"LABORATORY" FOR THE WORLD

Evening Post, Issue 37, 12 August 1936, Page 14

"LABORATORY" FOR THE WORLD

"We are setting out determinedly in the belief that we can solve this problem affecting humanity. It is a problem which can be solved, and if we fail- it is a bad look-out for the rest of the world." This opinion was expressed at Christchurch on Saturday night by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce, in referring to the Government's intentions in combating social and economic problems of the present day (reports the "Press"). He was speaking at a complimentary social held in his honour by the Riccarton branch of the New Zealand Labour Party at the Riccarton Town Hall. "In the minds of some persons it may sound ridiculous to say that a small country like New Zealand could have any material effect in world affairs, but if these problems cannot be solved here in a small country where else will they be solved?" he said. "We aim to legislate to bring the advantages of science and progress to New Zealand people. I believe that New Zealand can contribute something to the happiness of the world and to the better conditions of the working people, ■ that the world will derive some benefit from this small laboratory as -it were. As I said, if we fail it is a bad lookout for the rest of the world We mean to fight the battle for humanity to find a way out of the paradox that has defied the world, and to give the world a lead in social matters. I can say only that our party will carry out the policy that it promised electors it would follow."