DOUGLAS CREDIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1934, Page 9

DOUGLAS CREDIT.

LEADER WELCOMED.

HOPES OF "A NEW WORLD."

a STUPIDITY » OF POVERTY. About 000 voices joined in according three rousing cheers to Major C. H. Douglas as he stepped on the stage at the concert chamber to-day to be welcomed by supporters of the Douglas Social Credit theory, of which the Major is the propounder. The same 000 voices at the conclusion of the welcome joined in singing "For lie's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P. for Auckland Suburbs, presided. On the platform with him were Dr. G. M. Smith, of Bawene, president of the Douglas Social Credit movement in New Zealand, Mr. EL. M. Rushworth, M.P. for Bay of Islands, Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P. for Grey Lynn, Mr. A. S. Richards, M.P. for Ros'kill, Mr. J. A. C. Alluin, chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, Mr. W. Wallace, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. A. J. Stallworthy, M.P. for Eden, several members of the Auckland City Council, and others.

In welcoming Major Douglas to the Dominion Mr. Mason said that many years ago people paid little attention to monetary factors, but now they were very interested, and to them no name was so widely known and so honoured and respected" as that of Major Douglas. Their visitor would find that New Zealand was suffering similarly to other countries, and he felt sure that Major Douglas' visit would be of great benefit in stimulating interest and throwing light upon the problems which were giving grave concern.

"Need Enlightenment." Mr. Allum said the name of Major Douglas was a household word throughout °thc Empire. The people of New Zealand had the will to meet thenobligations, both financially and morally, but°would like to know how they could go on doing it if things were to continue as to-day. ''We need enlightenment," said Mr. Allum, "and I feel there will be general appreciation of Major Douglas' visit, because he can give us the benefit of his knowledge. The present financial system needs overhauling to bring it into line with present-day needs. Even many financiers agree with this. I must say I agree with Major Douglas' diagnosis of the position." Mr. Kushworth said that they should all be relieved to have Major Douglas ■with them, as he possibly could show a way out of the present muddle. Major Douglas' Reply.

After expressing thanks for the wel-j come, Major Douglas said, that the bank- | in<' svstem, which was a pronounced aspect of the financial system, had been described as one of "lending you an umbrella when the weather is fine, and asking for it back when it rains. * Jthink the financiers themselves ara beginning to look upon their own banking system with great distrust," he said. Ho went on to remark upon the .wonderful country New Zealand was, with its first-class land, scenery and transport, but said that, despite all this, a large proportion of the people were indigent. "That is a stupid thing. 1 believe 80 per cent of the troubles in life are caused by sheer stupidity,' lie said "We are now doing all we can to deal with this stupidity, which has opposed all reform. Whether we shall be successful in correcting it only time will tell. No suggested reform has ever spread over the whole civilised or uncivil world as have the proposals we are now putting forward. "The real trouble about this problem is that a great many people are only concerned about getting the world back to the position it was in in 1914. They regard the present position as a business depression, and are anxious to see it solved. But the business depression is not the whole problem at all. It goes much further. . . In the solving of our troubles we must bear in mind that an adjustment must have as its objective thedoing of something that has not obtained before. . . , "I have no doubt that by our joint efforts, sooner or later, if we are not completely washed away in another catastrophe, we can bring about a new world." Later Major Douglas and Mrs. Douglas were tendered a luncheon at Messrs. Milne and Choyce. [An interview with Major Douglas if. reported on the illustrations page.]