THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23669, 29 November 1938, Page 12

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

Speaking to the Theosophical Society on Sunday evening on , " Social and Economic Reforms in New Zealand," Mr Warrington Taylor said the majority of people regarded the pres-ent-day civilisation as too materialistic. Whereas in former civilisations the wealth of the few was derived from' degrading forms of labour among the masses, to-day the wealth of the community was derived from cheap mechanical power, while mass production and wealth were almost worshipped. "Still, we are gradually improving, and, though many people regard machines such as the motor car as a hindrance to man's advancement, vet it remains with man to use such things as opportunities (or factors) in progress. Most of the heavy manual and monotonous work which absorbs all the vitality of the worker, leaving him none wherewith to hrtprove himself mentally, can be done by machinery. Granted that all work possible is done mechanically, there would still be ample hand work left for all; there would also be time for recreation in healthier and more interesting surroundings; leisure time also is necessary for the finer things of life—i.e., art, intellect, and other studies. Modern civilisation has eliminated scarcity, so there should be no poverty. It behoves mankind to use such wonderful opportunities opening up everv day to the fullest advantage, for the abuse will lead to decay.- Our problem to-day is the existence of poverty in the midst of plenty, and as the business organisation is so delicately made and as civilisation is so artificial, the solution to-day becomes increasingly complex. First we had the enormous growth of private enterprise (with its motive of profit-awaking), which produced articles not so much for the convenience of the people as for profit. Hence there were nuge gaps leaving the world without many of its necessities which the business world did not regard as profitable undertakings. So the Government stepped in to supply these things which we call social services, and they include roads and bridges, health, sanitation, education, police, post and telegraph departments, hospitals, and pensions. Further, the list is on the increase. This action of the Government is the real Socialism which has benefited New Zealand for so many years, and hence is not a thing to be dreaded, but is the friend of all. Private enterprise is still free to perform its share, but wherever the Government thinks the community will be helped by their taking over some form of social work, then they proceed to do so. and will continue this policy though the changes may not at the time appeal to some, and reforms may not always come about in the way we expected they would. If poverty is to be abolished in this land of 'plenty Governments must not act in a haphazard fashion, but in a serious, scientific way. The recent depression taught people to enter more seriously into the economic problems and to support reforms even though they may take a contrary course to what men had expected. Moreover, the people can use such social improvements as the foundation for a fuller and richer life.