ENVY OF SUCCESS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 251, 14 June 1932, Page 4

ENVY OF SUCCESS

Sir George Elliot's protest against the "blighting ungenerous criticism of successful firms and institutions" is timely. There is much truth in his assertion that among a section of the public there is "a growing sentiment against the firms, companies, and individuals who, in any way, are successful." The present financial situation has revealed the fact that there is little encouragement for the thrifty. Successful enterprise in business is persistently baulked by harassing legislative restrictions. Among a certain class it is regarded as almost a crime to be well off. The personal qualities that enable men to attain positions of responsibility with commensurate remuneration are valuable assets to the State anc, its people, but these apparently counif for nothing with a certain class. Nor is the fact that the community incidentally, though indirectly, benefits in the results of successful enterprise given fair recognition. Emplbyment is increased, and in the operations and ramifications of business, money is circulated. Where progress stifled, and, as Sir George Elliot put it, "a sprag put in the wheels of enterprise," national stagnation would result. Success should be applauded, not sneered at, as it too often is,