W.E.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 111, 10 April 1929, Page 8

W.E.A.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS. Last evening in the Milson Settlement Schoolroom Mr K. Ross delivered thp first of a series of six lectures on “New Zealand Economic and Social Problems.” In introducing his subject Mr Ross pointed out that many principles of sociology would havo to be just mentioned and no more owing to the tremendous ground to be covered in a limited space of time. “Therefore,” said the speaker, “questions are most welcome.” The lecturer then continued giving tho fundamental principle of the science of economics as a principle of finding facts —facts about everything, and having got down to that basis we must then consider what follows. ‘Ml', for instance, a system is wrong, then firstly we must consider all the facts involved in building up that system before we are in a position to know what are our duties to put it right. The real aim of the W.E.A. movement in New Zealand,” said Mr Ross, ‘ is to assist in the creation of a class of broad-minded, active-minded men and women equipped to face and tackle this country’s many economic questions. Questions such as, what is the relationship between employer and employee P Is there a feeling or comradeship existing between the two r How does it compare with other countries? Is the Arbitration Court improving these relations or is it irritating both parties? Another problem which wo have to face is the lack of funds experienced by our school committees; has this any bearing on the fact that twelve million pounds are spent annually on our pleasure ana pastimes? Children of to-day are already reaping the benefit of a little more money spent over tlieir education in many ways, smaller classes, larger and better ventilated class rosoms being the most important improvements. “The study of economics, theretore, stimulates our thoughts, helps us to reason along the right lines and so promotes discussion.” . . Mr Ross has arranged his six lectures under the following headings. (1) Introductory. (2) Early history; how did people come to Now Zealand. ; where did they first settle? (3) Population in relation to immigration. (4) The worker and his problems, (o) Unemployment in relation to land settlement. (6) State in relation to trading operations. Is the state to control industry in New Zealand? “Economics,” said the speaker, is essentially a study of man in his everyday living. By this study we will learn that we are all indirectly dependent on others while others are indirectly dedendent on ourselves. So it comes about that each one of us has an important position in the social scheme of things.’ Sociology was defined as the science of society, its origin, growth, structure and activities not only physical, but also mental. “By delving into this subject we will be able to understand the community spirit existing in the colony to-day: the community of interest in the Empire.” Mr Ross then dealt briefly with two economic laws, the law of diminishing utility, which means the more we have of any one thing the less becomes its value, and the law of diminishing returns, which proves that a point comes when it does not pay to put more capital into any one unit. Before concluding, mention was made of the division of labour, localisation of industry, extension of credit system and the present tendency towards amalgamation. Here reference was made to balance-sheets of two of the world’s biggest- trust companies showing their profits in relation to their capital. There is no doubt that those who had the pleasure of hearing Mr Ross introduce his subject listened to one of the most interesting and instructive addresses ever delivered in Palmerston North, and it is hoped that a great many more people will avail themselves of this opportunity of learning how to better their own conditions and those of our country generally by attending these lectures every Tuesday evening at Milson.