Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1919, Page 2

In “Democracy and Freedom,” a publication, by Mr Elton Mayo, is the first of a series of books on social questions produced under the auspices of the Workers' Educational Association of Australia. Mr Mayo deals with his subject oil broad lines; he examines various theories of democracies and shows that not always does it fulfil the >xepctations that mankind had formed of it. Sometimes it is apparent rather than real; things are done in its name which are foreign to its truo spirit. “Democracy,” as we at present know it, is based upon a misunderstanding of the facts of human nature and organisation.” Where it was meant to heal social wounds, it lias, by methods, “divided society into two hostjile camps.” But the fault lies not so much in democracy itself as in our imperfect appreciation of its principles. “Not until the mists have cleared from our social' and political philosophy, ’’ declares Mr Mayo, can wo ho certain that democracy moves in the direction of human freedom and per soual autonomy.” And in this connection the author comments upon th 0 difficulty of conducting any detached scientific inquiry into these questions. The difficultq exists everywhere, hut is particularly marked in Australia. “To discuss ecotifomic problems in Australia,” lie observes “is practically impossible. Every economic difficulty is immediately generalised as a political issue, the public takes sides and there.

after public discussion implies emphasis of one aspect and suppression of other equally vital aspects of the problem.” Mr Mayo’s views are distinctly original and even those who do not agree with 1 all of his arguments will find them interesting and thought provoking.

A recent publication gives some interesting particulars of the composition and historical aspect of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in relation to the Great War. Although August 4th., 1914 is regarded as the outbreak of war between Britain and Germany, on July 30th., a. few days previous, the preliminary arrangements were made in New Zealand for the preparation of a voluntary Expeditionary Force for service in Europe (or elsewhere). The Government without loss of time offered this Force to

Imperial Government, and the offer was accepted on 12th August. The composition of the Force ns designed originally was based on discussions which Sir James Allen and General Robin had held with the Army Council in 1913. The main body of the Expeditionary Force sailed on October 15, 1914, and was 7,761 strong. The units raised during the Gallipoli campaign were 6,577, which brought the total establishment up to 15,338. The reinforcing of the main body began as from October, 1914, when 730 men were sent. The first hospital ship sailed 29th. June 1915. One of the largest drafts to sail were the 9th Reinforcements and advance party of the Rifle Brigade totalling 3,123, which sailed Bth January 1916. The total number of troops and nurses despatched from New Zealand were 100,444, and at the signing of the armistice there were 9,924 troops in training in New Zealand. It is interesting to note that 91,941 men went as volunteers, and 32,270 under the compulsory act enforced Of the total who served there were 58,004* casualties. About half the eligible male population was mobilised and over forty per cent embarked. Of 7,187 Cl men, about half 3,528, were transferred to the reinforcements.