Address by Sir Robert Stout.

Manawatu Herald, 27 February 1892, Page 2

Address by Sir Robert Stout.

On Thursday evening, at Wellington, Sir Robert Stout delivered an address on " The State and the Individual." The new principle, he said did not believe in destroying all individual rights, but it recognised the State as an organisation whose function was to raise the race and give greater individual freedom With regard to the land question, the new school taught that whilst the State gave security of tenure to the possessors of the land, it had a right to see that the land was properly utilised. Sir Robert proceeded to point out how things were trending even now in England. The State there bad already interfered between landlord and tenant to reduce rents, to forego arrears, and to alter conditions. Mr Chaplin had just introduced into the British Parliament a Bill to enable municipalities to buy land to prevent overcrowding in the cities; The land question did not end when the State had parted with all its lands ; it had only then begun. The next land Bill would have to take up the question of overcrowded cities, and the necessity tor open spaces, wide streets and proper buildings. On the 'labour question the new school would insist that the State should promote the physical health and. the mental and moral well-being of. the people, fix the hours of labour and see that the surroundings of the people were wholesome. A death from typhoid was a disgrace to any city. In order to raise and benefit the whole people, the State had to make education free right up to the University, establish free libraries, art galleries, gardens, places of amusement, and even theatres. Then in the interest of the people the State should take steps to ensure diversfied industries. But on the other hand, the State must not interfere so as to weaken the individual' or make him a slave. He should be taught to be thrifty and self-reliant, and the utmost freedom of opinion and discussion should be allowed.