PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 14

PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS.

Sir,—Your philosophic correspondent signing his contribution "The New Order, has apparently allowed his feelings to out-ruu his judgment and is oblivious to the fact that his philosophy may be used against himself. Whether preference to unionists is in the best interest of the individual or of the community depends greatly upon the use made of the privilege. The late Field-Marshal Lord Roberts once defined discipline as being "a necessary condition to which men submit for their own protection." A narrowminded view of "their own protection will certainly react. The remedy is not abolition of discipline, but an enlarged viewpoint of well-being. Accepting for the moment this law of instability, this inability to "stay put," in what direction shall we find a more satisfactory "new order?" Shall we revert to the individualistic struggle belauded bv the writer, or shall we seek to improve the viewpoint and outlook of those we think sheltering in a fool's paradise ? I use the words "we think" advisedly in this connection. What is the real meaning of "prosperity" and what is "get on?' If I become a capitalist and use my money selfishly, do I "get on ?" St. Paul thought that though he might possess all these things and had not "charity" he would be very poor indeed, and he was an apostle of a "new order," unlike that of your correspondent who prefers the old order of "every one for himself and the devil take the hindmost," as being the most satisfactory method of progress. He has referred to "dole in England," but it has also been described as a "co-opera-tive unemployment fund," while "artificial privileges" in this country are by no means confined to the artisan class; in fact, some of the higher branches of industry are the most organised and protected by ring fences. It is sincerely to bo hoped that relief from "struggle" will not accelerate their speed backward. Facilis est descensus. I presume that your correspondent would logically find himself opposed to such a movement as is found in the League of Nations. He would prefer struggle and war, but I think that Professor Grant, professor of history, Leeds University, was right when he said "The League represented a gradual development in organisation in every sphere of life." \\e want more organisation and more idealism, "lofty ideals and noble aspiration," to quofo the late Mr. R. Seddon, and, given this, we may patiently try to eliminate the old order of not caring who sinks as long as 1 swim. Let, us Rather up the sunbeams Lying; nli around our path. Let us keep the wheat and roses. Casting out the thorns and chaff. Let us find our greatest comfort In the blessings of to-day. With n patient hand removing All the briars from the way. . COtXECTIVI ST.