The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1931. SEFTING TO.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1931. SEFTING TO.

The general situation of the country calls for the fullest effort on the part of all to meet the position. All must set to in the best spirit of help and enterprise to overcome the trials' and difficulties ahead. The prosperity of the Country, it is now fully realised, is wrapped up in. the export trade of the Dominion, and that in ‘turn is governed by outside prices, particularly those ruling in Britain where the bulk of New Zealand produce finds a market, While all must set-to with determination, there i s need for more unity than hitherto prevailing, The political issue Wag too much in mind, and party feeling was allowed to enter too much into consideration, Before and during the election the opportunity was open to Labour to join forces in a national administration, working for''the common good. Political labour should now regard the position from a different standpoint, and at last come to realise the financial difficulties. Which are presenting themselves. Not only is. there the shortage of funds caused by the depressed markets for produce, but we have atso the failure of the wool sales to show an increase, and hopes in that direction were disappointed. This money shortage affecting production seriously affects the producers whose ability to pay and meet their obligations is now 'Checked. But that restriction affects also employment, and there is less hope of mere work for the hum dreds seeking engagement. The country cannot add much to the revenue by ’ additional taxation, for the present burden .is exhausting in itself. Neither can borrowing be resorted to to any material extent to .■ tide over an extended period. Actually, therefore, there must be a more rigorous mverhaluliiig of public and private outgoings with the object of meeting tfie situation with the least possible discomfort. Labour must revise its political attitude, and were it to do so, the general effect ip, smoother working would be a help in itself. The removal of the forced discontent with the politicals situation would be again, and a real sobering down to tne reality of things would be the most certain hope of pulling through quickly. A large majority one way or the other in Parliament does not jspell a speedy escape from the financraf difficulties. At Home, although the National Government had a sweeping majority, it did not remove the accruing debts of the country which have to be paid. Money must be earned to dot that, and that calls for work and production. What the majority at Home can do, as here, is to set an ordered course and require all to cooperate to the common end. Prosperity will hot/drop from the clouds. It has to 1 be earned or created {by work. Producing costs must lie overhauled again and again. Economies must be devised along reasonable lines to ensure profitable production. Farms, businesses, and undertakings cannot run long at a lo.ss, these times, for there is nothing to go and come on. .Earnings are at a lower rate, and 1 harder work and more intense proi duction is called ■ for, to give an amount approximating former returns. The Socialism required at this 'functure is an understanding of the dependency of all upon one another, and real co-operation in. unity to work out' the destiny of the country and achieve better times. *