THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6887, 24 June 1890, Page 4

THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —l consider that every colonist in New Zealand, and Canterbury men in particular, owes a debt of gratitude to " Pharos " for the able manner in which he haß opened the pages of ancient and modern history to tho general public } so few of whom have either the time or power to pursue the researches of the student. It is a foolish policy to shut one l- eyes to facts; the ostrich may bury hia head in the sand as deeply as he pleases, the pursuers are there, nevertheless j and however much some people may strive to ignore the fact—Socialism is the spirit of the age. " Pharos," whether intentionally or not, has largely contributed to the success of the movement which he has so graphically described. Socialism, like a mighty wave, is ro.-._:g from shore to shore. Trade and labour unions are to-day the most prominent features of the growing faith. As a step in the right direction they are well enough, but they are only elementary lessons in the science of sociology. In the first place they are not entirely free from the alloy of individualism, the growing desire for Federation notwithstanding. Secondly, their power for good is as yet limited; on the one hand by the banks, rings, syndicates and other organisations of the wealthy, and on the other by the absence of statutory power to enforce their claims. Let no one imagine that I underrate the vast power that lies in the federated ranks of labour. Quite the reverse; I am fully cognisant of its strength, and its overwhelming might in the hour of conflict, but so long as it remains in that condition only it is not the power I wish it to be. Trade and labour unions may for a time prevent the reduction of wages, may insist upon the eight hours system, put a stop to the foolish practice of "overtime" and the demoralising system- of piece woik, especially such piecework as obtains in the railway workshops of New Zealand. So far as they can accomplish all this, they will tend to ameliorate the condition of the industrial class, and to minimise the competition for employment, as the reduction of the hours of labour will necessitate the employment of a larger number of persons to perform the present amount of work. Capital, however, will still enforce its claims, will organise its resources, and, by the power of the wealth already accumulated, obtain and hold possession of the land and of labour-saving machinery, so that in a short time the old battle will have to be fought over again, unless the leaders of the Unions pay due regard to the acquisition of political knowledge for themselves and their fellows, which means political power. Our efforts for social improvement must be backed up by legislation. I must not, however, intrude too far on your space, or the patience of your readers, but with your permission will conclude my remarks in a future issue.—l am, &c, CHAELES J. EAE.