The Sun 42 WYNDHAM STREET, AUCKLAND THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1939 A PLEA FOR PROGRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1002, 19 June 1930, Page 10

The Sun 42 WYNDHAM STREET, AUCKLAND THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1939 A PLEA FOR PROGRESS

"AX egg which rattles in tlie cup cannot he compared with that ** which bulges over the rim.” That is ail aphorism borrowed appreciatively from a stimulating address to farmers and others yesterday by the Governor-General at Palmerston North. Lord Bledisloe ttsed it to emphasise plain common sense about several important factors of competition. Tt might well be applied to business, politics, almost the whole range of national affairs. There are too many eggs rattling in cups instead of bulging over the rim. In other words there is more noise than weight. This may be applicable also to the editorial columns of newspapers, but let us at least be frank as liis Excellency intends to bo throughout his career as the King’s right-hand man in New Zealand and, in the best of goodwill, take criticism as well as compliments. The Governor-General has expressed determination to speak always with frankness and hopes that the leaders of the country "'ill Fe equally frank to him, even though they mav look at things differently, but still agree to differ. It “is an excellent intention which, if carried out with the same wisdom as marked its exercise yesterday, will win the full approval of the country. But since frankness necessarily invites comment, perhaps Lord Lledisloe will accept with pleasure a friendly reminder that New Zealanders generally do not like to be turned over in their comfortable sleep: The pith of the Governor-General's plain statements yesterday was simply the old truth that Providence is not the servant of the weak, but is for those who put forth their utmost strength in helping themselves. It is a truth too often forgotten in an age of whimpering about bad times and the foolish practice of a political encouragement of a belief that if one section or another in a spoiled community whines loud enoiigli all the good things in life will drop easily into its lap. “God gives us hands as well as minds,” declared liis Excellency. “We should use both.” So the Vice-Regal farmer stepped firmly and briskly on to the field of production both on farms and in factories. In each there is scope as well as necessity for increased production. It was natural, of course, that Lord Bledisloe should have placed first in interest the problems of farmers and their incorrigible pessimism, but he did not overlook, neither did he depreciate, the value of manufacturing industries. While confessing that farmers would not be comfortable if they did not grouse a little, he made it clear to them that New Zealand, perhaps, is more happily situated than any other country in the Empire, and has less reason therefore to be pessimistic. The only flaw in that timely reminder was the use of the word “perhaps.” New Zealand has the least reason for pessimism and the eternal grousing that makes farmers comfortable. His Excellency, after surveying the causes of exaggerated woe and whimpering over an inevitable fall in the prices for farm products, easily could have given a vivid comparison with the present plight of British farms and many of the ablest agriculturists in the world. He could have told without exaggeration how some of the best land in England has been sold for ninety shillings an acre, and why so many farms and farm-houses are passing into dangerous disrepair, with lands and buildings suffering neglect, “and arable fields fallen down to bad grass of which an acre will hardly maintain a cow.” Lord Bledisloe, however, chose the greater comfort in looking toward the sunrise rather than to stare gloomily at the sun westering among' black clouds. And his advice to producers in respect of meeting and maintaining competition to the best possible advantage was almost perfect wisdom. It just fell short of perfection because he kept his frankness on the leash. Obviously, he would have liked to have spoken more plainly about the quality of New Zealand cheese. There was, however, a warning in his restraint. As a means of promoting economic stability Lord Bledisloe advocated a, wider and readier purchase of New Zealand-made goods. It is to be hoped that all the men on the land will give heed to the Governor-General’s advice because too many of them in the spare time which enables them to attend numerous conferences and excel the Walrus and the Carpenter in talking of many things appear to believe that manufacturers, working under essential tariff protection, are parasites and sheltered bandits. But the opponents of protected manufacturing industries do not jib at protection for agriculturists. It may he that both sides have abused their benefits or aids, but the country must safeguard its own industries and remember that Providence is not the servant of the weak.