SOCIETY MAY CHANGE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 69, 14 December 1933, Page 13

SOCIETY MAY CHANGE

Hon. Downie Stewart Speaks of Possibility LESS FREE, MORE SECURE “It may not be generally realised, but through these difficult times it seems possible that we are going to move into a new world and a new order of society,” said the Hon. W. Downk Stewart, in an address at the boots College prize-giving ceremony but night. If any such' general change wme to take place, he said, it was probable that it would be toward a more uni form and secure standard of existence, although with less individual! ‘bertj. Speaking of the present which the boys leaving the college would have to face, Mr. Stewart said he could not help thinking of what a great contrast there was between the world they were now going out to and that to which his generation went when they left school. Life then was comparatively easy; prosperity was abundant, and unemployment was no pion lem If a person worked steadily progress was almost-certain, and before a length of time he could, if he wished, establish himself securely and settle down. - Position To-day. “But what a contrast to-day,” he continued. “Of course I am not saying this to discourage any boy, because 1 am sure most have learned at least to face up to their tasks. At the present time the world for boys coming out of school is difficult indeed; therefore, they will be called upon to display all tfie qualities they have had instilled Inta them. Before, the world would have been safe for them, but this Is often no longer the case. “There are signs that we are moving into an order of society which, I think, seems to have for its ambition not so much that freedom of opportunity and liberty which formerly offered great prizes to some. What seems to be aimed at now owing to the long depression Is a very much organised society in which there will be more economic security and safety. While there might not be the same liberty that our generation enjoyed, it mlgnt be a worse form of society, although I would not like to say that just now. Time of Experiment. “Look at all the big experiments no.v taking place—Russia, Germany, Italy, amt elsewhere. That seems to be the main idea behind their efforts: to maintain a stable, although very moderate, standard of existence. The idea has not so far penetrated to the British mind. There is a more individualistic class of mind iu Britain and in her Dominions. But I am not at all pessimistic as to the abiHty and courage with which our boySwho are now leaving their colleges will face up to it, whatever may lie brought about by such a change, and whatever its value may be.”