The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, June 8, 1915. NEW ZEALAND’S SATISFACTORY POSITION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1408, 8 June 1915, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, June 8, 1915. NEW ZEALAND’S SATISFACTORY POSITION.

Despite the war, New Zealand has never been in a more prosperous condition than it is to-day. An interesting fact was made public by the Prime Minister at Hamilton last Tuesday, in connection with our export trade. During the three years covered by the Massey Government’s administration, the exports from this Dominion have increased in value by ,£8,434,623 that is, from ,£19,042.200 in 1912 to .£27,476,523 in 1015, the figures covering the financial years ending March 31st in each case. Then we have the further notable fact that while Australia, with its many Labour Governments (and, as far as the Commonwealth Itself is concerned, with a Labour Government in complete control), counts its unemployed by the thousand — several thousands being unemployed in New South Wales alone —unemployment in New Zealand is less than at the same peiiod fo last year or the year before, when there was no war ; and there is indeed plenty of work for those who desire it; while wages are good, settlement is proceeding satisfactorily, money is available at reasonable rates of interest, and the Savings Bank deposits are largely in excess of the withdrawals, last year’s excess amounting to Yet certain Opposition papers were fond of telling us, and are still doing so, that the country is going to the dogs under the present Government, whereas the facts point in an altogether different direction. The Liberalism of to day, so far as New Zealand is concerned, appears to have developed into a question of mere partisanship, which demands, without rhyme or reason, the blind support of certain leaders who were abundantly discredited by the country at the 1911 election, and who have since done nothing to justify the belief that they are any better fitted to undertake the duties of office, and the administration of the country’s affairs, which they so grossly mismanaged when in office.