The New National Barty

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 11

The New National Barty

Sir. —Your correspondent "Ajax" in supporting the new National I’arty says. “tM-operation of free citizens for the general good as against activities directed only for the good of the individual does not do away with personal initiative o.' private enterprise as John Sykes appears to think.” Surely there is a lack of clarity of thought in this statement. I am all in favour of "co-operation of free citizens for rhe general good,'' but b.v an process of reasoning-can I square this notion with what is usually meant by tue Ferm “private enterprise," as applied lo our economic and social system. Private enterprise "directed only tor the good of the individual” is the negation of the “co-operation of free citizens for the general miod.” Tlie former is an endeavour to continue a policy which has proved a hopeless failurq_to distribute the real wealth of the world with any reasonable degree of justice and righteousness; the latter concept is covered by the quotation I gave from the article in the. London “Times” in support of the contention that a new organisation of society is slowly, but. surely, emerging out ol the present chaos. .... “Ajax” is just as muddled in big reference to evolutionary processes as applied to economic and social concepts. Ave speak of the capitalistic and individualistic system as having "evolved from tlie feudal system; how was this process of evolution consummated?_ Simply by the manufacturers, and capitalists, gaming power in Parliament, and passing measures Unit established anil strengthened tbeir influence until they became tue supreme power in the new organisation of society which had been established. One can easily imagine that the barons and others said some very violent things when they realised that their power and mlluenee were being superceded b.v an cutirelv new organisation of society.. And "Ajax” has given us a repetition of what tlie feudal lords must have got off their chests. To him the actions of the Government are "destruction” and "dynamite.” , It would be interesting if ’ Ajax would give your readers his views as to how evolutionary processes can be applied tv economic <md social matters, otner than by acts of Parliament. The plain, simpie truth is that "Ajax” and those who think as he does are iu. a serious quandary ; they cannot escape the obvious conclusion that so-called "sound finance and jirivate enterprise” are doomed, and must be replaced by some sane system or co-operation; yet tney get hot under the collar when any attempt is made (o implement any measure vvliich will advance the new concept of social organisation. ~ As I suggested, sir, in iny previous letter, they are really economic and social bourbons. Alay 1 .be allowed tv quote just one single statement in support of this contention? Some two years or so ago, Air. AVinston Churchill, in one -of his speeches, said: "AVe still have in Britain some 2,000,(190 workers living in corroding leisure” (a magnificent phrase as evidencing tlie moral and physical degeneration which results from unemployment), and then he continued: "The economic and financial system which reached its apex in the middle of last centry, and was fondly believed would last forever, has been discarded, but no satisfactory system has been erected iu its stead.” \ more satisfactory system will be erected in its stead, but its consummation will not be advanced .by. "Ajax” and others of his way of thinking, who admit tlie certainty of the changes which are imminent and yet try to bolster up t "discarded” economic and social system. — I am, etc., JOHN SYKES. Wellington, Alay 22. Sir. —As one who is more concerned for ihe future of New Zealand .than for the fate of a political faction, the remarks of your correspondent "Ajax” seem mighty out. of tune witli those sentiments. For the benefit of "Ajax” I wish to associate myself with the views of "Oliver Twist” ami John Sykes, and to say that we are not by any means the only three supporters the Government has left. Incidentally, 1 am what is known as a capitalist. nut I support Labour because tlmt organisation, uniike its political opponents, can see further limn a next general'election. Personal initiative and competition have brought us to a pretty pass. The only time that society knows true co-operation is in a crisis, Mich as war, and then Ihe price is a dumdum bullet that can do even inure damage tq one's inside I han can this charge of' dynamite which “Ajax" likens 'to tlie Government's policy.—l am, etc.. UN-BOYANGED LABOUR I Th. I’ahiatua, Alay 21.