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Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1931, Page 4

Since Great Britain has gone off the gold standard the markets for primary products have shown a firming tendency with an increasing demand. The emergency tariff proposals at Home should be helpful also, for it is proposed to check dumping and avoid unfair competition by foreign countries. This is the first fruits of the National Government as far as the Oversea Dominions are concerned. Lately, of the primary products, wool has improved, and although the former high level of prices will not be reached, there is confidence that aiming this season, improved returns will be obtainable for the New Zealand commodity. Farm products and meat have kept a steadier price with a good demand, hut the prices did not advance "s much as was expected from the first improvement. However, with the good demand, the dull period will nass, and prices should soon range a little higher, but can never soar under present world conditions to the great levtl of dm war period. There is a welcome advance in the production of gold, and with an exnansion of tbe industry, which is pleasing and encouraging with the prospect of new finds undr a well-led prospecting effort. The confidence at Home brought about bv tbe political which saw tire exit of an expensive Labour administration, and manifested in. the busier manufacturing centres and the increased employment afforded. The unemployed list is do-

creasing rapidly and with the increased earning power of the people there will be more demand for commodities. There are prospects now of the Empire being drawn closer together by the ties of trade. There is a common economic policy in regard to sterling, and with the approaching visit of the Hon. J. H. Thomas, some good results must follow in the freer interchange of Empire products for the betterment of the family group. The coming year should see important inter trading developments within the Empire, and that resulting, the resources of New Zealand will be more in demand overseas ensuring a material advance in the export values of the* surplus products of the country.