The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1938. A SOCIAL BACKGROUND.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1938. A SOCIAL BACKGROUND.

In discussing the need for a social background, J. B. Priestly, the wellknown writer deals with the new loneliness which life is creating for many by its quicker movement. He makes the assertion - that “higher wages, shorter hours, and more labour-saving 'devices, though excellent things In themselves, will not really improve the way of living. What they cannot restore to it is the real social background, a deep sense of being a member of a community.” These are the days of more leisure and pleasure, but Mr Priestly adds they are not ade-i quate in themselves. Life is so easy for many that you stay in a armchair and simply turn a switch. He points to an old saying that there is a difference between an.eager man who wanted to read a book, and a tired man who wanted a book to read. Prom the book the tired l'olk look to the film to stare at, or a wireless programme to listen to, not eagerly and critically ( but drowsily. The panacea advanced for it all is a return to the chapel life of our fathers and mothers. Those who know Mr Priestly’s intimate writings, and his insight into human nature, may be surprised at the statement, but from what has gone before, his logical mind lias ferreted out what he believes to be the cause of the lacking in the social background. Ho points to the fact that in former days the chapel was the focal point of domestic life, and played a very important part indeed in the every day ■ life of the people. Nowadays, the modern times have seen the chapel being ousted, with nothing subst.uaml in its place. The pastimes indulged m as substitutes may be entertaining, and enable a few hours to Ims passed on pleasure bent. The conditions are not singular to London, but to the provinces also, and he comments it is a kind of life prevailing in the United States. His conclusions are worth coursing over. They are of moment to parents in particular, for there appears to be «n adverse tide to stem. Though essentially of national importance, it will not be considered in the bulk. It is largely a matter ior in Tvidual resolution —to accept as a duty, and answer the challenge by peisonal action. Modern inventions, and particularly the development rf ’b . n otor-car, has been a factor in the changing conditions. Again in some countries we sue the absolute suppression almost of the church, even in places where in the time of their forefathers, the congregational meetings were a feature of life. The result of the changes is marked b.v a tendency to greater ruthlessiiess and intolerance, and particularly very little regard for the truth. Agreements are often made to he broken, end faith in human nature is a diminishing quantity. The world has drifted into a very unsettled slate, and with the lack of trust between nations,

and the greed prevalent, it is well that the note by Mr Priestly should be sounded, and it is hoped will be heard afar, and have an arresting effect in many quarters of the globe.