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POLITICS AND ORGANISATION

TRAINING FOR PUBLIC LIFE,

Politics is a study that comprehends the past, present and future. In democratic states a duty rests upon the people and more particularly on the leaders, to give this subject their constant attention. From the past we garner lessons to be applied in the present but a grave error is made if we fail to look into the future and, as far as is possible, prepare for events which must come upon us.

What of the future in respect to the politics of New Zealand? Arc we going forward on reasoned lines of action, or merely drifting and trusting to lucky accidents for our success? The last election was very fortunate indeed, for the Reform Party. It is for the leaders of that party to see that the great success is lived up to. Success in politics, whether here or elsewhere, which is not the outcome of eonsistant organisation, is a very uncertain basis upon which to rest. Watching the movements of the parties as an onlooker, and from a non-party attitude, it does not appear to us that either the Reform or National parties excel in the direction of regular organisation. There is too much of “waiting for the event” manifested by them. What is to occur when the older politicians drop out, as they inevitably must in course of time, is not being given that serious

attention which the needs of our country requires that it should. The bringing forward of the younger citizens to till the places of those who will pass in the course of nature, is a matter of vital importance. What is being done in this way? We find the same question arising in Australia. Under the heading “A Wonderful Year” the Australian Publicity Bureau speaks thus: —

“But is this to be a wonderful year amongst the rank and tile of the two great armies into which, for weal or woe, events have forced all practical politicians in this country? The answer depends a good deal upon the younger men and women who rallied to Mr Bruce’s appeal at the Federal elections. Are these younger citizens to be linked up with the stable political organisations without losing the captaincy of their souls and without wasting coir brains and speaking power on academic politics and moon-baying .jealousies. At present there are thousands of young men gathered together in University, National and Liberal Clubs, Constitutional Clubs, Speakers’ Bureau, Argonaut’s Clubs etc. If these bodies can within the next two months, “find themselves” and prepare by study, discussion and hard training to make young Australia’s definite contribution to I lie New Nationalism, then 1926 will be, indeed, a wonderful year for the rank ard file.” NEED FOR EDUCATION. Where is New Zealand are the study clubs; speakers’ associations and other forms of organisation required for the political education of those young men and women who may be called upon later to enter public life? There is a sad lack of such means of education attached to either the Reform or National party. In all the chief centres of Australia there are clubs and associations for such purpose, and the call there is for still more of them.

To-day, perhaps, more than any time in the past, is there need for close study of economic, social and political questions. Coming in contact as we have done with men in public office, we have been staggered at times to find that the average individual representative has but a very shadowy idea of the principles of political economy, and even with reference to political and social questions he may be called upon to deal with he shows but a fragmentary knowledge. This is no doubt due to numbers of individuals being launched into public life without any preparatory studies. Once in office they follow the lines of balancing probabilities and are imitators of others rather than thinkers who endeavour to solve problems by their own careful examination. What a difference it would make in the whole standard'of public life if: the work of preliminary education and training was properly carried out. Wje should then have representatives possessed of the studious habit of mind. The catch cries of politics would fail to bind them and the result would be more acute analysis of the legislative and administrative proposals with which they have to deal. BRING FORWARD THE YOUNG.

Our appeal to the party leader, from the Prime Minister onward, is to give greater breadth and scope to the political organisation of their parties. Drop overboard the foolish assumption that the party knows all about political questions already. Let education be a prime factor in the work of the party. To win fresh light on sound principles and facts is as important as winnig votes, in the long run, much more important. For the Nation’s sake bring forward the young citizens. Give them the opportunities of education and training which they require. In spite of some time appearances of indifference the young citizens will be found who will study and practice the arts necessary to make them efficient citizens first and capable representatives if ever chosen for such purpose. Political organisation that is used only to win elections is shallow and quite inefficient to meet the wants of our time. Education and knowledge are wanted. For the young citizens specially. Not by waiting on the seasons but by cultivation .will the field of our public life produce a richer crop of able public, men and women. Here is a work for the parties to accomplish. (Contributed by the New Zealand Welfare League).

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19260211.2.8

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2997, 11 February 1926, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
937

POLITICS AND ORGANISATION Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2997, 11 February 1926, Page 2

POLITICS AND ORGANISATION Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2997, 11 February 1926, Page 2

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