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Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1924, Page 2

Kkkarmxc tilt 1 subject just touched lij'on the American paper proceeds to say that there is never-ending pressure tor tietv activities hv tlie government- in the field of business, and political conventions, which meet- under conditions highly unfavorable to deliberative action, virtually commit the law-making bodies to policies which should not lx> entered upon without the most careful consideration. This characteristic of polities lias liecome more marked in recent years, as the old questions relating to the form of government. who shall participate in it. etc., have been gradually settled. The questions uppermost in politics now tire more directly related to business than in the past. They are more immediately vital. They require for correct settlement a knowledge of c-co-

lioinic principles and of past experience. Furthermore, they require in the hotly of the people certain qualities of character which are not generally highly developed, such as stability, toleration, mutual confidence, the spirit of co-operation, impartiality as between one's own interests and the interests of others, self-restraint, and resolution t* forego pleasure in the present for the sake of remote benefits. The progress of society is dependent upon these qualities, aiid unfortunately our political campaigns are not calculated to develop them. Rather, they tend to excite suspicions, provoke antagonisms, disrupt essential relationships and pre. vent that harmonious co-operation which the business community finds to lie necessary to general prosperity. Misrepresentation concerning common economic facts and conditions is upon an alarming scale, for there is danger that the mere repetition of falsehoods "ill eventually cause them to be accepted without examination. Specific denial, refutation or exposure is overwhelmed by the volume of general denunciation and clamour. Attacks upon rival political leaders or parties are of minor concern, but they become more serious when directed mainly against the business organisation of the country and the existing order of society. Tile talk about a “predatory class.” “privileged class,” “governing class,” the “exactions of wealth.” “downtrodden masses.” “oppressed millions,” “organised wealth.” etc., appears more or less in speeches on all sides, and certainly from many persons who should know hotter than to utter such nonsense and that is the most disquieting thing about it. It is the constant wash of this tori cut that threatens to undermine the very foundations of society. The social organisation lias become so complex that not many can lie familiar with the functions of all its parts, ami this fact exposes ii to misrepresentation. Of necessity it rests largely tipon mutual confidence, and the persistent and reckless repetition of inflammatory appeals lias conic to lie the outstanding feature of our political campaigns.

Is New Zealand just now the Labor party is asking for the nationalisation of the coal mines. A bill was brought forward by the Leader of the party, and we may lie sore if ever Labor climbs into power by reason cf the unsettled differences between the lieformers and Liberals, the nationalisation of the coal mines will he a part of the policy to lie brought into being. The success of a great industry such as coal mining depends tin the loyalty of the workeis. and we know from experience in the past that when the pinch came the public were allowed to stiller. If the country were to sink the huge sum required to nationalise the coal mines in the industry, the country would lie still at the mercy of tile miners who are disposed always to show greater loyalty to their leaders than to their employer. It- would lo a dangerous financial plunge for the country to buy lip the existing coal mines without- some assurance in regal’d to the future working of the mines. The country has not confidence that the sustained working of the mines would lie secured. A vast sum nf money would thus lie laid out on a very doubtful experiment. Experience is proving that it is not good for the State t’i take the conlrol of the mines, because while then l might be some .suggestion nf avoiding further strikes, there would not be any guarantee against “going slow." which under conditions might.lv* as harmful as a strike. To lock up the large sum of money involved in the nationalisation cf the mines with tbe property of the people always in jeopardy, is not an attractive projins.it ion. and the electors should begin to take serious note nl the issue involved, and which will be raised ultimately when Labor lias any prospects ol passing inio power.