SELF-SATISFACTION

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 49, 26 August 1931, Page 8

SELF-SATISFACTION

Charging New Zealaaders were being imbued with a. false sense-of self-satisfac-tion or some weakness closely akia to it, "Hospea" states that in sport this is particularly prominent. "But it is only when we consider the'social life of the Dominion that the truth is forced home. New Zealand ia said to be a democratic countrj'i and here again, are New Zealanders falsely proud. It is certainly a 'democratic' country within 'the strict politic definition of the word 'democratic,' but further than this democracy is but a mere name, signifying" nothing. Do not New Zealanders take pride in the fact that the country is a democratic one where all are on an equal social footing, and do not they all take pride in the fact that the country is not besmirched with class feeling— that social scourge which is the damnation of many countries to-day. I say there is no justification for such pride. There are already ominous sign^ that this young country will develop its 'class distinctions' even more readily than have done other countries of age-old growth. It is a grave and imminent danger, and one-which should be closely and constantly combated in the schooling of the country's youth. The blame lies primarily with the women of New Zealand. ... I honestly believe that the New Zealand women, and here I will not particularise, are with an astounding lack of vision and foresight slowly building around themselves petty walls of social distinction, which will, in the course of time, lead Jo the class distinctions which we so .justly .condemn in other .countries. Visitors to the land, as I am, cannot.overlook this' weakness. It may be au unpleasant truthj-yet it.is) one which must be, admitted'and faced by New Zealanders-themselves'if they are to continue to be proud of their country, which is indeed wonderful in itself,, evenif its people are aot 50."