The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1930. THE YEAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1930. THE YEAR.

To-night 1930 passes, Such au occasion is a milestone in both individual and national history. \Ve count time by years, and with the departure of another unit, we may speculate on the gains and losses of the period and of the advantages and disadvantages to the human race, The superstitious did not count the dying year a prospering one, for itp component figures totalled the unlucky number 13. If there be ought in this view, then we may look to 1931 with more confidence for the unlucky total will not be longer with us. Certainly, the closing year carried much in its train to be remembered by, It has been a year of depression and disaster with worldwide application. It was as though the prosperity of the past had slipped away from the nations, and peoples and countries have had difficulties attend them on all sides. The universal change which came over the work? has been attributed in the main to the aftermath of the war period. That all too long drawn out conflict was disastrously exhausting, particularly to the principals, and victors and vanquished nlike were involved in the general effect following the wastage ol life and capital in the tremendous toll of the war.

He the cause or eaur.os what they may, a very difficult situation has grown up all over the world. Potentially rich countries so far as natural resources are concerned, or even stores of gold, are in difficulties. The world’s markets are upset. Values are depreciating on all sides. The same land, the same buildings, the same produce, are all discounted in values. Those whose wealth was invested in the commodities referred to, or in general business, all feel personally the pinch of the times. With prices' down, the money market and credit are disorganised, and trading o„ profitable lines has become a problem. There are few walks of life not affected by the situation. The primary producers are hit badly, and the loss from their returns is reflected all round, for there is an enforced stringency which lias made itself felt in all avenues of business. There are timer w l,o believe the full effect ol the plump is net experienced yet, for while the shortage of income is admiti.o,i there were reserves in hand from former prospering times, am. those savings have eased the situation considerably. For instance, many can afford to hold over their wool am live on other resource!-. The vt>al pinch will come, it is alleged, when the savings are exhausted, and eilrlont. income has to suffice loi the .country’s needs.

But .it can hardly be said that the world has eased up in the general

scheme of living. While economists counsel a general overhaul of both national and private undertakings with a view to weathering the financial storm with the least inconvenience, the world wags very much a/s of yore. Homilies on economy are delivered by all and sundry, but it is only in stern necessity and almost at the last gasp, that economies, let- alone retrenchment, arc thought of. Governments for the time being have a difficult time. The easy method of living on borrowed money is not readily available now. Departmental administration has to 'be overhauled. Australia has been a notable example wherein the people have had to face suddenly a dire financial situation, but the folk are doing it cheerfully, and with a good Bhow of practical courage, as witness the raising of the £28,000,000 internal loan. New Zealand is reminded that its financial fate might be akin to that of the 'Commonwealth, and something practical is being attempted to save so serious a drift. The year is closing with the Dominion’s financial position being closely investigated, and on safe lines the new year may pee the finance of the country safely adjusted.

One of the serious effects of the shortening of credit is the unemployment created. A very difficult proposition is presented all over the world in this respect. New Zealand through its Government is making a definite attempt to combat the situation. There are not immediate hopes of success, and the payment of the dole per medium of (sustenance. is foreshadowed. Tt seems surprising with a country so much undeveloped as New Zealand ihat such, a step should be necessary. At the moment a committee specially appointed is working hard on the problem, and it is hoped will be successful in substituting work for a mere living pittance. In the emergency period of the war time great difficulties were overcome by organisation. In dealing with the unemployment problem there is scope for the revival of such organisation in order to ensure tliat there will be work for all; arid with the stoppage of public works considered an. nitite burden to New Zealand, something might be done to bring, more of the land of the Dominion into permanent profit, so that by production being increased the aggregate return to the country for exports will be the greater.

The year which is passing has been far from a negative year. There have been many notable achievements,. Neu Zealanders have excelled in the ail. 'Piper and Garden have won honours for New Zealand. Kingsforcl (smith has added to his halo. Byrd performed a remarkable flying feat to the South Pole, and brought back his great expedition intact. Tn Rugby, the All Blacks accounted for a redoubtable visiting British team. '■

visit which aroused remarkable public interest, despite the shadow of difficult times. Public works went on with a swing till last week when a halt had to be called with some large railway works. The failure of Arapuni has created a huge bill of costs for restoration, but the task is being undertaken with remarkable courage. Coleridge gave a long period of trouble and concern almost simultaneously. but tlie remedial measures taken are retrieving the situation slowly. A great work at Waitaki -of a similar nature is drawing to a close, and completed should, in conjunction with Coleridge, assure the electric supply for the East Coast of the South Island.

Politically New Zealand lost through death the services of Sir Joseph Ward, one of the Liberal .stalwarts of old, who nearly forty years ago, went into power, and under the long reign of Premier Seddqn and later that of Sir Joseph himself, changed the whole aspect of politics in this country. A great lead was given to democratic government, and the advanced legislation of that period rame to be copied world-wide. Mr Seddon had one motto: “Legislation for humanity,’' and on that plank lie more than once sweet the polls, for he lived up to Ins political promises. It was left to Sir Joseph to carry on the good work in the better times the advanced legislation brought to the country. During Ids political career Sir Joseph served his King and country with great distinction. and lias left his mark on the financial legislation of the country, as well as in some of the important departments, notably the tourist arid postal services. In the declining years of his life Sir Joseph came back to power, but lii/s health could not Ht,and ’the strain of the arduous duties of office which he insisted On performing. His passing removed, indeed, a notable figure from the political arena.

Before his demise, Sir Joseph had appointed .the Hon. G. W. Forbes bis deputy, and his farmer politician who had grown up with the Liberal policy affecting land settlement, proved himself acceptable to the United Party, and lie was soon installed to the olfievi of Prime Minister. Mr Forbes has bad a difficult time from the outset. He took office just as the finances of the country were feeling the pinch of the world slump, and bis first task was to set matters in order. He began by taking the public fully into bis confidence, and he has steadily gone forward on those lines. Ho had to

leave (Parliament before the session wap finished in order to represent New Zealand at the Imperial Conference. Hie is due back in about three weeks’ time, from that august assembly which on the whole was disappointing in its results. Empire preference was supposed to be one of the foremost subjects for discussion—and bo it was—but the British Labour Government did not favour it as part of the Home policy, and was not prepared to meet the demands of the visiting, Premiers. Canada in particular expressed annoyance, but Mr Forbes was more discreet, and is prepared to wait patiently for a political change at Home.

The session in New Zealand wars dominated in the main by the unemployment difficulties and the failure, of the railways to pay. But both problems remain unsolved. In regard to the former, the Government succeeded in passing a measure which bad to be hurriedly brought into force on the eve of Christmas. The organisation under the statute is not functioning fully vet, and more time must he alloyed to meet a situation which is (something more even than a national problem--it is a jworld condition. Regarding the railways, a Minister who knows his Department from A to Z on tho practical side, is endeavouring to balance bis returns, but it is a difficult task. Apart from the increasing motor competition cutting into the more profitable passenger trade of the railways, the drop in prices for primary products has reduced freights substantially also, and the whole position is most difficult, There is the demand for a non-political Board, but swopping hor»"B at such a. critical time Is no guarantee that the desired rebel will be secured. The whole position is difficult and complex and there is no ready road to early relief in the direction desired,

Tt was a hanpv circumstance indeed which brought Lord Bledisloo to our shores as the King’s representative. Those responsible at Homo for the choice of Governor-General for this Dominion have been invariably most successful iu the selection. Lord Bledoe is distinct in type from his immediate predecessors who were of the Navy and Army, but lie is equal to both in his methods of representation. His lordship has the hanpv knack of an interesting and topical public address. He is a man of high ideals, and his homilies on rectitude have been admirable m expression. His lady, too. has adopted herself most successfully to the colonial environment, and when Their Excellencies visit this district at the end of next month, a loyal and cordial wel-' come awaits them. Tho Commonwealth has just made a departure in selecting its Governor-General by choosing a local representative. In many respects an admirable choice has been made, but a more directly connected representative of His Majesty the King seems to best fit the high office and be in touch with the throne which is the fountain of Empire loyalty.

A passing reference hiv? been made above to British politics. At Home, ns here, the governing party is m power by the grace of one of the opposing political •politic*. The course of events point to the Labour Ministry running its course, and with, the withdrawal of the Liberal support its fall will be inevitable. The Conservatives are hopeful of securing office again, drawing much consolation from recurring successes in bye-elections. Imperial preference will he in the forefront of the next general election, and if tV latter occurs prior to the adjourned Imperial Conference at Ottawa where Canadian proposals for Empire trade ore to he discussed, thp event will no doubt be the factor in determining this great issue of such vital concern to British interests at large. In regard to Labour administration at Homo, it is worthy of mention that unemployment continues to grow, a fact which shows that politics alone cannot save the situation ior the worker. Business ability and organisation can alone redeem the situation for the worker who mvcht well put hi® political trust in the more responsible forms of representations so far as the choice of candidates ip concerned.

Britain has the Indian problem very mlucli on its bands at present. A round-table conference, whereat are o-nthered manv Indian potentates arid highly placed representatives, is endeavouring to solve the form of go\ernment host suited for the conglomerate nation in India. It is a difficult problem, for caste and race are concerned, as well as aridity to undeistand and direct administration on acceptable lines. The British inteiefits in the country are very great, and in any case India is a determining pivot in Eastern stability. Under British rule the general situation of the East is controllable, but if lelt to internal government with the diveigont views and races, India would become a prize for nnv ambitious country canal to organising control, and the whole position of the East, with far-reaching effects, would be changed. The problem is therefore very profound, and it. is doubtful if nnv adeouate settlement can be reached. A modified form of what may be called •‘home rule’’ might be evolved, always safeguarding tlm stability of the country both internally and externallv yt. is just one .of those nations problems which arise from time t' time and have to be met with tin fullest degree of sympathy, without neglecting obvious forms of nations' security.

Russia.' remains a great- enigma. The whole truth about the condition ol the country can only be guessed at. From time to time there are alarming

reports but these die clown without tlie- formidable results which might he expected, manifesting, themselves. ,It is clear the communistic element at the head of affairs in Russia, is endeavouring to govern by an. yon law distinctly anti-capitalistic. It is clear, too, that Russia is not U happy country in the assimilating process. Meantime an a means to an end in furthering communistic principles in their application to the world at large, there is a general policy in force endeavouring to subvert the national life of other countries. From time .to time there are open disclosures of these plans, and there is plain evidence of the work in hand. Russia appears to be rather outside the pale of world civilisation, and as such h a constant menace to the peace and stability of the world at lnree. Russia- in the East as affecting China and India in particular, has to be taken into (account, and will continue j, disturbing factor at a time when the world is anxious for peace, and the great Powers are uniting in action to that very desirable end. ■

The contribution to universal peaC" this year has been considerable. Both at Geneva and in the Naval disarmament conference, a great advance has been made. The land forces are likely to be reduced, considerably ak an outcome of the advancing negotiations, while Britain, United States and Japan have reached a. practical naval arrangement covering a reduction of possible attacking forces. Considerable sacrifice has been made by Great Britain to achieve the success of the movement, which is marred for the time being by France and Italy failing to agree mutually as to their respective naval forces. It is taking n. long time to assimilate the lemons of the war, and the value of aom planting that means of settling differences by a world court of appeal. So far as the great Powers are. concerned, it should he possible yet to win through towards the ideal possible under the League of Nations principle. and 1930 has certainly made its material contribution to that very desirable result. So much hois keen achieved that the way is now easier for further advances in the year opening to-morrow.

Westland has passed through the difficulties of the year without very serious dislocation. The district has had the advantage of its reserves and resources to help it along, hut there hots been a serious decline in trade nevertheless. First came the fallingoff in sawmilling. Many mills have been affected ut> to fnllv fifty per cent of their trade. That has been a serious loss in itself, though it is comforting to know that the crop of timber still stands available as a reproductive asset as soon cis trade improves. The dairy farmer has felt the drop in prices for his product. This has been experienced only recently, but may continue for some time, for the outlook of the market is not .promising. The price of wool does not affect this locality so seriously as the aggregate quantity is not large relatively, but thopo engaged in the industry must feel the heavy drop in realisable prices. Stock has been ,at prices remunerative to the grazier foi some time, blit the flush is going off the market, and In common with most marketable commodities, prices are falling. There will be, of necessity, therefore, a considerable drop in earning power of the district compaied with late times.

It -is gratifying to find that the prospects of mining are improving (steadily. Throughout the year the R.imu dredge has continued on its golden way and has manifested very steady returns, demonstrating not only the value of the ground, but the eapnbilitv of the management in keeping the leviathan constantly at work. Now, the Company encouraged by its past Success lias a large scheme in hand to alignment the power of operating a- larger dredge, and this enterprise has been most acceptable to the community at this juncture with employment. (scarce, and the milling trade depressed. A promising dredging proposition is opening below Okarito, the Prospecting justifying high hopes once the complete plant is working. There is a distinct movement in to mining in other parts of the district. The prospects of Ross have revived by reason of the contemplated working of the celebrated Flat. Prospecting is afoot at Stafford and Awatuna. and dredging is contemplated at Upper Arahura. In the coming year there is the ipromise of a distinct advance in mining developments, a fact which must give Westland a special fillip.

A commission is about to set out to report on land settlement in Westland. There is plenty of scope for the Commission to justify its existence, and the latest land thrown open lias indicated a distinct hunger for land. Westland is so largely Crown areas, that settlement can be advanced cheaply, and men of moderate means can be put on the land without high costs for rents or interest. There should he a marked development in this matter if the Commission functions properly. Flax-milling prospects are promising. With a. reduction in the bajsic wage there is hope for a healthy revival in the industry, and there are at least two large schemes in this district, which put in hand will provide avenues for considerable labour. The district stands always well endowed with nature’s favours in scenic attractions. The eternal hills stand sentinel over forest and lake scenery of unsurpassed beauty. From the high mountains rivers of ice flow down the verdant valleys and are readily accessible for man to roam over and enjoy. The tourist possibilities of the district should never be

eclipsed, with such unique within our borders.

The tale of the year is far from told, but space has gone for • to-day. The thought for the times to-day, reminds readers that there is room for optimists these days. Think hopefully ’ and unite whole-heartedly to mend * matters, and the dark days will pass, -v Our country is rich in resources, sparcely peopled, and with assets of immediate vaiu°. New Zealand has within its shore- valuable enterprises and industries which.bespeak the tour-- 1 ago and pushfulness of the people. That { same sp.irit can hardly ho otherwise than rampant, and it is for the people to give freer play to the possibilities about them. > Just as New Zealand stands out as one of the most fortunate of isles just now of the world's \ centres, so Westland is one of the most pleasantly placed within the Dominion. It has a sure future before it as the country is opened up and settled. The latent possibilities of the district may manifest at any moment. Let us hope we are approaching the threshold of happier and- brighter times again. Our wish iis that our readers may participate to the full in the best that can.,happen, and that in particular all may have

A HAPPY NEW YEAR,