FUTURE OF THE DOMINION.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1919, Page 9

FUTURE OF THE DOMINION.

AN OPTIMISTIC BANKER. Ohristchureh, Saturday. A very optimistic tone regarding the future of the Dominion was taken by Mr. P. H. Cox, managing inspector of the Bank of Australasia, at a social gathering given in his honor on his relinquishing the managership of the Clristchureh branch of the bank. He said that the outlook was never so bright as it was at present. Money was in the country that had no! been present t\\o years ago. The pi nple must take advantage oi tiu. position by working. If every man would "pull his car" throughout the country nil difficulties would disappear in thin air. Mr. Cox added that the man who bad 100 much time on his hands was the man who got into trouble. If they could bring in a law' compelling every man, froni 18 to 55, to do seven hours' usoful work a day it would end all labor troubles. (Laughter). ' The ordinary working man should be given a living wage, and the maa who put hi? test into his work should be paid extra. Thib would greatly strengthen the country and attract new population. The country was ready for immigrants, and it was extraordinary that facilities were not put in their way. There were hundreds of thousands of acres of land untouched, worth up to £2O, and even £4O, an acre. If the Government took this land in hand and put practical managers in charge of returned soldiers, the man could work on wages until the country was brought into cultivation, and it could then be allotted to "the soldier-employees. Mr. Cox added that immigrants could be attracted bv having work for them to go to direct, instead of wasting their ready money looking round for a position. The productivity of New Zealand could be increased tenfold, and ten times the present export values would mean untold prosperity for New Zealand, (ApI plause).