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Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1931, Page 4

Titf. tourist traffic of the country so far as New Zealanders are concerned, is said to be keeping up remarkably well, a fact which goes some way to discount the denression 'tori o * abroad. It is true that the tourist visitors from Australia are not as numerous as heretofore, while oversea traffic of the nature referred to. lms also somewhat declined, but the internal traffic continues good. A recent visitor through Goth Islands, reports that

steamers, trains and motors continue to be well patronised.' To the Cities, business as usual in general trading is reported, and where pleasure-going is involved for theatres, sport, and pasttimes generally, the public flock in their thousands in all the main centres. And, invariably, the holiday makers

are a happy well dressed throng, making the most of their oppo. tunity. This is pleasing f.o record at a tune wlien the voice of the pessimist, is to lie heard so often.. There is one •lactor, however, which suggests a contraction in spending: power, and that is the totalisa,tor. Since the New Year was entered upon, some heavy drops in comparative returns have been noticeable. A fall of 11s much as fifty per cent has been recorded in some cases. This contraction may mean i more frugality among the race-going ' public, for as a rule, attendances have not dropped very materially. If the folk are being thrifty in this way, it betokens good sense at a time when the future is somewhat obscure. It, is the kind of Unit to be expected in a New Zealand public notable for its good sense in all public matters. The more difficult times are therefore teaching moderation, and that will not he harmful in the end. If there is a lesson to be learned at inis juncture, the people are showing they have understood the text, and are applying it practically. The practical thing to do just now is to act reasonably and avoid panic. It is not necessary to regard the future with pessimism. The people can afford to have faith in the country which lias achieved so much in about three-quarters of a century, and can show their faith bv a reasonable support to trade and business. This seems to be the spirit ■about just now. and accounts 'for 1 business as usual, and pleasure not denied or prohibited, but enjoyed reasonably and in good season, Along these lines all should be well for tho country and the. people with faith in 1 their country.