MAJOR DOUGLAS ARRIVES

Evening Star, Issue 21632, 30 January 1934, Page 8

MAJOR DOUGLAS ARRIVES

TO SPEND SIX WEEKS IN DOMINION INTERVIEWER'S PERTINENT QUESTIONS [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 30. Repeated bursts of cheering from a small group on the wharf ,as the Wanganella approached greeted Major Douglas, of Douglas Credit fame, who, with his wife, arrived on a six weeks’ visit to the dominion. Questioned by an interviewer, Major Douglas said that he was here in the capacity of consulting engineer to the Douglas movement in the dominion. His visit had been influenced by the growth of the movement in the dominion, and also by the statement that thirteen members of Parliament had supported it. Asked if he agreed that some people were interested in the movement because of the idea that it promised something for nothing, Major Douglas replied that everybody was interested in something for nothing, including investors. However, it was not something for nothing that was promised, but a dividend on an asset which had not previously been utilised. “ Does New Zealand's geographical isolation make it a particularly suitable country for social credit developments?” he was asked.

' He replied that New Zealand was suitable, hut not merely because of its isolation. Its people -were of suitable type—they were of Anglo-Saxon stock, and their psychology and general characteristics were such as to permit of the development of social credit standards. Asked if the dominion’s oversea trading connection would bo a serious hindrance, Major Douglas rejoined: “ Look at Japan. By the adoption of certain of the principles of the Douglas system she has increased her trade 53 per cent. Her connection has not suffered.”

Asked if the dominion, before making any change, would not have to consider the policy of Australia, Major Douglas agreed, saying that the banking system tiM the two countries together. They were in the same credit area, and it would bo of advantage to have both under the same system. “ Does not the heavy overseas debt of both countries tie them closely to Britain’s monetary policy?” To this Major Douglas replied; “Yes, while the present system is adhered to.” He added that his scheme was not in use anywhere. Japan was not making the best use of it. As yet international opposition had not been successfully challenged to allow the scheme to be tried.

“ What do you hope for from your visit?” was the final question. “I will tell you when I have finished,” he replied. Major Dougins was later given a welcome by 600 Douglas supporters and others in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. Mr H. G. R. Mason, M.P., presided, and also on the platform were Dr G. M. Smith .(president of the Douglas Movement), Messrs Rushworth, Lee, Richards, and Stallworthy, M.P.s, Mr Allum (chairman of the Transport Board), Mr Wallace (chairman of the Hospital Board), and several city councillors, Messrs Mason, Allum, and Rushworth spoke.