THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20867, 6 November 1929, Page 12

THE PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib, —The right to private ownership of property is a much disputed question, and many leading economists are to be found on both sides. It does not behove mere laymen, who have to go to the writings of authorities for their thinking material, to become dogmatic and cry “ Eureka.” Mr P. Neilson, in writing in advocacy oI the abolition of private ownership, brings forward evidence that cannot be disputed. _He recognises that private ownership is not based on a "natural right,”—that is by nature. It is based, as he shows, purely on custom. This is where he and Mr E. T. Evans become rather fogged. Apart from their narrow dogma they cannot be drawn to undersfandthat, in the present .stage of evolution, custom pronounces this to .be ‘adequate for existing requirements. “The earth is the Lord’s,” no doubt, but that does ■ not, presuppose laws . and systems unnecessary for the welfare of man or that the land is at present in the bands of greedy Shylocks. Your correspondents Have to prove, first, that the present system does not subserve. the public good, and that the opportune stage has arrived for change, and, second, that the present limitations and restrictions aro inadequate. _ These must be proved not by quotations . from the, Scriptures or from the policy of the Labour Party, but from the present state of civilisation.—l am, etc., Axoib. November 4.