The Timaru Herald FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1936 IMPORTANCE OF VIRILE LEADERSHIP.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20586, 27 November 1936, Page 8

The Timaru Herald FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1936 IMPORTANCE OF VIRILE LEADERSHIP.

One of the arresting features of the diplomatic clashes in Europe and Asia in which Germany and Italy in particular, and Russia and Japan in a less picturesque degree, play leading parts, are the intensely dramatic strokes with which important decisions are given to the world. No one. is permitted to remain in ignorance of the objectives of Nazism and Fascism, From Ihe very housetops the alleged virtues of dictatorships are proclaimed. In Moscow, the Soviet leader carefully stagemanages the occasion of the pronouncement of the new constitution, and in the boldest manner reinforced by earnest and sometimes eloquent utterances, the psychology of the great mass of the people is played upon in an effort to unite the people, in support of the leader, against real and imaginary enemies. Obviously, there is something appealing in uniforms, even if the difference between the wearers of red, black, and other coloured shirts, is a mere matter of dress. It is of the highest significance that in Germany, Italy, and Russia, to a great degree, and in other countries in a lesser fashion, an amazing response is made by the youth of the nation to the appeal of eloquent and picturesque leadership. What is it then that inspires the multitudes to give their patriotic support to the leaders under the dictatorships of Europe and Asia. Democracy is intrinsically a better system than dictatorship of that the great majority of British peoples are convinced. But The Spectator asks: “Must Democracy necessarily be inferior to them in efficiency?” Discussing this issue, the London journal admits that the question is vital, for in economic and military conflicts between States the doctrine of survival of the fittest prevails, and the inefficient will inevitably go under. Consideration of this point will suggest that amid all the criticisms to which the dictatorships expose themselves the fact that they display, not only certain practical advantages, but certain moral advantages, which democracies lack to their detriment, is self-evident. They possess, to begin with, leadership—usually histrionic, sometimes melodramatic, but incontestably effective. Herr Hitler has gained many of his ends by brutal and barbarous repression, but that he has by his personality inspired a great part of the youth of Germany to self-sacrificing devotion to ideals far from unworthy no one who knows anything of German life to-day will deny. The same is true of Italy under Mussolini, the same of Russia, although in Russia creed has counted for as much as personality. How do the British people stand for leadership? Where does youth draw its inspiration? Where is there a national figure, politicial or poet or preacher, who can evoke the same response from the generation that will make the Britain of to-morrow as the dictators can? Manifestly this question calls for an answer; but does it call in vain? So many changes have taken place in this precedent-breaking age that Democracy ought to begin to ask itself if its leadership is lacking in any of the essentials which make for complete success by reason of the inspiration of its appeal. The familiar axiom “vox populi, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God), may in the process of time, have undergone an inversion of its meaning. This is an important question, since Democracy can endure only when the voice of the people is Ihe voice of divine principle—a patriotism growing out of spiritual vision.

THE DOWNLANDS WATER SCHEME. Thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of the Member for Temuka and the splendid support that is coming in increasing volume from all parts of the district, it may be confidently assumed that the campaign in support of the Downlands Water Supply Scheme has been successfully launched. The enthusiastic public meeting of residents of Pleasant Point and district, held last night for the purpose of launching the speaking campaign, designed to tell the people all about the scheme, furnished encouraging proof of the genuine desire of all sections of the community to become thoroughly informed with the pros and cons of the scheme. Thanks to the commendable efforts of representatives of all districts embraced within the area to benefit, the Government and the Public Works Department have given sympathetic consideration to the appeal for State assistance, and it is confidently anticipated that substantial encouragement will be given by the Public Works Department in the form of financial help. State assistance is manifestly imperative if the scheme is to proceed; on the other hand, the Government has a right to expect that dwellers in the area that will be reticulated will enthusiastically co-operate in a practical way in bringing the scheme to an early completion. It is not necessary at this stage to emphasise the value of the Downlands Water Supply Scheme to the districts embraced in the proposed reticulation. The settlers and town dwellers concerned know something of the disabilities of inadequacy of water supply; suffice it to say, however, that the scheme is sound from all angles, and it remains for the people in the area that will benefit, to concentrate their enthusiasm and influence in support of Mr Burnett and those closely associated with him in bringing to completion a water supply scheme that will confer immense benefits on the territory reticulated.

PUTTING MEN BACK TO WORK. Because of the difficult nature of the problem—a problem not peculiar to New Zealand —the Government is obviously somewhat exercised in mind over the persistence wilh which unemployment clogs Ihe wheels of recovery in New Zealand. So much so, that urgent meetings of the Government Parly are being held periodically, at which unemployment is being examined from every angle. At Ihe close of one of these meetings the Prime Minister said : “The Cabinet will give consideration to the development of new industries with a view to providing work for those still unemployed. A committee of the Cabinet has been appointed with other members of the Government Party to go thoroughly into the promotion of new avenues of employment. The reports of members as to the requirements in the various districts will be submitted to the Public Works Department for consideration of details and costs." It is regrettable that at a time when the closest cooperation should be enjoyed between (he Government and all sections of employers, ami investors of all classes, widespread uneasiness prevails. It cannot be denied that ihe outlook is a little uncertain, but we arc satisfied that everyone will gladly co-operate with the Government in tackling the uuemploymeift problem, if the Government on its part, would take Ihe people into ifs confidence and disclose the lull measure of its intentions in the legislative arena.