RECOVERY SIGNS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1933, Page 3

RECOVERY SIGNS

I,N AUSTRALIA TO-DAY

ABSORBING THE UNEMPLOYED.

WELLINGTON, May 17

Signs of recovery in Australia’s econmic position were noticed by the Leader of the Legislative Council, Sir Janus Parr, during, his recent visit to Australia. Sir James, who returned to Wellington by the Maunganui to-day, went to Australia on account of the- illness cf Lady Parr, and he spent two months there, mostly in Melbourne. He last visited Australia 10 months ago and he holds the opinion that since then Australia’s economic position has improved. 1

A good test is me uiieiiipioyiiieiu figures,” he remarked. ‘‘Unquestionably Australia is absorbing her unemployed into industry. During the past seven or eiglit months, Victoria has reduced the number of her unemployed by over 20,000. The unemployed now, totals between 35,000 and 37,000, out of a total population of close, on 2,000,000. Other States are also showing an improvement. Ncyv South. Wales, owing to the . confidence inspired bv the advent of the SteVens Government and the overthrow of Langism, is showing in many districts a considerable absorption into ordinary industry of her workless people. , , ‘‘Another thing that impressed me was that the temper of the .Australian people is more cheerful and more buoyant. Indeed, one does not hear verymuch about the economic blizzard there. I spoke to bankers, to business, people and t 0 Federal and State Ministers—all of whom treated me with great courtesy—and the spirit,of glpqm ,does not characterise the. general attitude of the people. The people are showing the best qualities of the Australian temperament.”

Discussing the financial position, Sir James Parr said the Federal Government, had a big credit balance on this year’s accounts. Some of it was to he used to reduce taxation, .which in many States was most, severe. “As regards the States,” said Sir James, “they hope under the Premiers’ Plan, embodied in recent legislation, to balance their Budgets. Personally, I am very doubtful about this, being, dope. .

“Australia is, in its heart, fearful of a drought,” continued Sar James. “There have been practically no autumn rams, and production consequently has fallen off in many 'dist-icts. Sheep artill poor condition already. “This is after, three excellent years, when Nature favoured the grept continent and brought it .round from it perilous financial position of 1829 There are a few weeks to go in which heavy rain is possible, but when I left the meteorologists were riot very hopeful.”

Speaking on the political situation gencraly, Sir James" sa d that lie hact been much impressed by. the people-, ol Victoria. Victoria was a fine State and there was a solidity among the peppl which made them resemble the people o. New Zealand’. Of course, Victoria had thriven on the. instability of the former Government in New South Wales. He was told of one institution* which had sent £7,020,000 across the' border during the Lang regime. Phere were many others that had acted similarly, hut some of that mc-noy wa« coining back.

“The Stevens Government.” said Sir James, “has, in my opinion, done a wonderful ivork in the regeneration of the almost impossible financial possitior to which it succeeded on the defeat of Mr Lang.”