IMMORAL PROFITEERS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1919, Page 4

IMMORAL PROFITEERS

“APPEAL TO HONOUR.” CAPE TOWN, Oct. 27

Speaking at a social at Pretoria at which his constituents presented him with-an illuminated address, General Smuts dwelt on the amelioration of economic conditions; and said that more social justice was needed all round. South Africa was better off than other countries, particularly in respect to foodstuffs, but that was no excuse. The Government had called a conference to deal with this complex question, and it was going to appoint local committees all over the country, but it was the experience in other .countries that committees did not go to the root of the matter.

General Smuts felt that until, by public opinion, they brought home to those guilty of profiteering in foodstuffs and rack-renting the immoral character of those practices, it would he most difficult to cope with the situation. General Smuts said tliat in the last resort they must appeal to everyone’s feelings of honour arid generosity, and to their wisdom, to refrain from practices making it impossible for tbe poor to live under present cireurostanoes. He earnestly deprecated racial politics being allowed to obscure tbe riierits of this question.

“If yon want me to continue on the old lines of tlie past 20 years,” eoncludod General Smuts, “then I say get another member and another Prime Minister.

“If yon want to see a great South Africa, where the people are determined to make uso of the opportunities that Providence has put in their power, then lam your man.” (Cheers.)