POLITICAL ECONOMY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1805, 18 July 1913, Page 10

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

TO COUNTERACT SOCIALISTS. "That with a view to counteracting tlio injury caused by tho dissemination of fallacious views by tho Socialists and singlotaxers, this conference urges that political economy be made a compulsory subject in tho higher schoojs," was moved by Jlr. A. Hunter (Taranaki) at the Farmers' "union Conference last night, "it was the fallacious views they wanted to counteract," said Mr. Huntor. Mr. W. J. Biroh seconded the remit, although inclined to think the curriculum of tho schools was rather overcrowded. It would certainly be a good thing, ho thought, if the young peoplo wero acquainted with political economy, so that they should not bo led away by some of tho fallacious views expressed by tho siugle-taxers. Mr. I). M. Philip said they were all of opinion that the Socialists' views wero an evil, but tho question was tho test means of combating the evil. Mr. G. Gardner thought that tho remit should be withdrawn. It would causo a great deal of glco in tlio "other camp" when it appeared in tho papers that they were trying to get at tho children. Tho proper way to combat tlio evil was by putting as many small holders in tho country as possible. Mr. T. Moss said tliey had nothing to fear through their children being taught political economy. Tlio only tiling they had to fear in New Zealand was ignorance. Tf it was not for ignoranco tho "man on the street corner" would not liave any power to persuade. If they took .up the' workers' newspaper they would find that the workers had Sunday schools to teach ngainst tho capitalists. Why should not they counteract such inflticnco in the schools? An amendment to the effect that an approved school book on political economy should bo introduced into secondary schools was moved. The remit and amendment were rejected on a show of hands.