POLITICAL BENEVOLENCE.
THE STATE TO DO EVERYTHING
The benevolence upon which we will shortly address our readers is not that which “does good by stealth and blushes to find it fame.” No, the political virtue, if such it may be called, shouts attention to itself (or the performers), in Parliament, on local bodies and wherever there is any opportunity for advertisement. The distinction between political benevolence and the old-fashioned virtue of mere personal giving is that whilst in the latter instance the donor makes a personal sacrifice the political giver only sacrifices somebodv else.
The Christian law of conduct is “love thy neighbour,” but we have seen socialism defined as “Christianity made easy by having the Slate do it for you.” There is much of this benevolence by proxy current at the present time and it is most particularly manifested by the socialist politicians. Their service consists in demanding that the State will give, give, give, at no expense to themselves but with credit which may be transmuted into political capital for them and their party’s benefit. When analysed this pose of special virtue, based on nothing more than a call upon the State to relieve everybody, is seen lo be a shoddy kind of benevolence at the best. Nobody loves to have human want and suffering in our midst. The knowledge of such mot - es our people in general, independent altogether of what their politi-<-:il or opinions may bo. Tt is an utter sham to suggest that regard for those in want is the monopoly of any political party. Onr humanity as a people is not dependant on (lie activities of politicians as a class. The politician who. instead of talking mere abstract sentiment. with appearance of regard for his own political advantage.-dc-voted his earnest attention to perfecting sound plans of betterment, is one we can respect and bononr. ALL FROM THE STATE.
We have been moved to make the above reflections from reading the report of a discussion in Parliament on the Local Authorities Superannuation Amendment Bill. The Labour members joined in a general chorus of “give extended benefits to all.” Mr O’Brien wanted a sick benefit scheme added to the Bill. 'Mr Sullivan supported that and urged “that the payments should not be too high on the contributors.” Hr Savage said “instead of reducing wages the money (not specified) could be better utilised by being transferred to a superannuation fund." Mi Eraser hoped provision would lie made for all classes of a local body employees. Air McKecn also urged (lie inclusion of casual as well as permanent employees. Mr Bertram wanted oxtention “to persons not in the actual employ of local bodies.” There is a picture to look upon. There was not one sound practical idea presented. One might think they were discussing what should be brought forth from a bag of illimitable riches instead of the questlnn of superannuation funds which should lie on sound actuarial lines operation. We. can quite understand Mr Ha nail of Invercargill, saying as he did: “It was absolutely necessary that the foundations ot. superannuation schemes should he sound. How long was the haul on (lie people of the country for the purpose of subsidising State funds to continue.” The Socialists reply “bother your foundations, the Stale must find the money.” This is unfortunately the spirit we find most in evidence everywhere to-day. Reliance upon the Stale is being preached and practiced to the deterioration of the individual characters of our people. If the State will provide for us what need is there to tic careful, prudent, economical Mild bother about the future. That is the mental attitude political socialism is cultivating and it is such a pleasant doctrine for the indolent: that many, not socialists, have adopted it. The drift goes on of reliance on the Slate and strong men arc required who will do battle for line reiv.rms to place our social institutions ~n a basis of self reliance. In England recently Lord W eir pointed out that unemployment insurance lias increased from £2,500,000 in 1013 to £40,000,000 last year. The combined cost of workers compensation, old age pensions, poor relief, health and unemployment insurance lias increased from .035,000000 to £105,000,000. The trouble is that, to parody (lone —every day and every way the cost is becoming more and more and more. In a young country such as ours with its great advantages we want less of the State and more of the individual man, with personal courage, initiative, prudence and loresight. __ (Contributed by tlie N.Z. Welfare League).
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2769, 9 August 1924, Page 4
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759POLITICAL BENEVOLENCE. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2769, 9 August 1924, Page 4
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