tell my follow citizens that in my judgment there is solid ground for looking forward with confidence to 192(5. Last seaon remarkably high values ruled for our principal primary products, particularly wool. Tt would appear, however, that, these prices will not lie continued, nevertheless present values cannot he regarded as unsatisfactory when viewed from a normal standpoint. There is every reason for hoping that prices will remain at a steady basis, ensuring a payable return to the producer. Butter has recently experienced a sharp decline in value, but this is rather due to a temporary disturbance of the normal flow of produce on to the market, and as the season advances values for this commodity should settle down to a remunerative figure. The wetness of the winter season and the late spring have caused a less quantity of feed to be available, resulting in a falling off in the output of dairy produce in the first few months of the present season, and has retarded somewhat the coming forward of prime lamb and mutton. Sowing operations in some of our farming districts have also been hampered by unfavourable climatic conditions, more particularly in the case of wheat growing. However, the wonderful recuperative qualities of the Dominion, combined with tlie industry and energy of our producers, have always proved equal to any such happenings and we need, therefore, have no misgivings oil this account.

In the time of our prosperity we should learn to practise thrift and economy. and thus be tlie better prepared to stand the test should any emergency arise. Financially ihe outlook is healthy and he exploring all avenues by which our primary idusfries may lie intensively advanced I feel sure that another satisfactory position will lie disclosed when the public accounts for the current year are made up. The great Exhibition in Dunedin which has already been visited by many thousands of New Zealanders and people from overseas, bears striking testimony to tlie development of our secondary industries. The undertaking is a wonderful tribute to the enterprise of the Otago people, and to the puhlic spirit of our manufacturers throughout the Dominion. 1 hope the Exhibition will continue to meet with the success it deserves. It should he an important influence in promoting the trade of our country, and in encouraging the use of New Zealand-made articles. It is with pleasure that we have witnessed the great advance recently made towards a better understanding among the Powers of Western Europe. AVo can confidently hope that the New Year will enter into a more enlightened year of peace amongst nations, bringing greater |j:osperitv and happiness to all.

Let us do all we can to strengthen Empire unity and destroy these influences which by promoting class conflict are subversive of social order and good movement in our community. I ask my fellow citizens to sink petty and sectional strife and pull together for the common good. We can then be well assured of a further period of prosperity for our fair land. To one and all 1 wish a bright and happy New Year. J. G. COATES Prime Minister.