Foxton Literary and Debating Society.

Manawatu Herald, 30 June 1904, Page 3

Foxton Literary and Debating Society.

address on socialism

Those who gathered at the Good Templar's Hall last Friday evening to hear Mr Wilson lectire on Socialism, were not in their expectation of an entertaining and instructive address. The only disappointing feature of the evening was the smallness of the audience, unfortunately too common an occurrence in Poston, when anything of real merit is to he heard. The Mayor, Mr G. Simpson, occupied the chair, and in a few words introduced the speaker, Mr J. Wilson Before outlining the tenets of Socialism, Mr Wilson gave bis hearers some idea of the growth of the Socialistic movement, apropos of which he stated that the electors of Germany cast more votes in favour of Socialistic candidates at the late election than of any other political jjody in the Empire,— a sure sign

that Gertoahy te Rapidly assimilating the doctrine of the “ brotherhood of Man.” Statistics were also quoted of other countries, all tending to show the great strides that the Socialistic movement is making throughout the world. The good results that would accrue under Socialism were then expounded by Mr Wilson, who appeared equally at home with all phases of the subject. Mr Wilson referred to the huge debt of £ 50,000,000 owing by New Zealand, of which he declared we never saw a penny, in support of which ho propounded an interesting and ingenious argument. The speaker de plored the use of gold and silver as mediums of exchange, and showed that they were valuable only in so far as we considered them so. ,Mr Wilson did not definitely state what v/ould replace them under a Socialistic regime, but we take it he is in favour of paper cunvncy. The lecturer clearly portrayed the growth of society, commencing at the lime when society was in its most primitive form, and thence the evolu ion from cannibalism into slavery, from slavery into feudalism, and from feudalism into capitalism. The next step he urged would be from capitalism into socialism, and from Mr Wilson’s argument we augured that Socialism would be a true and lasting remedy for the evils of the existing oiganisation. A consequence of Socialism to which the lecturer attached great importance, was the evolution of true manhood and womanhood, and with regard to this, he strongly ad vocated the rights of woman, who-, he contended, did not now occupy the position to which she was entitled. His illustrations in support of his theo.ry were real homethrusts, and wa have a suspicion that several of the male members of the audience looked ra her glum at this stage. Another point on which Mr Wilson laid considerable stress was thinking | for ourselves. “I do not want you ! to agree with me,” he said, “ 1 only j want you to think. Do your own ; thinking; don’t let the doctor, the ( preacher, the lawyer do it for you.” This was undoubtedly a piece of sound advice, and was duly appreciated by the audience. Mr Wilson wound up with an eloquent peroration on the great and lasting benefits which would ensue to humanity when Socialism once became an established system, and the opportunity was then given to ask questions, which several took advantage of. Mr Clemett moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer for his interesting address, and expressed his gratification at having been present to hear it. Mr Moore seconded this motion. Mr Wilson replied in suitable ( terras, and intimated that although i the audience was the smallest he had j ever had occasion to address, yet he was pleased at having been able to speak to them in such a conversational manner, and trusted that his lecture would have the effect of making them think for themselves, and not let others do it for them. (Applause') =■■ A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. We would ask those who were present to watch for our article on Socialism appearing in our next issue, in which reference will be made to Mr Wilson’s lecture.