ECONOMIC POSITION

Shannon News, 11 April 1928, Page 2

ECONOMIC POSITION

SETTLERS FOR THE LAND.

THt. HIGH COST OF LIVING.

A remit on the economic position of the Dominion, tabled by Wanganui came up for consideration at the conference of the New Zealand Federation of Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers. As the agenda paper was heavy, it was decided to hold over discussion and bring on the remit if there was time. The remit is as follows: “That in the opinion of this conference the present economic dis- - tress prevalent in the Dominion is i due to the following causes: (1) Lack of recognition of the fact that the mainstay of trade is the primary producer. (2) Non-realisation of the fact that only two sources of wealth are suporting the industries of the Dominion —(a) primary products, (b) borrowed money. (3) That the creation of secondary industries sheltered by high Customs duties is causing a higher cost of living,.and by the duplication of plants all over the Dominion, with high overhead charges proportionate to the small turnovers, millions of pounds are being tied up in non-payable ventures that .would be far better invested on the land. (Note. —The cost of all this is borne by the country, and as the land is our chief source of export it hits back at the primary producer.) (4) Lack of recognition of the fact that our means of distribution, manufacturingk plant and general equipment are sufficient for a population three times that of the present. (5) Recognising these facts, this conference Is of opinion that every effort should be mamde to settle another 50,000 families on the land,' that large properties suitable for more intensive culture be cut up if necessary. Such settlement and the wealth produced would provide for from 50,000 to 750,000 inereftse in population.”