THE ECONOMIC DEPRESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21599, 21 March 1932, Page 8

THE ECONOMIC DEPRESSION

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —“ Socialist,” of Gimmerbqrn. has asked me to elaborate the closing sentence in my letter of last Saturday. I will try to do so. If in any problem there is a term which introduces a condition that can neither be removed nor altered, then that condition becomes the deciding factor in the solution of the problem. Now, in the economic problem there is such a fixed condition. It is this, that food, clothing, and shelter are absolutely essential for the maintenance of human life. It was in full recognition of this inexorable law of nature that the following statement was written: —“ I am simple _ enough to believe that this economic depression does not present the complicated problem that many would have us believe it docs.” One may or may not like the solution of the problem. That is beside the mark. The point to note is this —it is not complicated. One

fixed term settles the nature of the answer. _ , . In to-day issue Mr Roberts has a serious and helpful letter. He notes the fact that I have said nothing new. 1 have no desire whatever to say anything new since there is no inherent virtue in novelty. I am intensely concerned, however, to say what is true. On the score of my remarks being trite I plead guilty, but will someone please tell me. were these remarks right or wrong? Regarding the remarks by Statecraft ” which are hopelessly irrelevant to the problem under discussion I .maysay that, if I see an injustice inflicted on anyone, I believe it is my duty to speak out. Whether I wear a “ costume or moleskins has no bearing whatever on the point at issue. If “ Statecraft has studied the problem of the economic depression will he just let me know it anything If wrote was wrong. I will be greatful for his guidance and the exercise of keeping to the point will do him no harm. —I am, etc.. Wu. W. Mac Arthur. 'The Manse, Portobello, March 19.