HUMAN RIGHTS ARE DISCUSSED BY STOCK EXCHANGE CHAIRMAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26957, 17 December 1948, Page 4

HUMAN RIGHTS ARE DISCUSSED BY STOCK EXCHANGE CHAIRMAN

“ They are certainly not natural phenomena, but are a product of evolution, and it seems clear that the conception of these rights varies in a startling degree amongst persons of differing political beliefs,” said the chairman of the Dunedin Stock Exchange, Mr W. S. Dawson, when discussing human rights at the annual meeting of the Exchange yesterday. “In times of national peril, when a nation is forced to fight to preserve its rights, it is obvious that certain of our cherished individual l'ights must be foregone, but in times of peace, de-mocratically-minded peoples should, resist to the utmost any attempts at curtailment.

“As laws appear the surest guide to the local interpretation of human rights, it follows that the of new legislation in a civilised country gives a reasonable indication of the views held in this respect by the Government of the day, and it is therefore not surprising that much of our recent legislation is designed to give more

power to the State and fewer rights, with less freedom to the individual. I make bold to state, without fear of contradiction, that the great majority of the freedom-loving New Zealanders subscribe to the democratic principle. Neverthelsss, an insidious type of socialistic legislation is constantly being rushed and bludgeoned through Parliament. Amongst these can be noted the perpetuation of war-time controls and regulations, which, whilst endured as necessary during the war years are far from acceptable now.

“ Happenings such as this, together with dire threats against the freedom of the press,” he continued, “ must tend to make us apprehensive lest a gradual curtailment of our right to freedom of speech be attempted.

“While Socialism, Communism and so on may be started with the idealistic idea of improving the lot of the common man, it seems inevitable that all must ultimately lead to dictatorship and the subjugation of the masses, with absolute control by the few and the complete loss of any heritage ot human rights.”

Turning to the recent exchange alteration Mr Dawson recalled that at the time of the Budget presentation it was most noticeable that many members of the Government acclaimed this move as a political triumph and insinuated that next year would see something worthwhile by way of reduction from the present level of taxation. “After attempting so many cumbersome and costly experiments towards control of prices,” he continued, “ it is a relief to find the Government taking this realistic step towards reducing the cost of at least some articles, and it is to be hoped other causes of high costs will soon be given attention. Foremost amongst these is the high rate of taxation; all the many and varied types of taxes levied must inevitably be added to the price ultimately paid by the purchaser, and a drastic reduction is long overdue. A lessening of the excessive cost of government would help in no small measure, and in this connection it wavinteresting to read a report to the effect that the British Government intended reducing the number of its employees by 10 per cent.”