Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1925, Page 2

fioire representatives of Oxford University are in New Zealand just now to exchange views with college representatives in this country on social and political subjects. This exchange of thought is no doubt of value, and it is a sign of the times that social questions pertaining to industrial aspects loom large in these interchange debates. It might be expected that these young men of training would prefer to discuss scientific questions with a view to further advancing their own knowledge. Hut it is just as well that social and industrial conditions are in favor for the time being, for there is a wave of social and industrial unrest passing over the world, and all classes should become familiar with tin* subject. This interchange of thought in University walks is happening at Home, and an English writer has made some interesting comment on the matter which is not without general interest in these days of disturbing thought affecting forms of general government. He says: It is a sign of the inherent balance and common sense of the young men of this country that in a debate at the Cambridge Union Society on the subject of whether “class warfare, ns advocated by the Socialist and Communist Parties, is essential in the interests of the working classes” the motion was lost by 431 votes to 01. Of course, we shall have the usual sneers from the Communists to the effect that people like under graduates, mostly from middleclass homes, naturally would vote against such a motion, but cverylxidy knows that it is the present fashion among undergraduates to be politically “advanced” and that that was just the type of audience that the Communists might have hoped to convince. From all the speeches delivered in this debate, one remark stands aut particularly in my mind. It was made by Mr C. E. C'artmel. who. far from being a capitalist, is a warolouseman packer from W alvcorth-road. de argued that the ordinary workman vns not instinctively a Communist uul that while- there was a certain imount of discontent this was largely lue to those people who did not wish or content. Can anybody who knows he average British workman deny he average British workman deny that 1 le is an individualist, and can anybody ,-ho knows the average Communist i eny that what he wants to do is create ■ isenntent not right wrongs? Nohing infuriates the Communist more , han good feeling between employer £ id employed, nothing is more hateful < > him than a spirit of content, liep, by agitating and making wild c

denunciations and still Milder promises he has succeeded in luring men into a strike, the subsequent settlement 'of the strike is gall and wormwood to him. For the hardships and •grievances of the workmen he does not care in the least; he is merely using them as a lever lor his own ends. And his own ends are to ruin society, destroy capital, and cause universal misery and despair. It is from the resulting anarchy that lie hopes to build up a new world —as if by methods of death and destruction lie could change human nature! Naturally the Communists believe heartily in class warfare. It is their only hope. The poisonous seed of their doctrines cannot ilourish in a contented and happy mind. They must create an atmosphere of hate, distrust, and disbelief in all tilings that bind men together —religion, patriotism, and human brotherhood'. There .is no greater or subtler foe of the ordinry working man than the Communist. Pretending to sympathise with him, he is in reality treating him as a pawn in his own game, for Communism and Democracy have nothing itt common, as the Bolsheviks have very clearly shown by treatment of the Russian working classes. The undergraduates of Cambridge have seen ‘through the sham, and they are to he congratulated upon their vote.

Tiib news received yesterday regarding tho state of the Prime Minister’s health is disquieting. At the same time, the later news indicated there was not immediate cause for alarm. Me hope to-day’s bulletin will he even more reassuring. It is greatly to he regreteel that the lion .Mr Massey lias to pass through such an ordeal, lie has been now for a long time a notable figure not only in New Zealand, but also throughout the Empire. He has served his country well, not spared himself in the least; which probably accounts for bis extreme condition at this stage. It will be recalled that with the close of the session he went into retreat for a much needed rest. How much needed is evidenced by bis condition to-day. Of all the Premiers of the- Croat War period within the British Empire ami outside of it. Air Massey remains alone in office continuously. That is a splendid record. It is in reality a tribute to his tenacity. for ho had to save his party from disaster, even when the members were against him at the polls. But outside of political aspects, h“ has a claim <»> the country, and its best wishes, because of his pelsonal sacrifice and Ins great, effort to advance the public weal. All will wish to hear of his early recovorv to more robust healtli.