“TARANAKI CENTRAL PRESS.” THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1936. A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 321, 31 December 1936, Page 4

“TARANAKI CENTRAL PRESS.” THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1936. A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Were it not for the unpleasant weather conditions prevailing to-day, the Old Year would certainly go out to-night in a blaze of glory. Stratford’s crowded streets and busy stores in the past week have told their own tale of returning prosperity, a talc which is repeated throughout the Dominion. Though less important in Taranaki than in many other parts of New Zealand, the remarkable rise in wool prices has undoubtedly been a factor in the national rejoicings. The rise which has taken place in the price of this commodity at the recent sales has meant an enormously increased spending power in New Zealand as a whole, while for districts such as this, which depend primari y on dairy produce, the Christmas pay-out has helped considerably in adding to the normal joy of the festive season. In other directions also there is evidence that the better prices ruling for primary produce are likely to stabilise near present levels, which while they have not reached the big values of the boom years are certainly on a much better basis than for some time past. Added to these factors is the impetus given by the Government’s merry spending campaign, which has thrown a few more million pounds into circulation. Whether good or bad in the long run; the immediate result is undoubted, and the fillip given to.trade is such as to make Christmas spending this year one of the most liberal on record.

That the return of prosperity is not confined to New Zealand is evident on all sides. The record rush of tourists to these shores confirms the report that Australia is experiencing something in the nature of a boom. The United States Government sees so many signs of trade revival that it is taking steps to prevent a ’ boom and burst” period, while Britain is in the throes of a great trade revival only partly due to the huge rearmament programme which has just been launched.

All that is now needed to make the New Year the happiest for years, is some sign that the nations of the world are returning to their senses and that peace and goodwill will again become a guiding principle in international relationships. In some directions there appears to be only a faint hope of a more friendly feeling between the rival Powers. The The gulf existing between the great Fascist and Communist States would appear to be almost too wide to span by mere human devising. Only fear of the consequences may keep these forces from a mutually destructive conflict.

On the other hand there are signs of a better feeling between Britain and Italy. A solid understanding concerning the Mediterranean, which is Britain’s vital link with her Empire, and the very breath of life to Italy, will without doubt make a great European conflict less likely in the near future. And the longer such a conflict is delayed the stronger will be the position of those who are fighting for peace.

At any rate, Central Taranaki is determined to ring in 1937 in customary happy style. 1 his paper plans for a still better service in the New Year. In its aim to serve its readers faithfully and well, every effort will be made. And so at the close of 19 36 The Taranaki Central Press” wishes all its readers “A HAPPY NEW YEAR.”