The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1930.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1930.

THE ECONOMIC EQUILIBRIUM A Lnitcd States financial committee tiet up by President Hoover, in the course ol its report lays emphasis upon the necessity of maintaining “the economic equilibrium," by which is meant the state of balanced relations between the industries which are necessary to the free and ready exchange of products and services. This, it is explained is recognised by economists ns the fundamental condition of prosperity. In iLs survey the committee indicates that what is giving more concern everywhere than anything else is the price situation, which presents a problem arising from over-develop-ment of production in the principal commodities ol world trade. There lias been a marked increase in production suiee the war, and instances are given in respect to sugar, wheat and wool, three commodities in which America is interested directly. Each country can point to its own commodities which are being over produced, that is so far ns a ready market is concerned. Wool, in common with America, Ls a

glut hero in New Zealand, and an

enormous quantity is in store waiting lor a favourable opportunity to sell. 11 the oilier wool producing countries are likewise holding hack for improved prices then the chance for a reasonable advance in sale prices is indeed remote, and tiie pri.e problem of wool is a serious one for tiie countries concerned in that commodity. New Zealand aho lias over-produced in dairy and farm products so lar as a ready sale at profitable prices is concerned, and as a consequence there i„s a great holding back of surplus supplies for which the markets offering do not satisfy. Likewise with timber, the existing sawmills have over .satisfied the demand for colonial requirements, and a severe stringency results. The once profitable Miarxet in Australia was lost in the main through short-sighted Government- methods, and though the embargo on overseas shipping has been removed, the relief came too late for other timber had supplanted largely the New Zealand article. The Dominion more than supplies its own wants in regard to the commodities above mentioned, and unless outside markets can be secured, the price problem for surplus production is going to be of serious coUceivi. it is essential to find more markets, and New Zealand must do more than it is doing in sending out commercial agents to seek for the outlets. 11l that way the demand can be widened, and when widened, there is no doubt about the ability of the country to supply the : demand, in all productive undertakings there has been the incentive to pioduce more, and science and industry have done their part to that end, till they have practically over produced for the timebeing—unless fresh markets can be secured Ihe price level of staple commodities must in the end affect the general situation. 'There is reality about the price, s current for commodities. Countries have tried and failed Ui raise prices artificially by methods of control. Otncnvise industry has handicapped itself by succeeding Inartificial means to raise and maintain labour costs. This brings us to the economic equilibrium” referred to at the outset, the balanced relations between industry and the ready exchange of the produce and service of industry. This must in the end be governed by the price situation for staple commodities which are the real value of Uie wealth produced. Naturally before radical changes jin production is possible, there will be much attempted to maintain successfully the artificial position which exists. But unless new markets are discovered or a fresh boom breaks out, the artificial barrier must break down. The Government has its share of the problem—the main share he:au.se it is expected to right the position; but only further artificial methods may be attempted, unless the root of the trouble is attacked. There is not any evidence at this juncture that root Causes will' lie probed, father does it appear that the general situation of the country will be temporised with in the hope something may turn up and so avoid unpleasant duties,

The desire for speed and yet more speed, is taking toll of many lines. The fate of Major Segrave is a notable instance of striving to excel and then falling a victim to one’s own ambitions. The attainment of super-speed sucli as was his goal can be of very little prae- ■ deal value, and the- question arises whether the attainment of the unusable should be encouraged or permitted. Once a record is made another tries to defeat it, and so the mad race goes on. The trial of engines to produce super-speed must inevitaoiy lie a dangerous business. Strained to the limit many possibilities of disaster present themselves, and it is not always man’s wisdom which avoids the inevitable catastrophe. The old saying of “reason in all things” should be applied to this freak desire of an uneconomic speed, a rate of progress which can give no practical results, but always presents the gravest dangers It would appear also that many of the motor accidents now being recorded daily are attributable to speed. The recent Sockburn accident was pro-, bably in that category. Signals were disregarded by the- driver and the crossing attempted. Others in the vicinity saw the danger signal and respected it, and they remained to be eye-witnesses of a very terrible disaster. How the desire for speed is to bo controlled effectively is the difficulty. The public generally take little or no heed of clanger signs and signals at railway crossings. The injunction to stop and look out for the engine, became too familiar and was in practice absolutely ignored. Since that was realised, the authorities adopted the idea of a compulsory stop, as a means to assure the safety of the railway crossing for the venturesome motorists, hut again this weli meant instruction is ignored. Frequently motorists are being fined for breaches of these regulations and for speeding, but the accidents continue to occur—the warnings are not taken to heart nor are the regulations observed. This state of mind is not peculiar to New Zealand. Every country now has its long list of motor fatalities, but for its population the Dominion must be! emulating the more populous countries, ' and where fatalities reach such high j totals annually. It seems clear that’ those controlling motor traffic should be more rigorous in their control regarding the observance of traffic regulations and the rate of speed at crossings and intersections. Locally, there is a fair measure of enforcement, and it is all for the safety of life and limb, even though some folk growl at the restrictions, hut better an honest growl than a coroner's inquest, and the victims should be rather pleased that (.hoy escape so lightly from their motoring offences.

A dance for the younger members of the Ladies Hockey Club will be held In the All Saints Hall to-night Thursday, Ailmission Is. Supper provided.—Advt.

Plunket Nurse Grant will pay her usual visit to Hokitika to-morrow. The customary programme will he followed. Messages requiring attention please leave with Mrs Geo. Perry, Hall St.

The claim by Lillies Harc-ourt against William Gordon McKay, for £SQ;) damages for alleged breach of promise, set down for hearing at the Supemc Court, Greymouth, this week, has been settled out of Court.

Picture patrons will be pleased to l,ear'.i that the most amazing and gorgeous tecbni-colourcd photoplay: “No, No, Nanette,” the glorious .alltalking, singing, dancing and musical comedy, digger ! better ! brighter than anything else ever heard on the stage or screen will be screened at the Princess Theatre or: Monday and Tuesday nights next.

The death occurred yesterday afternoon at the residence of her daughter. Mrs J. Harper, of Brunner, of an old and highly respected resident of that locality in the person of Mrs Eliza Musters The deceased, who was predeceased sixteen years ago by her husband, was 77 years of age, and had resided at Brunner for no less than •54 years. She leaves a family of six daughters and one son.

The wedding; took place yesterday afternoon at St. John's Presbyterian Church, Greymouth, of Jessie Ford Black, formerly of Scotland, apd daughter of Mrs A. Johns, Alexander Reefs settlement, to Charles, eldest son of Mr C. Bryan, of Kotuku. The •Per. T. Chartoris, of Kumara, officiated. The bridesmaid was Miss 11. Blues, and was assisted by Miss Jessie Ford, cousin of the bride. Three little flower girls also took part in the ceremony. Mr D. Bryan attended his brother as best man, and Mr J. Bryan was groomsman. Mr It. Tennent was at the organ. After the ceremony : a reception, was held at Harker’s. The newly-married couple 'left this morning for Christchurch and Dunedin, on their honeymoon.

The Grey “Star” says: “The mutilation of books, and magazines in the reading rooms at the Greymouth Library, is causing the librarians concern. Yesterday a new magazine 'containing reproductions of some of this year’s Royal Academy pictures was placed on the talkies, and this morning wag' discovered shorn of several of the pictures. Recently three magazines were entirely removed from the library. A notice displayed prominently on the walls of each reading room states that a reward of £5 will be offered to any person giving information against those found mutilating pa pet's Or books, aild it would he in the public interest not to hesitate to report any detected in such offences.” " Mutilation of papers in the local Free Public Library is also regularly occurring. A flagrant case being. Reported to the authorities some time ago but no action was apparently taken.

A case presenting features unique for tiie district and unusual for the country generally, came yesterday before Mr Justice Adams at the Supreme Court, Greymouth, known as the Invergrey Kennels case, in which a number of residents sought an in junction 'restraining Emma Amelia Kettle, widow, and her .I.iugnter, Viola Maude Kettle, of Greymouth, from causing a nuisance, owing u. the fact that dogs were kept on pi anises in Shakespeare Street, of which i he rst-named defendant, being tie owner, first-named, 'defendant, being the owner owner of the dogs. The plainulfs alleged that- they were -.erio ljv annoyed and inconvenienced owing to the harking, howling and whining of the dogs. The hearing of the case had been anticipated with general interest, owing to its novel character, but, to the disappointment of a large number of people who were present at the Court, the proceedings proved to he only cf very brief duration. When the case was called, Mr Hannan stated the defendants would consent to the granting of the injunction prayed for. An injunction was granted as asked, and costs were allowed, including the witnesses’ expenses, as in an action of £300; the witnesses expenses and disbursements to be fixed by the Registrar.

Maori Music: Actually recorded at. Rotorua by the Rotorua Maori Choir, with soloists and quartettes: “Ka.ru Ka.ru” (A Fishing Chanty) and “Te Ope Tuatahi” (M arching Song); “Pokarekare” and “Te Taniwha” (Maori love ditties); “Po At-arua” (A Song of Farewell) and “He Moke Moke” (My Lover is Far Away) ; “Matangi” (I grieve for you) and “E Hotu Nei” (I long for you); “Au E lliu” (Je.su. Lover of My Soul) and “Karaunatia” (Crown Horn); Turanga Ake” (Maori Chant) and “Reti Mai” (Maori Love Song); “Aroha- Pumai” (f Love You Truly) and “E Moo Te R-a” (Shadows of Evening); “Ako Ako OTe Rangi (Whisper of Heaven) and “The Maori Flute.” Price 4s each. Call and hear these wonderfu records. On sale at Yarrall’s Music Depot, Revell St.—Advt.

Just to hand fresh stock of boys all wool football jerseys in Red and Rlnck. Blue and Black, and Green and Black at W. 11. Stopforth’s.— Advt.

A cold in the bead needs treatment in the bead. Inhale “nazol”, the commonsense remedy, for quick and permanent. relief, (if) doses for I s Oil• —Advt.