SOCIALISM IN NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11605, 20 March 1901, Page 6

SOCIALISM IN NEW ZEALAND.

Under the above title an American paper publishes the following ' glowing ■ account of New Zealand:—Far-away New Zealand, which is now being referred to as the. "Gem of Australasia," and is attracting world-wide attention, is leading the nations of the world in practical socialism. Its motto is, "No millionaire, no pauper." " Prosperity for all" is its policy. The people govern the nation; they are not governed. . The great estates once owned- by capitalists' have been cut up into small farms, and special inducements are made to promote tho settlement and cultivation of these. V vThe problem of the unemployed has been solved. There ■ are no idlers, no persons without work. There is not a tramp in tho land. Eight hours constitute a day's work. Tho aged, worn-out labourers, both men and women, draw a daily pension after they have reached the ago of 65. There are no poorhouses or orphanages. | Sixteen thousand free schools and univer- | sities furnish educational opportunities; and free transportation is given.all living at a distance to and from these. Illiteracy is counted a crime. There are no saloons, but innkeepers may sell liquors undei license. ■" The laws regulating the sale of them are rigid and are strictly enforced. There is scarcely any drunkenness. Sunday-dosing obtains everywhere. Woman suffrage is enjoyed,, and the women arc equally interested with the men in public affairs. The State furnishes life insurance at the lowest possible rate. All public utilities are owned by the people. The Government operates 22,000 miles of railroad. The wages paid on these average 30 per oent. higher than in the United States. Every employee is under civil service regulations. No discriminating rates -.ire made. You can ride 30 miles for 10 cents, and first-class service is rendered the people. The annual net profit of tho New Zealand railroads is an average of 2,250,000 dollars.< The Government owns the telegraph and telephone, the rates being about 500 per cent, less than our Western Union monopoly. Both pay a profit. The Government also conducts the <?xpros3 business for the benefit of all ihe people, as well as the Postal Savings Bank. All industrial disputes are referred to the Court of Arbitration. There are no strikes and look-outs. No woman or boy under 16 years of age may be employed in factories mere than 48 hours of each week. There are no contractors, ward politicians, party Jkjssos. The Government legislates for men, not dollars; elevates labour, equalises wealth, grants to all equal rights and in all ways works for the elevation and comfort of the people. I