Organiser's Notes.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 64, 31 May 1912, Page 4

Organiser's Notes.

By E. R. HARTLEY.

QUESTION BOX

Weeks and weeks, or as it seems, ages ago, tho Editor said: "Would you mind answering that?" Poor innocent boy as I am, I said, "All right." Rut time and space, meetings and many other matters have intervened. Now for it, "Quand Memo" asked for the Editor or Mr. Hartley to show that Socialism does not conflict with religion. Aiy dear "Q.M." at the meeting of the Convocation of Canterbury and York in England, the Bishops of Birmingham and of Wakefield presented a petition drawn up by '"live Chinch Socialist League." Over a hundred ministers of all denominations signed a declaration in favor of Socialism, which was ultra Marxian, and the Clarion Chili of Liverpool scattered their declaration broadcast on a handbill. When bishops and clergymen and Dissenting ministers declare their belief in Socialism, it would seem that opposition is on other grounds. "Q.M." says he is not a member of any Socialist organisation, though a Socialist. This will never do. All Socialists who arc in earnest must get into the ranks at once. Business meant. This is better. N. Wins, encloses his subscription for another year. Don't you sec, boys and girls of the movement, we cannot go on yet without money. Some day? Yes, but in the meantime weigh in. Nicholas then asks questions. The first is not a question. Second: "How would you prevent a strike under Socialism?" By making strikes unnecessary This is the proper answer, Nicholas. When you are asked this question a little cle? ring the ground will show that what your opponent really wants to know is, How would you do it now? No one but a prophet can tell how anything -will bo done under Socialism. Wo should never prophesy unless ivc know, and as we cannot know it is best not to prophesy. Third: "What guarantee is there that there will be no adulteration under Socialism?" None! What fools Aye should be. to adulterate things when they were produced for our own use. But to-day adulteration is part of the system. John Bright, when President of the Board of Trade, refnsed to legislate on this, because "adulteration is a legitimate form of competition." To-day we engage, local and national inspectors to watch for adulteration in our foodstuffs, etc. Then we send persons who make and sell the adulterated articles to the local councils and parliament. Some time we shall grow wiser and send them to jail or Coventry. Fourth: "Would it be possible for a father to will his son any capital to any extent?' There will be no capital under Socialism, Nicholas. If a father left a lot cf books to a son who preferred horses, the books wouldn't even he wealth to a horsey young man. Fifth : "Would it be possible to lend money to the State for inter:*'-?" I don't think! Sixth: "To make Socialism possible would it be necessary to alter human nature?" No one but a blockhead wants to altei human nature. Why, Nicholas, my Leys and girls think I'm the lsest daddy in the whole world, and thai.- hii;u-i.n nature. When the miner ri,->k-> hi* life to save his mates, that's human nature. Why, Nicholas, my boys and girls think I'm tho best daddy in the whole world, and that's human nature. In the centuries gone', when a man went courting he went with a club, knocked the object of his affections down with the club, and, if he were strong enough, carried her on his shoulder to the cave which was to be her home. If he was not big enough for this, ho dragged Inn- home by the hair of her head. Men still go a-courting (read the best courting poem in the world, by Russell Lowell), but they don't go with a club generally. Heigh-ho! Nicholas. Forty years ago——- Yes, 'tis true that some men use their money bags quite as ruthlessly as the man with the club, but "the narrowing lust of gold" does brutalise men. In fact, Nicholas, they were born men and die capitalistH. If Nicholas asks any more questions until next subscription day, I'll cut him short. By tho way, have you sent your sub?