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Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1927, Page 2

( llltist.mas Kvk. and the holidays begin. There is the usual round of pleasures for holiday making, and none need go unsatisfied in Unit respect. Private picnic parties will hold their sway, and generally we may be sure tbo best will be made if what is essentially the festive season. After the holidays must come work and the daily round It is pleasing as it i.s encouraging to think that the new year is a time of good promise for New Zealand. Reference was made yesterday to the prospects affecting the timber trade, which promises to revive. That in itself was very good news, and seems to suggest the silver lining which is the presage of improving times. In

other respects staple commodities are showing up well' The wool sales have been very satisfactory, and produce nr ices have been at a better level, with an increased output. Trade in respect to the products mentioned will show a material advance, and the balance on the right side as regards imports and exports is an improving one all Hie time The effect on conditions in the Dominion is sure to lie manifested. Past experience will discount any enccuragellieint of a boom, but business and trading relations generally are sure to be more buoyant, and the posit ion will he reflected generally. This is a very pleasing outlook after a year which was more or less depressed. Tbo circulation of more money through ordinary channels should assist to relieve unemployment, which has l>een a very serious drawback since early winter. The Government and cities in particular had to face a very difficult isif nation bv reason of the prevailing unemployment. and if that can be avoided this year, the general effect all through the country will he gratifying. Money already is said to be more plentiful in some «f the centres, and investments are being sought. This expression of self-reliance is very satisfactory, and gives less occasion to go out of the country for borrowing, which later becomes a material levy on local conditions. There is likely, as a result of the general outlook, to he some appreciation in land values, or at all events a demand for land. High prices as before " ill not be reached, hut at more reasonable values business is said to be possible, and is the best indicator of returning prosperity. Such being the case, folk will enter on the holiday period in better heart, prepared when the fixtures are past, to settle down to work for the new year in improved spirits, and with the desire to make the lost use of the better times which are coming These prospects will add to the gaiety of the Christmas-tide, and help ( give greater assurance for the new year now so close at hand.