The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1926. NEW ZEALAND RESOURCES.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1926. NEW ZEALAND RESOURCES.

Tiik jj;i'ou t exhibition at Dunedin i.s affording many texts on which to expound upon New Zealand resources, and the necessity of fostering New Zealand trade. There is no doubt the Dominion i.s wonderfully self-contained and if the slogan of ‘‘Buy New Zealand Goods” were heeded more, the impetus to trade would he great, and the avenues for employment would rapidly expand. The various courts at the Kxhihition in which so wide a rang? of New Zealand goods is displayed are said to afford ample evidence of the resources of the country, and give an excellent idea, of the industrial and manufacturing progress of the Dominion over quite a limited term of years. One point worth emphasising in connection with the matter is that foundries and warehouses are so well equipped nowadays with modern machinery and facilities for production, that the organisation is such that the country could produce a great deal more than it does without extra cost. This

is of importance ns covering prod no. tion costs, and moans with greater production on relatively the same overhead changes, the cost to the consumer "ould he a diminishing factor. Tlte geographical situation of Xew Zealaiu gives it an isolation which shuts mu oversea markets for a great range ol its manufactured goods. These must necessarily he used up locally, and 1c ensure that result in volume sufficient to control prices at a reasonable figure, the consumption must he adequate. Where it is not adequate, prices continue high, and imported articles compete succe.ssfn.lly. The economic result is to send purchasing power oht. of Xew Zealand, and reduce local employment. Some other country derives the benefit which should accrue to the Dominion and in that way trading outside of the shores of Xew Zealand becomes a national loss. The excellence of the articles manufacture! within Xew Zealand is well established. If there is tiny doubt on that score, then wo are told an inspection of the Exhibition display will remove it. Other countries, chiefly those within the Empire, are represented also at the Exhibition, and there is thus afforded an opportunity of comparing the manufactured articles with the outside competitors. Naturally the competition is keen. We have to hear in mind in this matter that New Zealand is much smaller than other parts of the Empire, but even, taking that factor into account the local article stands well up to the standard demanded by such a comparison. That lieing the case, the obligation to seek to buy Xew Zealand manufactured articles becomes all the mon? reasonable, and if the habit would grow the effect on general prosperity would he marked very quickly. The opportunity is afforded therefore for the population to display a local patriotism in business which will help materially to build up the fortunes of the place. The ad-

vaiuKanent of the secondary industries is of iho greatest importance to assure the permanent prosperity, and to attract more people, providing mons consumers and wage earners, who will add in their own way to the. \yealth of the Dominion. The matter in one entirely in the hands of the. people. The ways and means to success are with the people themselves, and by a well organised effort towards the development of trade within Xcw Zealand, tine prospects for the future of the place will become, more and more assum'd. To buy New Zealand made articles is the first sure step towards national prosperity.