N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 18857, 24 June 1920, Page 4

N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE

METHODS OF SOCIAL REFORM. (Contributed by the Welfare League). It is an interesting, and also, helpful study to observe the various methods adopted by persons and societies taking up social reform work. The men and women who are new to the work, whatever their station in life, nearly always start out with a full programme of reforms. In their fresh enthusiasm they can see little difficulty in solving a great number of problems right away. This applies just as much to the scholastically trained person as to the individual who has had very little advantage in the way of school education. In fact we have met with instances where the man with scarcely any education, but with good sound intellect has proved far more effective in securing proper reforms than men of education, because he was simpler and more direct in his methods of thought and action. Speaking generally we may say that the difference between the theoretic and the practical methods of coping with economic, social or other public problems is that the former leans towards the general, and the latter is concentrated upon the specific. The theorist is even intent in finding an absolute cure for the evils that afflict society. When he is properly' worked up his refuses to see any obstacle to the applying of an absolute cure for every' evil. This reformer’s strong card is command of language. Commencing with “whereas” and going on to “be it hereby resolved” he can pack enough propositions into a series of sentences to keep the politicians of the country constantly at work for the term of their natural lives. It is most remarkable that in spite of all experiences to the contrary the theoretic minded reformer never loses faith in his policy of submitting a full programme of requirements to the Government, and of presenting a completely generalised solution of difficulties that men in practice hesitate to pronounce any opinion upon. , At many recent conferences a sufficient number of resolutions were passed to occupy' the Government for years, unless that occurs, which is not altogether unlikely, that most of the resolutions be taken as read and put aside to a more favourable season. Everybody does this sort of thing. Labour conferences, farmers, commercial men, educationists, etc., etc., all follow the theoretic reformer’s plan of submitting propositions covering twenty years’ work, and expressing resentment because it is not all put through at a sitting. There is no question which concerns the people more than that of the high cost of living. The Returned Soldiers' Association is to be commended in calling a public meeting on the subject. With the tuiiest respect for the promoters, and those who took part in the meeting, we have yet to express regret that the theoretic, rather than the practical method of reform was followed in the meeting referred to. We find, for instance, that the meeting passed resolutions embodying some fifteen propositions, several of which are highly debatable. Mr A. Fair (one of the speakersl said “it was an indisputable fact that if increased production was general all over the world prices mast come down. However, that would take time, and speakers that evening had proposed measures which would have immediate results.” Yes, it is easy to say of any' proposal that if put into operation it will have immediate results. What the practical reformer looks to ia to submit only' proposals that are likely to be applied, because without the application they are worthless. To take one proposal, moved by Miss Goad, “That the income tax on companies manufacturing the necessaries of life be abolished, and the prices payable for goods reduced accordingly.” How long does any one think, it would take for Parliament to make up its mind on that proposal? It looks to us like the old game of “this year, next year, sometime, never.” Nothing would be intended. A number of the proposals put at the meeting would meet with general supjxirt, but when the whole programme goes before the Government and Parliament, what is likely to be the practical result? Probably nil. Those having years of experience in public or private business learn, if they learn at all, to reduce matters to the few direct issues, and when through with these they go on to the next. They never attempt to take everything at once. The dangers of theory, and the forming of wide generalisations, is that only the great minds, possessed of very extensive knowledge or special genius, can form generalisations with any hope of success. The practical method commences by recognising our own limitations and paying close attention to the small things we can do well, rather than attempting the big things we cannot do, or do very badly. , . . In reform work the practical method is to pay' attention to the value of spade work. Before the big meeting or the important deputation the plodding task of close investigation and committee refining process should be carried out. If a meeting on the cost of living question was ready to submit definite plans by which boots, butler, meat or other specific commodities could be reduced in price the people would be more likely to take a live interest in .it than m one for the discussing of general proposals. “One thing at a time and that done well, appears too slow for the theoreticallyminded, but in the end it is often the fastest as well as the most practical method. If ’Professor Hunter’s contention is right that “the issue of paper money is the principal cause of high prices,” why not concentrate on that issue ? If the prmcip e cause is removed then surely a considerable advancement would be made. We are not in this article dealing with the value ot any specific proposal. Reforms in various directions are urgently required What w« are contending for is that the practical method of taking matters in detail and proceeding step by step is more likely to effect good results than the theoretic method oi attempting many things at once, on th. assumption that our generalisation of reform has covered all the factors that might count. ,