CO-OPERATIVE MANUFACTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 172, 24 July 1890, Page 2

CO-OPERATIVE MANUFACTURE.

(To bhe Edibor.)

Sir,—l brusb your ably-written leader on " Co-operation " in this evening's Star will obtain tbe close attention of all classes of your numerous readers which it deserves. I, for one, feel firmly convinced thab in bhis direction lies bhe solution of social difficulties. _er, though radical .reforms in our land and fiscal systems are imperatively necessary, still, when -all Has been done that can be done in bhat way, it will only amounb to the laying down of conditions which will enable tbe people to help themselves. Trades Unionism can only effect temporary and partial benefits, because the holders of land and capital will always be able to adjust prices to new conditions, and if pricesare forced up, say, ten per cent, all round, what will it amount to ? Of course it will bake bhab amounb more money to carry on business, and thab,means inberesb on the extra amount of moneytsmployed in manufacturing businesses. Io will mean placing ourselves at a disadvantage in relation to the foreign manufacturer, because if our prices are raised ten per cent, for colonialmade goods, then it will amount to the same as if foreign manufactures had been reduced by that amount, nob aobually Of course, bub relatively. . _ Associablori and co-operation are, I believe, the principles by which we may moderate, and eventually eliminate, the fierce and unnatural competition , which _ is destroying all honesty and honourable principle among civilised peoples. That this will demand a higher intelligence among the people than exists ab presenb is true,

but ib is futile to hope to help those who cannot or will not help themselves. Your warning aB to the danger ot failure in productive co-operabion is jusb and well-timed, bub until thab difficulty is overcome no permanent solution of social problems will be found. Capitalists as well as workers are equally interested in solving the social questions which are crowding—thefronb. As you justlyobserve, sir, accumulated capital is necessary to the establishment and efficient working of cooperative instibubions, and capitalists may find their advantage in co-operating with workers on the basis of receiving part of the advantages gained by the Socieby. Tho present haphazard and selfish way of watching an opportunity to take your neighbour at a disadvantage, is wearing itself oub. Interest and profit are no longer assured to those who hold properby or money, and in consequence labour cannot find employment in creating other property.—l am, etc., Edwin Hakvie. Upper Symonds-street, Auckland, July 21st, 1890.