DR- KAGAWA.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19606, 19 June 1935, Page 9

DR- KAGAWA.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Mr Furniss' letter evades entirely the two points I raised, namely: d. Japan produces “cheap” goods because she employs so much -child labour and pays adult labour very low wages judged by Western notions standards of comfort for workers (which are altogether unsatisfactory) , and, further, Japan runs her factories 24 hours a day and seven days a week. A spate of words is no reply to my query, as to whether it is desired to introduce Sunday labour into all the manufacturing concerns ol Western nations. To advocate free trade with Japan under present conditions is surely the height of folly. 2. Dr. Kagawa—and many others — can see no hope of applying Christian teaching effectively to our present individualistic organisation of society, and has stated that even some form or Christian Communism may be necessary before the “Kingdom of God on earth” may be brought to fruition. One may disagree with that point of view, but it is certainly lacking in respect to those sincere’ thinkers to denounce in rather bitter terms all concepts of Communism. We all of us have a right to our own views, but I submit that we should toe fair, just and reasonable In dealing with the views of others. Some three years ago I was asked by a prominent Rotarian what I thought might be the ultimate outcome of the tremendous changes in our economic and social system which seemed so imminent. My reply was that it was impossible to say, but that I thought any individual an egotist who presumed to set limits to the progress of evolutionary processes. My questioner entirely agreed with this. Obviously, then, those of us who have definite views on economic and social problems should endeavour to give reasoned consideration to views that may not accord with our own. Argue and discuss certainly, but In the spirit of the linos in Whittier’s poem, the “Norman Baron : “Reason spake more loud than Pession, and the truth wore no disguise." I cannot rid my mind of the impression that Mr Furniss has disguised—probably quite unintentionally part of the truth of his very pronounced free trade views- I have intimated above what those truths arc. Free trade would probably bo the ideal policy under a sane economic and social system, tout it is impossible under present conditions; It would also Intensify our present 'difficulties if it were possible of consummation. To myself, then, the rational thing to do is to drop talking about It and fix our minds upon the points of agreement that we may discover in our own conflicting views, and so endeavour to unite in getting something definite done as a start towards a saner world „ “Gome, let us reason together, should toe the slogan of all true reformers, although there may be no hope of our agreeing on all points, and this because, after all, we are merely individuals, and those who come after us will have much more to do with what the future state may be than we have. We can stale our own point of view, and perhaps influence tlio thinking of others; but it behoves each of us to do so with reasoncc argument and an entire absence of a desire to “slather up” the other fellow. ~ , , 1 have no wish Lo say anything furl tlicr in reply to Mr Furniss. . He had j the first word, and if he wishes lie can have Hie last. —I am, etc., JOHN s4KEs. Hamilton, Juno 18, 1935.