The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Const Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. sth, 1923.

IN DEFENCE OF LIBERTY. In the thought for the times to-day, and in a special article published on this page, there is matter printed offering food for reflection in regard to retaining the freedom of the people in this, hitherto considered l , ultra-demo-cratic country. Yesterday, as indicating how the subject is stirring the mind of i.ie average citizen, we published tlio comment of one of our own residents—Hon. 11. 1,. Alichel. In previous issues wo have quoted the “Lyttelton Times’’, and the “.Mercantile Gazette," on the sumo subject. It is dear liom this wide reference to the subject that it is a matter of public importance and concern. Wo have so regarded it for some time, and in the past have referred perhaps rather frequently to the menace on personal and public liberties. Events occur, unfortunately. to fully support our attitude on tile matter. We feel, therefore, today all the greater conlidence in referring to tbe subject. And we desire in the fust- place to draw special attention to the article on this page from a North Island newspaper, which under the heading “.t l’lea for Freedom,” deals trenchantly with the subject- referred to. It is a very important matter to the security and welfaie of the people as a whole that enterprise and development should be encouraged. New Zealand stands in need of all the industrial and commercial advancement it can achieve. There is a heavy burden of taxation upon the country, and in the main that falls on the producers iiinl those responsible for industrial enterprise which creates trade and commerce, and brings about an inflow of wealth to the country, it the country is to expand it must have more population. But population will not be attracted without the prospect of employment. And so it is an economic wiong to persist in a system of restrictive departmental control of production which hampers employment and reduces output unduly. During the war period there was a great deal hea-id about efficiency, and the Government went to the expense or establishing Efficiency Boards throughout the Dominion to instruct the- people how best to pull through the difficulties of the war times. Just nor, in this peace period, tlio Government itself is creating difficulties for industry and production, and it will soon lie time, if there is no relaxation of regulations, to appoint more Efficiency Boards to extract the industries and producers from their complexities. The attack on liberty as affecting the working of industries and the restrictions imposed on trading, is calculated to have a prejudicial effect on the welfare of New Zealand. There seems to Is? tiowauays very few Departments which aro disposed to extend a helping hand to foster development. It is invaijably a case of restriction and harrassing officialism. The result is a baneful effcc.t on industrial progress, a fact which is evidenced by tbe closing remarks of the, Rungitikei “Herald" published on this page. The tyranny put upon industry in the name of democracy, is something which will have to he rebelled against, if the Government, which has professed so much in the past, is disposed to regard the liberties of the people as something to be assailed continually or gradually whittled away. The raiding of private property and ownership) establishes a new regime, which when advocated by the Labor party, was promptly condemned, but is now brought into practice by a Government which used the ‘red" proclivities of Labor us a danger signal to draw electoral support to their cause. Now the Government practices very openly principles of government, not onlv which it. readily condemned, but also which it was placed in power to protoet communities against. It seems evident, theiefore, that if there is reasonable liberty to be looked for, the country as a whole must turn to some other political party, and judging b.v toe trend of public comment at present it will be in that direction political aspirations will l-e turned very soon, particularly ns it is contemplated a general election will eventuate next vear.