LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1940, 24 December 1913, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE MENTAL AND SOGIftU ' SCIENCES. 1 Sir, —The announcement of the (generous gift by tho M'Carthy Trust to yicto'ri.i Coliego, and tho wise suggest'ion of Sir Kobert Stout as to tho application of. the funds so given, is referred tb .in your sub-leader of to-day in terms that will bring satisfaction to all who regard higher education as a matter of importance for tho welfare of tlio community. No mail would suggest that an understanding of economic questions will eliminate, industrial strife, but it is bevond dispute that stieli an tinderstaiiding would go far to nmumiso such strife, and to soften its bitterness when it does occur. The question then arises as to what our University colleges are doing in this direction. A review of the work done by theso colleges discloses that tho social and mental sciences/have, in -comparison with other branches of ' knowledge, such as. languages and natural scicnce, beon neglected to an extent that is simply appalling. Nobody underestimates the value of literature and natural science, i but it must be maintained that a knowledge of tho mental and social sciences is quite as valuablo from tho point of view both of a liberal education and a utilitarian standpoint. - To elaborate tliis point is scarcely' necessary. Gno would therefore .'expect that a proportionate amount of the available funds would be allotted by.the colleges to the development of .theso subjects. What is actually the position will best appear from tho following figures. Each' of. the four colleges has a full staff in natural 'science. Each has also a full staff to teach that queer jumble which is humorously described as literature iu tho New Zealand University calendar. ■ In the social and niMital scionces, however, tho position- ic very ditforent. At Auckland, for example, i one lecturer is employed to teach all tho following subjects: Mental sciuiico (including logic, psychology, ethies,-and philosophy;, economics (.presumably including currency and 'banking, statistical method, and economic history),, history (presumably including English, European, colonial, and modern), and economic geography I It is an obvious physical impossibility for one man, however gifted, to cepe- with this work and do it justice. The figures in' regard to staffing, taken from tho last University calendar, arc.as follows: Languages and literature, 10 professors, 10 lecturers ahd assistants; science, 15 professors, 9 lecturers and assistants; mental scieuco and economics, 3 professors, 4 lecturers and assistants. These figures do not include under tho term scieuco tho stalls is tho department's of mathematics, mining, engineering, and medicine, otherwise the discrepancy would bo snore startling. •In other ..words, there aro in New Zealand 3 professors of mental and social scieuco, and 25 of literature and natural science.

Theso figures afford conclusive evidence that tho mental and social

sciences are being starvou.. It is also worthy of noto .that the figures of tho separate colleges show that-, notwithstanding these.'handicaps, there is a largo' and. growing number, of .students who desire to study and economics. , Tho number of students of puto scienco is comparatively small, and tho interests of the'majority arc being sacrificed, to . tlioso of tho small minority. ,Tho colleges are spending too great a proportion of their ineomo on science. There can bo no doubt that, if proper facilities w'cro afforded,- a knowledge of economic qustions, tho lack of which you rightly deplore, would gradually permeate tho educated portion of tho . Moreover, aid ..proper' teaching facilities' exist, ■ an extension system could carry tho beneiits to that largo class ol tho cßinmunitv, the so-called working .class, which, though interested in social problems; would not be likely,, ta derive much direct advantage from a. University Co); lege... This, however, opens out a very wide 'field that ■would require separate and . detailed treatment, and, on sotbo future occasion I will with your indulgence trespass upon your valuable space so, far as to suggest tho outlines of a. Workable scheme.—l fim, etc.', ' B. E. MURPHY. Feilding, December 19.

SOME REFLECTIONS ON STRfKE LAW, THE LABOUR DISPUTES INVESTIGATION BILL, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY SPEECHES OF SOME MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON "THE DOMINION" AND ON THE BILL.

Sir,—As an Englishman who studies politics unbiasedly, and loves any newspaper conducted by gentlemen for gentlemen, I must say 1 feel justly proud of tho manlier in which you conduct The JJojtiNio.N", and therefore was' not ilt all surprised over the dignified .hut thorough and firm manner in which you handled, next morning, tho debate in the House overnight on the Labour Disputes Investigation Bill,, and _ especially your'detractors. But, of course, it. is that sort of thing which always appeals to common sense, thrift, and all tho other attributes which build up men and women- and prosperous countries. Replying to tho screeches and bellowings of Sir Joseph Ward and of Mr. "Rieoarton" Russell (the. former's reminding mo forcibly of the deathspeech of . Hobiespierie, butcher-dic-tator, of the French Revolution, against La Mountains; tho lattors of a wellknown being celebrated ,in history,' who first said a thing, then, when ho thought it did not- suit the multitude, tried to justify it; then when he found it really .did not suit began to look for tho. easiest way out). Such language in the House .could only come from that class of politician. Of the Hon'. Mr. Massey's strike law proposals, I think with most sane folk that they fit the bill, notwithstanding silly members of the House, averring, with parrot-like regularity, that Mr. Massey should have got Sir Joshua Williams to arbitrate -osi the "hurly-burly ] to .compel secret- ballotSj and tho Red Feds, .to join the . «ew Arbitration. Union, etc. For had Mr. Mas-sey wavered on any ono of those idiotic points he Would'have turned down tho brave farmers who left home, farm, and family, to uphold lafr and order, and honds't workers only; to give back to wild, unthinking men, who had cast away in impudent scorn .well-paid, easy work, doing it, too, in their own wayward manner. Of tire other items tho Ghineso proverb might apply: "One man may lead a horse to tho water, but a hundred cannot make him dnnk. ■ Similarly, one man may make a secretballot, but a hundred could not make the worlwirs vote in it. Before. .leaving' Sir Joseph. Ward, I would just like'to correct the Baronet upon his -bombastic statement, which reminds me, of a certain Villon's statement of "If I were King." Says the Baronet, "If I had been Prime Minister I would have gone down amongst those men on the ivlmrf an hour after tho trouble had arisen. I- would have done wiiat I did at Dcnniston, when T went right' into the jaws of men who, I was told before I wont there, were going to oat me heart-to-heart talk." I happened to he at Dennistou . at tho time the Baronet speaks of, but I never saw the Baronet walk into tho jaws of. any striker (1 did seo him onco walk into tho jaws of a wharf shod from au indignant- crowd on the Queen's Wharf, 'Wellington, protected by a posso of grinning police), nor yet did I hear him indulge in a heart-to-heart talk with any of the colliers thgre. But T. well remember his predecessor (Mr. Seddon) did all that, and effectively, too, "more power to him" a* tho Baronet's own countrymen would say. 1 also entirely agree, as,, indeed, most sane men do, 'with that very able statesman (Jit, A. L. Herdaso) in feis welt U*tet

of tho Opposition, and I do firmly believo that- tho liaronet's repeated utterances in thy llouso had done as much as anything else to keep s.iivo tho present industrial troubles in New Zealand, and ain absolutely certain that Sir Joseph: Ward will have cause to regret having .made theiri'iiisido twelve months. Ho proved himself a failure as Premier, for under his'leadership'Mr.-Seddon's 55 majority in'tho House rapidly began to scatter io thc. four winds of heaven, untii less than ' two'.: years back' Sir Joseph Ward and his';cliviiidling. folio-w----ing were' swept,. ; from" tho benches -to places where it is hoped, lor th" -sake of folk and country, they may stay on till the end of time. On the other liand, : one turns with:,;.cc!illdoucc.' to William" and his Cabinet of able, clean gentlemen,"trusting.they may' long con-' tinue to nuito out. justice tempered,with mercy, fair piny' with- honour- to air, good," clean legislation and purer laws to tilt) advancement - aiic!/'. welfareof v tho Dominion and its people.'.\o? Mr. Millar. and Mr. Veitch, who hpvc .spoken; so ably on the trying situation,., one feels such men arc ornaments to : tho House of Parliament, and we want more ot them next timo in the seats of. tho Wards, tho Isitts, tho ttebbs, the Atmores, tho Russells, the Paynes, and tho Robertsons, and members of like kicIIieS ¥YM°IUTHISER WITH HONEST . TOIL. . :«■ ■ Main Ti' jnk Line, "'. . December 13, .1913.

SERVICES RECOGNISED.

Sir, —Will you . please grant , me tlio spaco in the columns of your widely-cir-culated paper to publicly thank the present Minister 'of Hallways for the great and kind concessions granted to the old retired members of the Service, which, appeared in your valuablo paper some-time ago? Wo hovo often applied to tho late Liberal Government (tho supposed working man's friend), but without result. lam pleased to-think that tho Minister has tlnis shown his appreciation of the servic<*s. of the old members who have spent the best of their days in -building up the Service to what it is now.' May God grant that tho-present Government .may long live to administer the affairs of this our : "God's Own.Country." I think. ], am voicing tho opinion, of. all the retired members when I say that the Govern- . ment. will not bo forgotten when the 1 time comes for. action. —I am, etc., OF FOttTY YISAPiS' SERVICE.

THE BANK CHAiRMAfTANO THE ' ' STRIKE,

Sir,—As might be expected, the chairman of the liank of New Zealand, at tho half-yearly- meeting yesterday, jnado 03ie of his usual excursions from China to Peru. In his evident anxiety to pose as an educator of the community on financial and economic questions, he entered into a long disquisition on tho recent- strike, a step that was singularly out of plaeo at a meeting of bank shareholders,' which did not afford a. fitting opportunity for tho discussion of a subject coming so clearly within the sphere of practical politics, and it is surprising that's protest was not entered by. those, in atte/idance, as references to such matters 'can only arouso increased hostility on the part -of - a class/wliO: have, .at alh tunes, manifested, 'an- unfriendly feeling towards the bank-and-kuidred. institutions. .-While-it-must bo conceded that, the remarks offered were very much to the point, and undoubtedly a olear exposition of the situation, prudonce should liavo suggested a mere incidental allusion to the grievous costly blunder .'that for a timo held up the business ef the country and dislocated its trade. Besides, a long-essny on tho ethics of strikes was a piece of superrogation, as .many, of those, listening t°-. tho speaker wgro irfg the deplorable event, had arrived at their own conclusions, . and.were, mpre- ■ ovfif,' actively' engaged'for Weeks past in endeavouring to bring about a solution of tho difficulty. Further, tho uttcraness were peculiarly .inappropriate' as coming from a man who for mally years had so actively interested himself _in the direction of supporting and glorifying, in season and out of season, a political party who, during a lou£ tenure of office, pandered to _ a section of the. public, whose recent violent actions he. now so strongly condemns.—l. am, * tC " SHAREHOLDER, Wellington, December 19,1913.

OPEN LETTER TO SIR JOSEPH WARD, BART., tEAHER Of HIS MAJESTY'S OPPOSITION, ETC., ETC. . ■

Dear.Sir Jos;ph,—The session of Parr, lia-ment has now ©tided, and I have looked in vain for some sigu from you'-that you regret having, no doubt unwittingly, been not only hasty in your judgment of the action of the special mounted constables from the country, when you made your famous speech in the House about tho charge through the Post Office Square,-but also injuriously, affected the whole Domiiiion, for such a sp9ech at such a time and your subsequent action, coming from ono in your c-xalted positiou was undoubtedly accepted as encouragement by those' lawbreakers (if not worse.! to persevere in their deeds, and as we saw immedii ately afterwards they went much furi ther forward in their course of wild and reckless lawlessness. From what lias transpired sines then, you must admit that vour spacch was based on foundations, and was in consequence unfair to tho mounted men and did •them injustice. In that speech you stated you and the Opposition were on the Hdo of maintaining law and order, and iu your reply to tho -Auckland business men's accusation that vour action was "political and.-Eot ill the national interests," you reiterated-that you wen) "iu entire sympathy with tho maintenance of law ana order.' 1 Such being the case, Sir Joseph, co you not.think it would have been a wise and proper action for you as Leader of the Opposition to have given soma proof that your protestations wero something more than mere words? \ou have lost two golden opportunities of doing this, viz., in tho House snd later at tho recent meeting at the Barracks, when tho Government for the Dominion and the Mayor on behalf of this citv ■specially thanked both mounted and foot constable.? lor their efforts (crownod with complete success) to maintain the identical law and order you say you aro so much in favour of. Where ffefo vou on'this areat ancl historic occasion Sn vour official capacity to add the testimony of the Opposition to tho debt the ocuritrv is under to those, men ? Uo vou not think you should have been there to emphasise your respcct for "law and order"? Is.it possible tiiat vou are not in sympathy with tliese men. ir. tho great w-ovie they did, at considerable risk to their bodies, and an wo have wen in sonic cases, «o their lire*. Aro vou content, and do you consuier it we'll to allow, your silence to up construed ins it will be) into a tacit admission that this is.Bo- - is not- vet too late, Sir Joseph, for vou to make'the amende honourable, hut- it will soon bo for tho rest of Use mounted "specials' wdl ho returning homo presently to.spread father abroad HiC-r livelv feelings and opinion o, the import anil intention of your speech m the of vour srlw.enueiit _ actions. Surelv" vou see the justice of making the pronouncement required of yon, The wisdom is obvious.—l am. etc.. 11 ' H . . VOX I'OPULI.

■' LOVE.

Si'- --Love of one another is quite lost siaht of in the present, idea of labn')' .Hrikina. t-ne dearest ties ot wife and children are give" ."!> to matehood, which is just engineered bv a of officials who pay themselves tram' vniou (uftda. ih? i nmffft 9WMM

have little loss which all comes from tho starving Sicilies, of misdirected poor men, and their families. Hoping more aWo pens will encourage us to be more loving,—l am, etc., A AVGItKING MAN.

THE FARMERS' POINT OF VIEV/. 11l

Sir, —Tour excellent paper doc-s not roach the back-blocks of Taranaki in a few liours; when it does it ss read with keen interest for the outspoken manner in which it lays tho evil ways of a section in oiir cities and tho actions of somo of tho legislators before tho.people of this fair Dominion. Had it not been for the prompt -measures i taken by Mr. Massey and Ministry in tho splendid manner in which they put down lawlessness, and allowed <mr produce to be sent to the- Home market, we would be now almost bordering on a. state of ruination. But onr prompt response to tho call has saved the situation and turned the tables. It is heartrending to road in your issue of December 15 that in \Velljjlston 6273 persons, of whom 3543 arc children, are in daily receipt of relief. Then in same column and data we find this: ".Mr. G-. Gray, secretary, urged the workers to withdraw all their money from the Post Office Savings Bank. He alsotold tjien) not to leave twopence in any institution with, which the Government was con- | uccted. According to tlie speaker, the Government was using .tho ' workers money to fight tho workers, arid he said that.the only way in which that could bo stopped was by tho workers 'adopting his. sucgestions." Take my own case:'l let my only assistant go dowii, and -1 .did nearly all his work. On the Athenic Iv® earned good wncfes. When lie returned to Tftranakf ho put all hut a .few shillmes in the nearest Post Office Savings' Bank, so that he could bo earning a little interest with it, and. the cash he still available for the so-called despised Government ; and long may they reign, tor by their determination and firmness • they have saved our lino country from pom;; under the yoke and heels or the, "Rod Feds.," and given a new term or hopefulness to us back-btockers.—Mm,; e ' c '' A TARANAKI COCKIE.

TOWN V. COUNTRY. . J

Sir—What a splendid and informJ Hi*' notion it would bo in these timesot strikes, if Mrs. William Watersideworker, of Wellington, would pubhsli m Tire Dos«n-ios, or elsewhere, tor letters to her sister) Mrs. David Dairy-farmer, or Elt-ham, in which she expounds m homely, quiet language,,-her husband s arguments in support of the stand his class have'taken dunng the past few weeks; and also the replies from Mis. 1). Dairy-farmer, who, in her turn, replies to'her town sister, giving, m dispassionate- language, her husbands views. The letters would show how, m the family circle, in town and country alike, the pinch of the strike is felt— the effect- on tho larder, tlw wardrobe, ■(iio husband's temper, the ehudreus regular hours—ill those matters which are the .more intimate concern of the mother of! the family wnoso work is never done. As the wife oi a professional man, and not ?o directly aifeettd, T should' 1)6. glad indeed to got such ft 'viow'bf. both sides of this .quarrel so. "that I "might judge tho better e. tliorespective merits. So far, my. sympathies have been all with Sirs. Dairyfarmer and her husband', whose el-ass, with their labour, pr-oduco tho actual wealth of the country, and- without whom no country could be, i™le- all townspeople are but ~ secondary to these primary workers, who, ns such, should rcecivo the first consideration always; -.. .. I. may add, -sir, that here, in Hie writing of 3- clever and natural series of letters between two such sisters, in : -niy'--opi:MhrM^o-fo««dat^^ot. a, literary reputation, and I only- wish' I had tho cift to earn it. —I am, etc., R CHRISTIXA HAMMOND. December 16.

UNION FUNDS.

Shy—Nov-- those who liavo j kept us from earning an.vthii.iß for tj'° ] last nine weeks cooly tell us the strike is over,' wo can Ret to work again, as soon'as we like as our funds are about exhausted, Nice sort of follows these to get us into tliis mess, leave us without aitv money for our.. Christmas noliday's, while they, themselves, lmve been doins'"all right." As many of as have been paying in for several years, havo wo not a riglit to know how our funds liavo been spent and with soino proper accountant's certificate and name it-tael-cti to same? If then, this account"ant's report! was published in the frefs so iliat wo could understand it, : it would he satisfactory to all of us. I hope, Mr. Editor, you will agree with .me-that" some qualified outside accountant should .(jo.through the,hooks and let us laiow how wo stand, and liow much our leaders have drawn from our funds.— I ata, et<\,

STARTING STRIKER.