AIMS OF BOLSHEVISM.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 140, 13 June 1919, Page 3

AIMS OF BOLSHEVISM.

EVIX ARISING FROM GOOD. LECTURE BY REV. W. G. MONCKTON. The Epsom Library Hall was filled last night, when Rev. W. G. Monckton delivered a lecture (the second of the local winter course) entitled "Russia and Its Problems." Professor H. W. Segar presided.

The lecturer traced the history of democratic movements in Russia from Napoleonic times onward, and gave a concise account of the revolution, dealing with the attempt to carry on a twochamber Government by means of the Duma and the Council of Soldiers, Workmen's and Peasants' Delegates, Kerensky's endeavour after a Coalition Government through the Constituent Assembly, and lastly the defeat of Kcrensky by the Czarist general, Korniloff, the dispersal of the Constituent Assembly, and the ultimate ascendancy of the Bolsheviks, or Majority Socialists.

The Bolshevik programme, said Mr. Monckton, had gained an ascendancy in Russia because SO per cent of the people were on the starvation line and had nothing to lose by an upsetting of the social order. Rather they had everything to gain. The Bolshevik principle of giving all land and property to the proletariat had failed because it took no account of human nature and the bad elements in it. These completely ruined the practical working of the scheme, which had produced nothing but war amongst all sections of the community, instead of the real brotherhood which was originally hoped for. It was hard to find objections to many of the basic principles of the Bolshevik creed, such as the demand that every man must work. There was a very significant movement all over the world in support of similar principles, and a new spirit had to be faced. Russia had always been remarkable for the spirit of brotherhood, which, rightly interpreted, would make the new age, not for us, but for our children. The religion of the future would depend, not on dogmas, but on the fruits of the Holy Spirit of God. Everything that went against this spirit, whether governments or social institutions, would be swept away. It was easy to criticise Bolshevik tyranny and excesses, said the lecturer, but the idea at the bottom of the movement was what was destined to make the world of the future. Russia would ultimately realise her destiny, -and would keep her national genius, which lay in brotherly love and charity.

The lecture was illustrated by a number of lantern views of Russian scenes, with some instructive maps.