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Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1935, Page 4

“EkTiikmb individualism in the right to carry on any activity m any way the inuivkiu.a-1 likes, provided lie can get a customer lor his goods and services, ha s long since almost vanished,” said Sir. Josiali Stamp, in an address to the Dunfermline Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers. After citing as examples cioso professions, State restrictions, Vbtrge-scale enterprise, industrial mergers, comijiuos and the advent of the multiple shop, Sir Josiah continued:—“lndividualism remains untouched in the consumer. Although tariffs and quotas may limit the range of his purchase, within that range- he is free to an .extent that puz/.ies, u ot only the planner and tiie Socialist, but also the individualist supplier, lint a great deal of his liberty of choice will disappear under a. planned or a Socialist production, and lie viil daritv- to the tune called instead of calling the tqino. I believe .freedom Ipt cat)ice and of reward, of supply and demand, are stiii essential to a high standard of life, and while interference and control will be necessary ill tho common interest, every slop and ,onery .qaiie-mfo must bo jealously whtched and 'made to justify itself in tiie common interest. These stages should not be accepted nor allowed to become immutable- m tho general idea of common control as inevitable. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance, and th(' equilibrium between the ch.-’o.- of unfettered individualism and strait-jacket planninr of careers, outnut. and household ’budgets, must he " - 1 by intelligent criticism at cvery stage. Individualism no longer bold s the stage as the normal, le-ivintr every variation do be regarded as a new-comer to justify itself. Tt must prove its own superior fitness as a method and a motive at every point or it will go under. Those who have individualism in their hones must therefore justify their faith by deeds and efficiency.”