Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1932, Page 4

The now proposals- t-o assist in alleviating unemployment, give evidence of the earnest desire on the part of the Government to grqpple with this comparatively large question for this- country. - Tt is true that the situation has eased, but winter is looming up, and with the low market values of the produce exported, it is apparent, there can be no lift immediately, and the country must prepare for an extension of the lean period. At the same time, New Zealand is relatively regarding employment- in a better position than many other countries, but nevertheless

tlie state of affairs combined with the general outlook, is had enough to cause concern and the obligation is on tlu> authorities to prepare to meet possibilities. The statement by Mr Coates indicates a strong desire to men on the land and the rural scheme is devised to that end. Unfortunately results through that channel cannot come quickly, though the proposal will load to permanency if the men will stick to the land once they are given the chance to establish themselves. The proposal to improve swamp lands commands itself to ns. for we have always advocated attention to the swamp areas of Westland. Wo see in this section of the scheme a chance to do good for settlement in Westland, whereby more permanentpopulation will be secured for the distinct. The gold mining scheme is of interest hero where the territory is so highlv mineralised, and there is a more hopeful outlook from the promise that expert, supervisors are to lie in charge of the scheme. Adverting to the land proposals again, we would like to see special attention to parts of Westland under the suggestion to bring virgin land into profit. For some reason, land (settlement here has not been encouraged as it should, despile the cheapness of the land and ils proved productivity. force of circumstances may now turn a. favoiiralde current to the fortunes of thin district as regards increased land settlement.. As the proposed new ideas cannot he put into practice without funds, and as the Consolidated fund m not able to support the unemployment fii’id. further taxation is proposed. Thi, is to be accomplished by increasing the levy from 3d to Is in (| u C. It ; s a Id"; "mm. but if it can accomplish the. relict desired it will lie all for the good of the country and the we"e earnem should meet the liability with the best grace possible.