THE FIELD REVIEWED,

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19052, 16 September 1933, Page 7

THE FIELD REVIEWED,

(To tho Editor.) Sir, —Your correspondence columns certainly give voice to a variety of topics. They are thought-provoking and will, I am sure, result in an endeavour by intelligent citizens to give New Zealand thoughts of a brighter future. To read without rancour and bitterness tho efforts of our citizens, and to respect and perhaps disagree with their sentiments Js, I can assure you, a nightly pleasure. I look back in thought to the sincerity of John Sykes, Marcus James, R. E. Hansen, “Iluia,” and others, to the (may I call it, unfriendliness?) of E. Earle Valle, to tho wit -and comedy of Douglas Seymour—-and I wonder are we getting any further through the maze wo call life. Fair and honest discussion on any subject is an attribute we might all do well to cultivate. The Intolerance of some of us sometimes reaches alarming proportions, yet to progress we must pursue. Let us agree to respect all efforts at enlightenment, eschew all hard words, personal! lies, rancour and heated argument, and lift our intelligence to a higher sphere. Obviously many of our mistakes are made in ignorance, lack of opportunity or fear of ridicule. The system under which wo live does not encourage the best in mankind. Greed and selfish interests seem to he paramount in business; commercial morality is failing fast; yet in spite of all I am sure bettor days arc ahead. Men ami women are beginning to puzzle tilings out for themselves, and thought, being

the spring of action, will surely take us steadily on to a brighter future. To-day company directors' main thoughts are how to provide dividends for shareholders. ( Chain stores are making things extremely difficult for the honest old storekeeper, who was always a good citizen to have, but now forced out of business by the powers of financial concentration. The ordinary wage-earner is sick of being asked to accept cuts in wages, but nevertheless accepts half a loaf in ljeu of none. Civil servants simmer silently and are afraid to prejudice their jobs by openly speaking their thoughts. Then we have our vast numbers of unemployed citizens, who, in the main, have the truehearted sympathy of their fellowmen in employment. Surely we must see a change is approaching,’whether we wish it or not. Where are our leaders? Certainly not in Wellington. where, without a doubt, things drift on hopelessly. I read In an overseas paper recently the following paragraph which struck me as very applicable to our politicians: “You have a great opportunity to serve the, voiceless multitude. Great changes are imminent. An entirely new course has been eliarled, but we would like io feel Hint the public men who seek 1 o take the he’ni of I he ship of Stale were a lit Mo more certain of their navigation.” I think, when all things arc summed up, the solution to the problem will be found in one thing—money. Whether il is 100 .much or too Utile lias lo bo decided, but there can be no doubt about the fact of maladministration. Some may arguo that

necessity will drive men and women to do with less and thus bring down prices, but the past few years have proved that necessity will also make decent citizens into sneak thieves and worse. My own opinion is that we as a whole, will give service willingly if adequately rewarded. Further, if prices of to-day’s commodities do fall, tho burden of debt and interest cannot fall in sympathy, and until wo realise and make our creditors see the ridiculous position now existing between debtor and creditor nothing will be done. I was extremely interested In the recent discussions between several public bodies and their overseas creditors culminating in Mr J. A. C. Ahum’s mission to London. Legally," I take it, we are not liable for the extra amounts in dispute, but (vide Mr Coates) we are morally responsible. llow often have we heard in our Supreme Court the Judge indicate his inability to do anything but administer tho law; morality and ethics do not enter into the question. 11 is Honour, in certain cases, advises that until the law is changed lie is helpless. Why, then, should money he above legality, and is humanity not entitled to better treatment than commerce? Are we afraid of our creditors? To-day an open mind is invaluable; citizens are, more than ever, quite eager to discuss subjects which a year or two ago were usually “taboo,” and to listen to a builder discussing banking practice or the commercial traveller discoursing on religion is, in iny opinion, both refreshing and enlightening.. During the winter months I have-

listened with interest to lectures by several leading economists, two Intelligent Communists, a Socialist, the Labour Party and several Douglas Credit speakers. Throughout I have endeavoured to maintain an unbiassed interest. Each and every speaker seemed sincere, and with one exception gave their views without bitterness. There seemed so much good and so much bad in each viewpoint, and I often thought it a pity some broadminded party could not draw up a plan based on the beneficial parts of each doctrine. It might be difflcu'.'t, but it could be done.

To citizens generally I would recommend the following: Take an Interest in some society which aims at social advancement; contemplate seriously any sensible argument; keep an open mind until you are satisfied a certain doctrine Is as nearly correct as possible. Then do not be afraid to speak your mind, always basing your discussion on truth, and truth only. Never argue with a fanatic—they are best left alone —and always admire sincerity, even in an opponent. The coming eighteen months promises to be an anxious time for the whole world, and a solution to our presentday problems will not appear suddenly, but will gradually evolve when the hearts of the people have proved beyond doubt we arc ready for improvement and capable of maintaining a steady advancement. May I hope, Sir, you will long permit us to read the theories and suggestions of our fellow-citizens. —I am, etc., H. A. MILTON. Hamilton, September 13, 1033.