Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1943. THE DARKER SIDE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 April 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1943. THE DARKER SIDE.

pqEW ZEALAND is accustomed to hear visitors it with flowers,” when commenting’ on the characteristics and achievements of the people of the Dominion. Such tributes are conventional from guests lo hosts, or from public men wishing to create goodwill, or personal popularity. The latest testimonial comes from Mr. L. AV. Brockington, the Canadian adviser on Empire affairs to the British Ministry of Information. ‘‘One hears criticism abroad at times of other members of the British Empire,” he said, “but 1 have never heard New Zealanders referred to.in adverse terms. What I have seen since J have been in your country has convinced me that what the world has to say of New Zealand is true—New Zealanders are unassuming and gentlemanly in social life, the best of sportsmen, and in war they are magnificent.” It is well to see ourselves as others see us, and mock modesty apart, there is much truth in Mr. Brockington’s statement. The national record is one of which Ncav Zealanders may be proud, but before heads begin to swell, or haloes are ordered, it would be wise 1o take heed of statements that there are some developments of which the Dominion should be ashamed. The morality standards of so gifted a people are said not to be sufficiently high. Allowing for the special circumstances and temptations created by the war, there is cause for serious misgiving concerning the decline in chastity, the growth in gambling, excess drinking, and other social ills. It is no answer to say that New Zealand is no worse than other countries in these respects.

The story is familiar of the bishop who, worrying his heart over what seemed to liim the evils of a doomed world, tossing on his bed at midnight, thought he heard the Lord say: “Go to sleep, Bishop. I’ll sit up for the rest of tin 1 night.” Possibly, there is little cause for anxiety in New Zealand. The blots on the social order get more publicity than the normal aspect, and this may cause wrong impressions to be formed as to the extent of national decay. Nevertheless, it would be foolish to pretend that all is well. The Churches, Parliament, Press, and platforms will be failing in their responsibilities if any wretched developments are permitted to continue unchallenged. Afuch is heard ol juvenile delinquency, but the adults are equally at fault, with less excuse. Social security must mean something more than guaranteed employment, food and shelter, if New Zealand is to prosper. The whole tendency of legislation and administration has been to encourage ease and soft repose. Is it any wonder that many in this country are proving that they cannot “take it,” when faced by tests demanding endurance and self-control ’