The Sun 42 WYNDHAM STREET AUCKLAND SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1930 A STATESMAN’S NEW YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 862, 4 January 1930, Page 6

The Sun 42 WYNDHAM STREET AUCKLAND SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1930 A STATESMAN’S NEW YEAR

I ISTENEK.S-1N who had the impression that New Zealand •J broadcasting stations were not to be used for the distribution of political discourses covering subjects of a controversial nature must have been mildly surprised by the tenor of the New Year message broadcast by the Prime Minister on Thursday evening. At such a period most listeners-in are in a mood for lighter entertainment, and there was no doubt a fairly general turning of dials as they went in search of it. Fortunately, it is one of the charms of wireless that the speaker thus deserted by 1 members of his audience is blissfully unaware of their apostasy. For this reason alone the advantage of the radio may continue to commend itself to politicians. In spite of this, the address delivered by Sir Joseph was not without interest. It was heartening both to his many political and personal friends and admirers, just as it was agreeable to his political foes, to hear his voice again after the months in which his precarious state of health has caused the deepest and most widespread anxiety. The Prime Minister is a man of unconquerable spirit. After such an illness, most men of his age would prefer to remain in the quietness of their homes; but Sir Joseph is already anticipating the time when he may go through the country, meeting old friends, and shaking them by the hand. This is a pleasure that will be warmly anticipated on both sides. Sir Joseph’s hopes for a rosy future for the Dominion were sincere expressions of goodwill. In its dealing with the unemployment problem his Government claims credit for an honest effort to assure that future. Mistakes have been made, and now and again thet-e has been a tardiness or a reticence that called for criticism* But at any rate hundreds of men have been placed on national undertakings which are not only maintaining them in employment, but may be claimed to’be enlarging the economic assets of the country. It is being a tremendously costly effort, and *in the present state of international finances and world markets it is not easy to see where the end will be. Such an astute and far-sighted financier as Sir Joseph, however, sees reason for confidence in the immediate future. If his faith is well grounded, the Government will, as conditions improve, be able to embark on a gradual process of reducing the numbers engaged on relief works. The main thing to be certain of is that such a process, which, if ill-timed, would give a bad set-back to the present recovery of national confidence, is not begun prematurely. In the meantime the Government realises the importance of strengthening the Dominion’s general position, but it is doubtful if it yet realises the best routes to that goal. One method well within reach is increased agricultural production, which may be achieved by the encouragement of better farming methods and by new settlement in unpopulated areas or closer settlement in existing farming districts. In his address over the air on Thursday evening Sir Joseph invited the country to watch the steps by which his Government will effect this closer settlement during 1930. He can be assured in return that the process will he followed with the closest attention. < Sir Joseph also impressed on the people that they would be wise to observe the maxim “Buy New Zealand-Made Goods.” He recognises that “manufacturers must be assisted,” and claims that the Government is doing its best to promote industry. He stated: “We have amalgamated the Departments of Industries and Commerce and Tourists and Publicity, and the appointment abroad of officers representing the combined departments will be economical.” It is a queer paradox that the Prime Minister should visualise the vital importance of cultivating national industries, and then cite as a practical example of his vision a step which has only one apparent virtue, the promise of some degree of “economy.” It has yet to be shown that the amalgamation referred to will yield any other benefits. Its general effect is to give the impression that the Government is very halfhearted about its ideas on the subject of New Zealand manufactures. Much more could be done if the Government made one of its first moves in the pursuit of prosperity a vigoi’ous nation-wide survey of existing industries, their resources, their difficulties, and their prospects. It is true that during the year some progress has been made toward the establishment of a board to undertake a portion of these responsibilities. But there has not yet been evidence of a serious political effort to back up those who make the logical claim that in New Zealand industries, profiting from our own bounteous production of what are called “primary” materials, lies the country’s real hope of salvation from the recurring slough.s into which fluctuating overseas markets project us. The Prime Minister’s insistence on the adoption of the slogan “Buy New Zealand-Made Goods” is not much use unless he is prepared, by means of technical advice, expert assistance and an elastic margin of protection, where necessary, to give the manufacturers of those goods a chance to pilot their industries through that tender period of development in which they are subject to the blight of unfair competition.