The Times WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943. Two Political Philosophies

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 207, 1 September 1943, Page 4

The Times WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943. Two Political Philosophies

It has now become clear that the choice offered electors on September 25 will be to adopt one or other of two political philosophies. These may be distinguished as the mothering and the manly; for such terms very well describe the inspiration of each. It does not matter that there are breakaway parties or Independents by the score to represent a 'seeming diversity of choice. There is choice, at bedrock, of but one or other of these two creeds.

All with experience of life know that there are two kinds of parents. Those on the other hand seek always to protect their offspring from all 1 lie vicissitudes of life—the type of people who will not let little Johnny play football in case ho should fall and get bruised; who want little illary to go to a select private school so that she will not have to mix with “ordinary” children—an attitude that generally carries on into later life with the mother endeavouring to run her daughter’s affairs even after marriage, or tile father keeping so close a control of his farm or business as never to give his son a chance to show what he can do until the old man dies. There is in the world a great necessity for the mothering instinct. It- is an absolute need in the case of the infant, the aged and the invalid. But few there are who would attempt to justify applying that spirit to persons of mature years who are well and lit. In contrast to the mothering parents there are those who feel strongly for manliness. These are the parents who encourage their children to stand upright, on their own, and to take the knocks of life as they come—to learn from experience and to gain in character thereby, growing in strength and understanding. In essence, these two contrasting attitudes are founded on Fear and Hope. And it is just these same instinctive feelings that inspire the two fundamental political philosophies now put before the people of New Zealand. Labour’s creed is based on Fear—that of the National Party on Hope. This is not meant to be a subtle way of indicating party feelings towards the election. Rather it is Used to show clearly just what people will be voting upon when they go to the polling booth, presuming that they gain a clear recognition of the issues. Be it realised that an election is not so much a test of the opposing parties as a test of the people themselves. Truly has it been said that a country gets the type of government it deserves. So the coining election is being held to determine, in effect, whether the people of New Zealand are inspired to face the future by Hope or depressed by Fear. A case of: “Are you a man or a mouse?” There is no escaping that, question, however bluntly it is put. One party constantly emphasises and reiterates what it will do to coddle the elector, at the same time forecasting a terrible fate in store for the people should they fail to reelect it to rule over them. Naturally little mention is made of the cost of the security and chaperonage a cost not to be measured alone in terrific taxation, troublesome though that is, but a cost even more crippling in its effect Upon character—in loss of freedom of decision and self-rule. The promise of the other party is, in essence, to give the people every fair opportunity to develop themselves and make their own v aj. in life, with all practically possible freedom of opportunity and choice, at the same time standing behind them in case of any serious mishap. No matter what government might be elected, the great framework of State activity would continue unimpaired! After all, practically every parliamentarian of whatever colour does his best to govern for the good of the country. As ever, many influences will determine how votes arc east at the polling booth. Past attachments and sentiments will play a large pait. The economic status of the voter, his personal experiences and the appeal of various arguments, will all play a part. The real deciding issue, however, will be the character of the. average New Zealander: Is he a man or a mouse at heart?