Happy Economists.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19197, 10 October 1930, Page 6

Happy Economists.

To the Editor. Dear Sir—Your correspondent, Mr Riley, is peeved about something; he doesn’t say what. Those who read the interesting article in Tuesday’s “ Star ” by Professor Low would have noticed that the Professor stated that all scientists sought to increase happiness. This is particularly true of economists. No writers in modem times have done more for the betterment of the worker than they have. There are some economic laws, as there are some laws of health, which to disregard leads to trouble. When the Labour governments of Australia were carrying out their policy of borrow and squander, and driving Australia into economic trouble, the New Zealand Labour Party tried to get the people here to give them the chance to drive our country into the same mess. Fortunately they didn't succeed. The Australian Labour Party sneer at the warnings of economists and so does the Labour Party here. In my first letter, I wrote: “It would be interesting if Mr Howard would give the names of some modern economists who had opposed reforms, that is, providing they were real reforms, and not merely movements to benefit a few at the expense of the many.” Mr Riley says it is doubtful if E.J.H. or any other normal person could do that. If that is Mr Riley’s opinion, what has he to be peeved about?—l am, etc., LABOURER.