“SOCIALISM REJECTED”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 9

“SOCIALISM REJECTED”

■ Sir, —Your leader of Monday struck me as a bitter and unfair piece of writing. Out of the stress and strife of the “ law ” of the jungle came civilisation, and in as far as civilisation still allowed the weakest to go to the wall, humanitarian people have endeavoured to promote in the masses an outlook reaching beyond individual gain and well-being, and embracing ! the wide general good of the whole race.

In the immediately past election campaign the Labour Party promised continuance of social security, continuance of the principle of raising the general standard of living ever higher. The National Party promised continuance of soda' security with the addition of "freedom.” What freedom? Freedom to sell to the highest bidder, freedom to exploit, short, ages, freedom foV the rich to coerce the poor. In other words, social security with the law of the jungle thrown in You say we have learned a harsh lesson. It appears to me we have another to learn. The ” progress ” that is possible only on the basis of industrial freedom and private property, as quoted bv you, is a progress, in any case, that has involved the world in some rather unfortunate misunderstandings of late years. Not ” black defeat,” but a set-back to a body of men who placed on the Statute Book legislation—vital legislation—progressive legislation, on which they mav reflect with pride.—l am, etc.. Waimate. G. E. Dewar.