SLUMP IN THE AIR.

Wairarapa Age, 16 February 1927, Page 5

SLUMP IN THE AIR.

MORE OPTIMISM WANTED. NEED FOR THRIFT. An appeal for a more optimistic note to replace the present pessimistic outlook of the majority of people was made by Mr. G. R. Sykes, M.P., when speaking at the A. and P. Association’s re-nnian last night. That there was a slump in. the air, said Mr. Sykes, could be discerned in the demeanour of everyone.. The balance of trade was against the country, and never was there a greater need for optimism. Pessimism got one nowhere. Those with determination to surmount their ordeals invariably got thro»gh. The cost of production was high, but there was a silver lining to the cloud. New Zealand’s interests were indissolubly interwoven with those of the Mother Country, and the indomitable purpose to hold on and pull through would assuredly win. The people of the Old Land would not weaken, and the latest news from Home intimated that the financial market was hardening despite the insecurity of the position itL China. Mr. Coates,- in a speech on his return, stated that there was a fixed determination among the captains of industry to win through and make 'good. It therefore behoved all, while exercising judicious thrift, to increase materially the production, of the country. itu a spirit of forbearance ai d mutual goodwill they would emerge from me trials and tribulations which existed to-day. Speaking later in the evening, Mr D. Ogilvy (treasurer of the Association), declared that the extravagance of the people generally was leading to disaster, and if the existing conditions lasted, the present generation would:die leaving no money behind It. The day of reckoning was . coming, for people were living mainly for pleasure and amusement with no thought of to-mor-