STRONG PROTEST

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 148, 8 June 1932, Page 7

STRONG PROTEST

UNGENEROUS CRITICISM OF SUCCESSFUL INSTITUTIONS. SPRAG IN THE WHEEL OF ENTERPRISE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, June 8. A strong protest against what he described as the blighting and ungenerous criticism of successful firms and institutions was voiced by Sir George Elliot at tho annual meeting of Messrs Wilson’s (N.Z.) Portland Cement Company. After quoting figures showing the largo amount the company paid m taxes, rates, railway freights, etc., Sir George said: “There is, however, amongst a section of the public a growing sentiment against firms, companies and individuals who are in any way successful. In the eyes of a great number, it has become m New Zealand almost a crime to be successful. It is largely owing to such ungenerous criticism that there is so much difficulty in getting suitable men to accept public positions. Whether the attitude so indicated results from the smallness of our population or from plain envy, jealousy or maybe malice, is of minor importance, but the attitude of mind itself is of major importance, for it encourages a disastrous outlook on life. It is a brake on personal effort, it stifles progress and it puts a sprag in the wheel! of enterprise. If it spreads, it must lead to national stagnation and decline.”