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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2563, 8 June 1881, Page 2

On the subject of Socialism, it may be interesting to notice that there is a body in New South Wales which holds very extreme views.. It is called the Liberal Association. From a copy of the rules we gather that the following are its objects I. The universal brotherhood of man. 2. The inherent right of all individuals to hold, practice, and proclaim any opinions on all subjects whatsoever which their conscientious convictions may demand ; always provided that this is done in such a manner as may induce no breach of the public peace, or interfere in any way with the liberty of others. 3. The duty of every individual to conserve and maintain this liberty. 4. The supreme authority of demonstrated fact—fidelity to knowledge. 5. Aspiration after the highest morality. 6. Respect for known worth. 7. The sanctity of truth. 8. The emancipation of woman. 9. The right of everyone to the product of his own labor. 10. Complete secularisation of tbeSfcafce. Rule 6 states the objects of the association as follows : —(1) To watch the course of events and be ready at all times to offer through its executive the necessary opposition to any encroachment upon, or restriction to, general liberty; having especial reference to such as affect the religious convictions of those concerned. (2) To provide premises,supplied with useful literature, where Liberals of all shades can meet together for social intercourse. (3) To assist in maintaining Sunday evening lectures. (4) To render assistance, by advice or otherwise, to those who suffer in consequence of their opinions. (5) To promote the extension of civil and religious liberty by all means. (G) The extension of Sunday freedom, while limiting, as far as possible, Sunday labor. There are many good points in the above programme, though there are sonic, particularly No. 4, which are intended to strike at the truths of revealed religion, The Liberal Association of New South Wales is not a purely political organisation. It aims at something more. One cannot fail to be struck with the skilful manner in which the rules have been drawn up. They cover a large extent of ground. “The Supreme 'authority of demonstrated fact,” however, is the keystone of their policy. A man who, with full knowledge of its rules, joins the Association, has certainly little religious scruples. ’ It is to be hoped that the majority of the Liberals of Nc3K .-South Wales are not identified with J, be Association. If such should he case,'democratic idehs in the oldest colony of the Australian group will make slow progress.