CRITICISM OF SUCCESSFUL

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1932, Page 7

CRITICISM OF SUCCESSFUL

SPRAG IN WHEEL OF ENTERPRISE. . CRITICS’ ACTION DEPRECATED. By Telegraph,—Press Association. Auckland, June 8. A strong protest against what he described as blighting and ungenerous criticism of successful firms and institutions was voiced by Sir George Elliott at the annual meeting of Wilson’s (N.Z.) Portland Cement Company. After quoting figures showing the large amounts the company paid in taxes, rates, railway freights, etc., Sir George said: “There is, however, amongst a section of the public a growing sentiment against firms, companies and individuals who are in any way successful. In the eyes of a great number it has become in New Zealand almost a crime to be successful.

“It is largely owing to such ungenerous criticism that there is so much difficulty in getting suitable men to accept public positions. Whether the attitude so indicated results from the smallness of our population or from plain envy and jealousy, maybe malice, is of minor importance, but the attitude of the mind itself is of major importance, for it encourages a disastrous outlook on life. It is a brake on personal effort. It stifles progress and puts a sprag in the wheel of enterprise. If it spreads it must lead to national stagnation and decline.”