SLOW AND ANXIOUS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1932, Page 8

SLOW AND ANXIOUS

CLIMB TO PROSPERITY. MAINTENANCE OF QUALITY. AUCKLAND, J.an 28. ‘I suppose 1931 was just about as bad a year as there could have been for going abroad,” said Professor A. M. Algie, of the Auckland University who returned by the Mnunganui this morning after a twelve months’ trip overseas. ‘'Hie economic depression was every, where in evidence. It is not possible for me to join tiie ranks ol returning New Zealanders who are optimistic about the prospects. The climb back to prosperous times appears to be a slow and anxious one. “One outstanding impression I have in mind is that New Zealand counts' lor little! outstanding in the world, except as a vendor for primary products. It is a fact that we have reached the bottoip level Jfof such prices,” he continued. “It seems that every effort should lie made to intensify our primary products and maintain that excellent ((Utility wbjeh is found everywhere. ‘‘Our so called advanced social legis lation was little known abroad, and where is was understood it appeared to attract title favourable comment. A disappointing thing is that although Europe is so full of well-trained and able politicians'there appears to he so little in the way of construction for our present difficulties. There is tin* further factor that no country on Europe a pears to he an acknowledged leader in Europe, nor docs there appear to be a country able to assume responsibility of leader ship. Another feature that it is so unfortunate that Europe should lie dependent to such tin extent on America for a solution of its difficulties. “As far as New Zealand is concerned we should ( Oitt entrfite on' imnrovin-r the position of tin* farmer and in .encouraging fiim in intensive cultivation, so that we will be ready to reat) the benefit, of bettor prices. The indications in England tire very definite in the direction of a great Iv-unpt ovn[ j-niffy of Empire preference.”