"DO" V. "DOING"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 149, 19 March 1919, Page 7

"DO" V. "DOING"

Sir—Hurrah for the voice of "X." Most surely ho sets out the opinion of a great number of people—people who are for over complaining about the high prices • and "rotten" system of their country. We appreciate their efforts, their steady method of gaining their point. Mr. "X" has stepped into the arena with a price-list that is undeniable. Ho has quoted cases of "poor" manufacture, tie has given an instance of "land" robbery, but ho has not enlightened tho reader with any suggestions that he considers would provido the required remedy. Camo now, how can an audienco accept such statements without Mr. "X" supporting them with tho why aud wherefor? Ho advocates "labour" principles. "Tho structures are unsound." I agreo heartily with him on this point. "No 'jjo-aheadnoss' is of any use until wo havo settled under what conditions wo aro prepared to continue our social energies." Quito so—a foundation is required for every structuro that is to endure. Lias not this country had'sufficient timo to decide, or have not the voices of its people been loud enough? Stand in the background, and ten to one you won't be seen!

""Energy," he says, "is alright; progress is good; cooperation is right, but until tlieso thing* I have enumerated have liecn righted, it is all so much energy wasted and misdirected."

Mr. "X," do you really menn this? However can you obtain the desired result without, energy, progress or cooperation? I ask you. If tho structures are unsound, whero aro the builders of Empire to take tho work in hand and rebuild tho sure, solid foundation? There are- many to-day who are ready to join hands with their fellow-men (and women) in pushing forward tho movement of "progress" Hint is being advooated. Party feeling and religion should not be used as a. means of barring the progress of this country. The very people who object to the high prices, the "poor" manufacture, and tho land" robbery have in their own hands the means of altering such slates of affairs. What else is the ballot-box for than a means of registering the opinion of the pwple. Tco little stress is laid on this point. _ Perhaps Mr. "X" is well awaro of the" small percentage of citizens who take the trouble to enrol and vote. It is a poor kind of a man who cannot make up his mind. This applies also to a country.

Let' us repeat a quotation from the letter'of Mr. "X." "No 'go-ahpadness* is of any use until we have settled under what, conditions we are prepared to continue our social energies." Is it not 'high time that we knew under what conditions our social energies are to be continued? What are the origanisa'tions of .professions, trades, and social bodies for? Only, by the co-operation of theso very factors that go to make a community can we obtain the desired result.—l am, etc., PROGRESSIVE.