The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast 'Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1926 REVIEWING PRODUCION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast 'Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1926 R EVIEWING PROD U CION.

In his address to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce this week, Sir James Allen was able to speak as one from ufav.- In that position he had a broader view, and his remarks are sure to command a good deal of attention. In the thought for the times in this issue to-dav there is something of the same creed expressed by a ’Taranaki newspaper, as that expounded by Sir James Allen. The burden of the story is that the present and ultimate fortunes ol New Zealand depend on the volume and value of its primary products. Our wool and dairy produce is the medium whence millions of money are returned to New Zealand to maintain commercial and industrial intercourse. 'The first need, therefore, is to see that the primary source ol wealth in the Dominion is handled and controlled to the best advantage. Sir James Allen said in a. sentence that “the man on the laud must be assisted to keep up and increase production.” 'This must go before help for sheltered industries of a secondary character which are fostered by the tariff and bonuses. The secondary industries m New Zealand are in

every ivay worthy of the enterprise j which promoted and directed them. At every exhibition there is a wonderful display of what the country can do in the way of manufacture and we take it that Sir James Allen does not wish that spirit of enterprise quenched. It is manifestly a good thing if much of oim* primary produce is turned into manufactured articles here. That is preferable to sending the raw material overseas and then bringing, hack goods made- from the material sent down here. There has been a steady influx of population of late, and Sir James Allen has played a personal part ill advising and directing the flow of population. It is manifest all may not he placed on the land, nor are all fitted for that class of work. Besides, if secondary industries are to flourish even modestly, more exjiert labor must he brought in to lead in the way of modern production. In point of fact then the growth of secondary industries must he steady and in keeping with population and production, so as to assure something of a local market for what is produced on the spot. But there will he no quarrel with the desire to help people on to the land. That is essential manifestly, and it is good to note Sir James Allen’s praise of the advances to settlers’ policy.uTime was, of course, when Sir James was in Opposition, and the policy was brought forward l>v tile far-seeing Liberals of the day, he was a hitter opponent of die scheme. His hostility went to all lie lengths of Parliamentary procedure, ind is on record. But Sir James has icen the error of his attitude, and now ] rjves whole-hearted support to the po- 1 icy he once decried. While he seeks tnd demands more production, and re- £ ognises the value and the virtue of a 1 duller output of primary produce, he ooks to the man on the land, as the alvation for the national problems heettiug New Zealand, That being so, diy not develope a policy for putting ' lore men on the land ? Sir James light well devote what leisure he has c > collaborating with the Minister of c inaiieo and the Minister of Lands to f irmulate a policy of lain! settlement - 'lnch will increase settlement sub- 11 .antiallv, and so assure great produc- ° on absolutely. The Government of te day is remiss in the matter of ti iilising the Land for Settlement Act, lofher measure of the far-seeing Liirals, which Sir James might well es- t! nise to sec his desire of more men s '

on the land, and greater production,

absolutely achieved. A land policy at this juncture would do much to enliven the progress of the country as a whole. Land is procurable now at a more reasonable figure, and with the general outlook such as it is, the time is exceedingly opportune lor such a forward move. Sir James Allen, wo are persuaded will wield considerable influence with the Reform Cabinet, and his advice in the matter referred to will carry great weight. As a means id stimulate production, a land for .settlement policy would he a first aid.