SOCIAL SYSTEM

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 22, 26 July 1920, Page 2

SOCIAL SYSTEM

PROBLEM OP POVERTY

PROS AND CONS DEBATED,

The problem &f poverty and its causers wna discuased at a debate held in the Victoria College Gymnasium before a iarge attendance on Saturday evening, between representatives -.'f the Social Democratic Party Mid the College DeBating Society. Mr. Q. 0. Cooper, chairman of ihi society, presided. The motion was: "That only Socialism will tolve the problem of poverty and of social and industrial 'Jiuest "The'mover was Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., and the seconder Mr. T. Briiidle, while Mr. W. A. Sheat and Miss A. Karle upposed on behalf of the College Society. Mr. Fraser declared that poverty was inseparable from the system of capitalism. All the greit institutions of the country were the property of a few, instead o£ being the property of the community. At the present time there were two great nations—one the idle rich anct-tho other the working masses. The cry of "more production" was continually heard, but side by side with this was the poverty of the masses. The workers hail no inducement to produce more whea they had :io share in the profits earned by their labour. Mr. Fraser concluded by claiming that only Socialism would solve the problems of the day.

Mr. Brindlei, supporting Mr. Fraeer, claimed that Socialise .ad passed into tne realms of science, and was the last expression 'of economic development Competition had been advanced as a 'Commendable thing, but there v/as no real -competition to-day^ The employee was at the mercy of the grasp ing employer, and trusts and combines ruled the world. The 'endeavour was to eliminate economic waete for the benefit of the "boss," but the ideal should be to eliminate waste for the benefit of the community. The nationalisation of industry during the war showed the advantages to-be gained from the system of Socialism, which alone would solva the present industrial problems. \ *

• Sir. Sheat, in opposing the rootion, denied that Socialism was the remedy for the present evils. Competition was desirable, as it made men put forth their best energies. The true remedy was not to abolish the system, but to reform it. Capitalism did work with all its faults, but humanitarian legislation had accomplished much in eradicating these faults, and there was no reason why it should not do more. Social and moral causes must be improved, and education was essential, but too often well-meaning employers, in their endeavour to improve the status of the worker, had found themselves regarded with suspicion.

Miss Harle said that Socialism was an idealist system, and as it had never been tried it wa^i impossible for its adherents to say what results it would haVe. Education was the'*'essential remedy. \

After the opening speeches "had concluded, the meeting was thrown open to the public, and a spirited discussion followed. Messrs. M'Cormick and Sutherland, of the College Club, both laid, it down that what was required was a religiousi and moral revolution, not an industrial one. Mr. Davidson was of the opinion that with education'would come Socialism. Capitalism compelled the majority of the people to follow pursuits that were not' suited to their temperament. There should be equal opportunities for.all, .and no person should be compelled by circumstances to follow an occupation for which he was temperamentally unfitted. Several other speakers took port in the discussion, and on a. vote being taken, the chairman declared the motion lost.