NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1929, Page 6

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

FROM. PRIME MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.-) * WELLINGTON, December 30. The Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward, issues the following New Year message to the people ol the Dominion. “Another year is just closing, and I avail myself of the privilege of extending to my fellow citizens my cordial good wishes to one and all for a happy and prosperous New Year. May I say how very deeply I have appreciated the kindly sentiments which have been extended to me in the indisposition which has unfortunately overtaken mo during the past two months. lam deeply sensible of the generous consideration and sympathy which have been shown to me by all sections of tbe community, and I rejoice in the hope that, in the near 'future, I shall be able to take my accustomed place actively among you.”

“I think we may look back upon the year now closing as having been a successful one from many points of view, and may feel that the Dominion has proceeded on its march of progress—especially towards that restoration of prosperity and employment which is so essential to the wellbeing of our people. Our natural trade figures disclose a healthy position. Although there has been a decrease in the value of our exports, owing to te decline in the prices in the external market, our banking returns give no cause for any undue anxiety. On the contrary, they show healthy monetary conditions and ample funds for the financing of our primary products.”

“The Government has. since it came into office, been called upon to handle finance questions on an extensive basis, both in regard to our overseas debts maturing, and in finding money to carry on and promote many undertakings necessary for the country’s progress, such as the State Advances Land Settlement, and Public Works development. It must be a matter for congratulation that these large financial transactions have been successfully carried out, especially as tbe State Advances Department lias thus been enabled to take its proper part in meeting the requirements of settlers and borne builders. It also is a source of satisfaction that the money required for this latter purpose lias been raised locally in New Zealand.

“The completion of the largest .overseas debt transaction of the Domin ion, in November last, was a noteworthy event in .the country’s financial history; and its successful operation was favourably commented upon by authorities in London as an indication of the high credit of the Dominion and pf our sound finance on progressive lines.”

“Just a word concerning our manufacturing industries; It can be said that, during the year, these have enjoyed a greater degree of industrial activity than they had experienced for some time, and it is the intention of the Government in the coming year to devote close attention to their interests and welfare. Business conditions should also show the improvement which has been manifest in our trade and commerce. AAdiile the prices oil our primary products, particularly wool, have unfortunately experienced a decline, it is to be hoped that, with the exercise of care, and the maintaining of the high quality which has characterised New Zealand produce in tbe past, combined with improved marketing facilities, the returns from our staple exports may soon recover.”

“AA Idle there, is no ground for pessimism in regard to the future, yet it may not be out of place for me to sonth a i:.')fe of caution against une< oc'.'iiii; al exur-nditure. Industry and thrift are just as essential to-day as they have > ecu in the past. I have a high s-nse in pride in the aehievemei!'.■, of nur country, and lam certain that the future holds for New Zealand still greater development, both commercially and ndustrially. The energy and virility that are inherent in our population will always stand to the Dominion, and with , r '»'uden : fc administration, we need have no misgivings as regards its progress in the years to come.” “I sincerely trust that 1930 may bring to all our citizens a full measure of prosperity.—(Signed). JOSEPH AVARD, Prime Minister. BRITAIN’S OUTLOOK. ANGLICAN PIMA I ATE’S WARNING (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Dee. 30. Delivering a Now Y’ear address at Canterbury Cathedral, the Archbishop of Canterbury said that the experiencel of the past year showed that Britain’s century-long industry was seriously threatened. Competition, lie said, bad arisen to supplant the British in the markets where they thought that their position was assured. Afore than one million were unemployed. and the future was clouded with uncertainty. AA'isp political and economic measures migli provide a partial remedy for the nation’s success, but a cure could only come through the restoring and re-invigorat-ing of the strength of the whole body of people, Tbe people were now tending to rely too much on the State, instead of fulfiUing their personal responsibility.