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Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1923, Page 2

Tjie radical I arbor leader talks in season and out, of the ills of capitalism. Money or credit is the essential requirement of all countries, and it is through the use of capital that trade is possible and the exchange resultant from trade produces wealth which brings us hack to capital again. To seek to do without capital, and promote trade by communities is to result in State control. But a deadlock ensues unless the State can reach the open market to win hack - wealth for- the State hr much ns the individual needs money or credit to carry on. Russia is glad to renew trading relations with the outside world to restore her shattered finance brought about liv the theory that capital is dispensihle. The joy of life is work, and production results from work and yields that return which is called wealth. Capital, too. entices enterprise to launch out and expand, creating more employment, and giving wider avenues for work which are essential for the national well-being. If it were possible to dispense with capital. then work could he done without nii-.l all would he provided for by some provident power. But that power is not in evidence, and so the resultant trade creates the wealth which becomes the capital by which industry carries on and so continues to provide for the national well being.

Anotiii.h interesting phase of the political issue the new thought would bring to pass, is the question of capital levies. Tint proposal for a heavy and direct levy on all property values for the purpose of reducing the onerous burden of public debt, was endorsed by the British Labor party. Naturally such a proposal appeals to many people—this despoiling of the rich-but as has been vaunted out, the trouble with the scheme is that it dips out of the same money pool as it pours into. The proposal is to relieve the industries of future taxation by cutting down the amount levied for the extinguishment of the national debt, which by the capital levy would be reduced materially ; but the process of levying would take a large part of the capital away from the industrial companies in one hit, with the result of serious financial crippling, and probably curtailment, which would mean so much unemployment. It is difficult indeed to deal with the economic issues by any new fangled means—whether price-fixing or levies, or abolition of capital—without- upsetting accepted trading relations. When trade is upset finance is at once dislocated, and the effect of that disorganisation is far reaching, involving masses no less than the classes. There is no short cut to financial amelioration other than through legitimate work and sound production .

Apropos of proposals for levelling possessions, a New York financial journal comments that schemes for taking property out of the hands of the rich usually are prompted by the idea that they have more than they need while other people have less than they need. T he property which is available for distribution, however, for the most- part, is productive property, i.e., property whose value consists in the production of a sfi'eam of goods entering into general consumption. It is an abundance of these consumptive goods that is of real importance, and that depends upon the skill, knowledge and ability with which the productive properties are managed. Under the existing competitive system property tends to increase in the hands of the people most competent to manage it and make it productive and this is desirable from the standpoint of the less competent, as well as of the- more competent, because it increases the general supply of consumable goods. It. would be very satisfactory to have a more equal distribution of wealth, provided it signified that the masses of the people were rising to the intelligence and capabilities of the leaders, but otherwise it would he unfortunate, because production would be diminished. It has lieen shown over and over again, by calculations which cannot be disputed, that an equal distribution of the national income would not give every head of a family as much as the average ski.led worker now receives. There must he some premium for superior service, and when this principle is conceded the theories for improving the common welfare bv levelling individual possessions are all found to be illusory.

If the political parties—and in particular the Lalior section—would realise the ultimate effect on society of tinkering with the fundamental laws of supply and demand, the political issues would be less • controversial, and we would have a more contented people. There are no short- cuts through nature. The very advancement in politics, as has been explained, is evolutionary, building up from a sure foundation, and if the builders build too fast their political house falls about their ears. In New South Wales, Labor overbuilt and were turned from office. The State is not too pleased with its present administration, but the fact is that- in Sydney the best brains are not being attracted to Parliament. Still, the Parliament is what the people make it, and they will have to accept it as such and put up with its administration. Queensland has preferred to give Labor a further lease of life, and the opportunity for Labor to make good is the greater. Its reign of office is in its own hands now, and as it builds, so shall it- lie judged. What has to be realised is that this is the ago of radicalism. The war period has been an upsetting time, and license and liberty are not always synonymous now. But with light and learning, with education and understanding all will come right. Founded on the Liberal tenet to “trust- the people" that is our belief.

Pollard, Potatoes, Onions, "Wheat, at Star Stores.—Advt.

15 doz. boys’ Jerseys in nice browns and greys, 5s lid to 7s lid at Hallenstein’s, Revell Street.—Advt.

North Island mails and passengers by the ferry steamer connected with the West Coust express at Christchurch this morning.

Hcenan’s Cash Boot Shop notifies that all repairs are effected by the latest machinery. Best material used and lowest prices.—Advt.

When the County Council were discussing a letter yesterday received from the Department of Health, in reference to the necessity to continue the anti-rat campaign, Hon J. Grimmond caused a laugh by interjecting:—“The Government themselves are troubled with rats.”

Nurse Cavell had a. dog to which she was greatly attached. After her execution, her friend, the Princess ds Orov, gave it shelter and took care of it. The dog lias now died, and Mine, do (Toy lias had the body embalmed and has offered it to the British Museum, which has accepted tho gift. The Salo of Work in St. Mary’s Club rooms, in aid of St. Mary’s Church funds opened this afternoon at 3 o’clock, when there was a good attendance present. The rooms wore a gay appearance, the various stall holders making a brave display of goods of every description, and there was a busy scene. The sale will he continued to-night and to-morrow and Saturday, afternoons and evenings.

Tlio following were the bequests under the will of tho late Mr James Powell. Westport: Presbyterian Church £IOOO, Bullor Hospital £3.500 (£SOO for building 0.P.H.), Sailors’ Rest £IOOO, Library £IOOO, Jubilee Institute for the Blind (.Auckland) £3OOO, Prisoners’ Aid Society (Dunedin), £3OOO, Oroliongo Veterans (Wellington) £3OO. Salvation Army £IOOO. Dr. Bnrnado’s Home £3OOO, St. Andrew’s Orphanage (Nelson) £IOOO.

The West Coast Rugby Union lias decided to challenge the Westland SubUnion for the Dittnian Shield, and to request them to arrange at the earliest possible date for the match. A letter was received from the Marlborough Union asking the Union to waive its right of challenge for the Seddon Shield, at present hold by Nelson. It was decided to reply that the Union could not see its way clear to do so, as it intends to send a team early in the season. Tile West Coast Caledonian Society held the opening Ingleside for the year at the Town Hall on Tuesday night, when despite the unfavorable weather, there was n. very good attendance. Tlie national costume was in evidence. The evening was devoted to pleasurable entertainment in which dancing was indulged in. Messrs lanvil (piano), and King and Davidson (pipers) supplied tho music, and all went merrily. Community singing of favourite national numbers was indulged in. also, very effectively. Chieftain Davidson. who has lately returned from an outside visit, conveyed good wishes from Canterbury and Wellington Societies. Mr Davidson referred to the unveiling of the Burns memorial on Cass Square on Monday week, and invited all members of the Society to take part in the public procession which would move from the Town Hall shortly after 11 o’clock. In the afternoon there would be a. conversazione at St. Andrews Hall for tlie entertainment of the visitors, many of whom would come from a distance. Mr Davidson expressed good wishes to the Society for the Ingleside season now opening. It was hoped, he said, to hold the next gathering on June 21). in (lie new hall of the It.S.A. After supper had been served by the ladies, dancing was again resumed, and later the evening concluded in the timehonored custom among national Scots.

The Hockey Club ball in the Drill Shod last night was very largely attended. The ladies tendered the function as a benefit to the Soldiers Club building fund, and the public response was splendid. There were many visitors present from Groyinouth, Kuinara and the country districts. The hall was brightly decorated with a- great array of miniature Union Jacks, a very happy idea for an Kinpiie b.ve hall. It was essentially a ladies’ night, and there were many smart frocks noticeable. and as many belles. The floor took on a very animated scene, the spectacle entertaining very pleasantly a large number of onlookers also. The 11 oval Orchestra, who volunteered to supply the music, rendered an especially enjoyed programme of music, and those present took the fullest opportunity of making tao must of the occasion. .About midnight supper .was served by the ladies and ample provision had been made to regale the nesemblage. Mrs Hunter and a busy committee of young ladies, with Miss Lvdia Fane as ail energetic secretary, attended closely to the comfort of the visitors, and the gutehring was noted a. pronounced success. Mr l".vons conveyed thanks on behalf of the Hockey Club and the R.S.A. Although outside the rain was very persistent, that circumstance did not damp the ardour of the votaries within the hall, and dancing was continued with great vim. and much evident enjoyment, far into the night. It was indeed a very successful function and quite a record for the opening hall of the season in the matter of attendance and general preparation for the ovent.

Remarkable brisk selling every day at our great “Inventory Sale.” The reductions are genuine and apply to every item of merchandise throughout the store, nothing held back. We are out to considerably reduce stocks for annual stock-taking. Your opportunitv to buy and save on every article is right now. McOrucr’s, Hokitika and G reymouth.—Ad vt.

Belting: Good belting spells efficiency. We stock the famous “Oamlys” genuine Balflta and also Mangrovite leather belting. Get our quotes. R. R. M. Manning and Co., 5 Bedford Row, Christchurch. —Advt.

A true and tried remedy for coughs, colds, influenza, arid sore throat is “XAZOL.” 60 doses Is 6d.

Messrs Mark Sprot and Co. Ltd., have been appointed West Const distributors for Bell’s “.Special Reserve” Scotch Whisky, tho territory including from Murchison to South Westland. Bell’s Scotch Whisky is the only standard draught whisky sold by the Roval Oak Hotel Wellington, Grand Auckland and Grand Wellington, and lending clubs through New Zealand. Bell’s is nov the leading line in New Zealand and is a fully matured Scotch whisky. Shipments are expected to arrive" early next month when the firm will be pleased to supply.—Mark Sprot and Co. Ltd., Grevmouth; sole distributors for West Coast.—Advt.

Apples! apples! Just landed a fine consignment of dessert and cooking apples, all varieties. Paterson, Michel and Co., Ltd. (Phone No. 2.) —Advt.

Keep Influenza at bay by taking “NAZOL.” Its soothing, penetrating, healing properties givo instant relief to coughs and colds. Is 6d for 60 doses.

Ford new prices.—Truck Chassis £l5O. touring £164 with starter £lB2, runabout with starter £l6B, all f.o.b. Wellington. Wo also offer used Ford runabouts with starter £9O, touring ear ditto £l3O in Grevmouth. Mark Sprot and Company Ltd. Selling Agents, Greymouth.—Advt. Recommended by the medical profession, —WOLFE’S SCHIt APPS.

Long night dance, Kanicri Public Hall, Friday, 25th. May.' Admission 2s and Is. Refreshments. —Advt.

The programme of the Wataroa Athletic and Axemen’s Carnival (registered) appears in this issue. The carnival will bo held af tho M ntnroa 1101 l on Monday, June 11th.

15 pairs all wool Colonial Blankets, double bed size, 37s 6d a pair at Hallenstcin’s, Revell Street. —Advt.

Col. Stewart of Canterbury College is cn a visit to the Coast and is now in South Westland. Col. Stewart is a vice-I’resident of the Returned .Soldiers Association at Christchurch.

All third grade Kiwi players are requested to be at the Shed not later than 7.15 this evening. Business important.—Advt.

All members of the Excelsior 3rd. grade football team must attend pi active at the Shod at 7 p.m. sharp when the team to meet Kiwis on Saturday will he selected.—Advt.

Euchre tournament, Friday, May 25th, at Town llall Rimu, in aid of St. Alary’s parish fund, Rimu. I*out first class prizes, donated by Mrs Anderson, Mr Lock and well-wishers. Will take place every fortnight.— Advt. -

20 hoys’ hardwearing Sports Suits, in light and dark greys, 27s hd at II alien stein’s, Revell Street. —Advt.

We regret having to record me death of Mr James Main a very old and highly respected resident of Kanieri Road which took place this morning. The deceased was a native of Kilpatrick, a suburb of Glasgow and 81 years of age. He was :v well-known miner of Kanicri from the early days and was interested in the first dredge put on the river at Jvanieri. He lias lived at the well-known residence on tho Kanicri road over a long period of years. ]lis wife died some 20 months ago. One daughter (Miss Jessie Main) is left to mourn her loss and she will have the sympathy of tlie community in her trouble.

Motorist’s testimonial: “I have fitted "Air-Friction” Carburettor in 19H Buiek and 1012 Cadillac. Smoother running lias been, particularly noticeable, also marked reduction in consumption benzine.” G. S. Fuller. Manning Machinery Co., 5 Bedford Row, Christchurch. —Advt.