FALL FROM COMMUNISM.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19452, 17 December 1934, Page 11

FALL FROM COMMUNISM.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —We thank Mr Hall for his explanation of the fact tljal -what is borrowing and lending in other countries is something else when practised in Soviet Russia. The loans he says are voluntary—“if compulsory it would amount to reduction of wages.” This is an unfortunate admission, because the 3,500,000,000 roubles loan of this year was compulsory, each worker who received a wage or salary had to subscribe three weeks’ pay in ten monthly Instalments. It was not redeemable In less than ten years; the holders may not sell or transfer, 'half is inter--1 est-bearing at 10 per cent. To the other half will be attached a lottery with 40 annual drawings for small sums. These loans have been an annual occurrence for eight years. The result is the establishment of a ■"rentier” class which is so rabidly condemned by orthodox Communism. —We are, etc., N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE.. Wellington, December 14, 1934.

■ (To the Editor.) Sir, —So “Puzzled” decides, that the Communist is on the trail of the illusive wlil-o’-the-wr-sp. Well, then, the proof of the pudding Is In the eating, or we judge by results. A few comparisons will be illustrative: Economic freedom lias placed the Russian woman on a different plane from that of her Western sister; domestic worry Is being eliminated through the advent of the creche, kindergarten, school, culture parks, and other amenities, all controlled by the nation. The same applies with equal relativity to the general welfare of adults culture parks, rest homes, 'etc. In cases of hospital treatment the patient automatically goes to the convalescent home. Outside of public hospitals, whatever institutions exist here in New Zealand for the restoration of health are merely of a charitable nature. In the Workers’ Republic the Communist Party has removed such concerns from a charitable base to that of necessary national economy. The Communist Party is conscious of the supreme fact that the general well-being of the women and children is absolutely imperative. During the dark hours of the revolution the Communists were faced with the problem , of securing milk for the women and children. When the problem was placed before Lenin this was the answer: ‘‘Who needs it most? —The woman and children. Well, then,' what are you squabbling about? See that they get it.” That is the basic principle upon’ which all their social development arises from. This is the highest development of the moral idea which leaves capitalist morality trailing in the rear. No wonder that the higher instinct of man rebels against capitalism, which contradicts and compels him in practice \ to Infringe his best motives. '“Puzzled" will agree that the results regarding the general welfare through the medium of such institutions established in the Workers? Republic (above-quoted) compare more than favouarbly with the conditions imposed upon men, women and children right here in New Zealand. “That which I have thou shalt share.” Who is the “I”? The charitable bodies are making their annual appeal for Christmas joys, but nevertheless I am compelled' to agree with Shaw that “philanthropy is a parasite ■Non misery."—l am, etc., . T. HARRIS. Hamilton, December 14, 1934.