Democracy or Socialism?

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 189, 7 May 1937, Page 13

Democracy or Socialism?

Sir, —The actualities taking place on the road to Socialism having already been well stressed, it must be futile to again answer questions already answered. Many self-styled correspondents do not seem to know or name any definite authority on Socialism, such as Marx. -The foolish claim ou the highest ethics embodied in Christian principles can never be substantiated by those who never seem to dream of discussing principles of equity. If they stick to Marx, they must assuredly be nearer the mark of OjjEcial Socialism. Municipalization and limited Government control, now long established, have in the great generality of eases been brought about on the basis of equity to all concerned in the change-over from private ownership where such is involved. Am I right in believing that the Minister of Transport, Mr. Semple, an avowed Socialist, and apparently a good business man, would apply to all businesses jeopardised by Government control or ownership, the same principle as in the case of transport services, buying or compensating at equitable figures? If the grand experiment, as Professor Mills named Socialism, is to be persisted in, let the Government be fair to all, by contesting the next election with this clear understanding. Personally, I will kick against complete control by any national council. Russia is but finding itself running from mediaeval tyranny to the other extreme, which is, in my opinion, the very antithesis of a free people, but admittedly, better than autocratic Tsardom, but should be put apart from New Zealand as far as the poles. Dictatorship rings the death-knell of democracy, as already proved abroad, being caused mainly through Socialism. — I nm ’ etC ” COSMO. Lower Hutt, May 5.