New Zealand “Sacrificing Essentials Of Democracy"

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28264, 30 April 1957, Page 7

New Zealand “Sacrificing Essentials Of Democracy"

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 29.

Mr David Goldblatt, a prominent British Liberal, who last year spent 10 months in New Zealand, has written a book on his impressions of the country. To be published toward the end of this year, it will show how New Zealand is gradually “sacrificing the essentials of democracy."

Mr Goldblatt returned in the Corinthic from London today “to savour again a very lovely country.” He said he intended to continue his work for the Liberal International Movement, and also to lecture on eighteenth century porcelain, which is one of his main hobbies.

The title of Mr Goldblatt’s book is “Democracy at Ease." In many respects, he said, it would be highly critical of the New Zealand way of life. “What I am trying to bring home is the sacrifice of democracy which is going on all the time,” he explained. “This is happening because the New Zealander is so comfortable and so as-

sured of his material welfare that he is completely apathetic about the mainspring of his free life. “If he continues in this way, he will find his freedom slip away from him. I have seen the same thing happen in the Old Country, and it is a lesson that should be taken to heart in New Zealand.” Mr Goldblatt said he would stay in New Zealand for eight or nine months.