Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 955, 24 April 1930, Page 10

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

ECONOMIC WEALTH Sir, — I think we should thank Mr. C. P. W. Longdill for his effort to elucidate the problems involved in politics and finance. That there must be some new idea and methods of carrying on private and public business is, I am sure, the belief of many citizens. For myself I hold that economic wealth is a community created product, no man being solely responsible for the finished product; or, if so, he is still indebted to the community for social protection. If this proposition is admitted, then the charges for rent and interest require drastic revision. At present, price is no measure of social values, and I think that Mr. Longdill should be both thanked and supported in his effort to make clear the process of private appropriation and extortion. E. DAVIES. BOOKMAKING Sir,— In yesterday’s edition of The Sun there appeared av report of a case of bookmaking in a certain suburban hotel. I wonder why this particular hotel was singled out for the comments of the prosecuting officer, who is reported to have said “that the bar of the hotel was being used by bookmakers, and if publicity did not stop it other means would be taken to do so.” Surely this officer is aware of other hotels, right in the heart of the City, which are used by bookmakers. Otherwise, his subordinates, who are entrusted with the duty of picking up bookmakers either are lax in their duties or favour certain hotels by neglecting to report them. Is he propared to adopt the same measures in dealing with these as he proposes to use against this particular one? If not, why not? S. R. HALE. 38 Second Avenue, Ivingsland, April 23, 1930.

THE MEANING OF RATIONALISM

Sir, —■ X am sorry that the Rev. D. D. Scott considers our definition of Rationalism to "reflect a measure of timidity." This opinion is bound up with his interpretation: "They simply mean that it is our duty to practise honesty and thoroughness in all our investigations." witli which I heartily disagree. The definition could scarcely be extended in any way without entering the bounds of dogmatism, but it means much more than he imagines. Consider it in some detail. “Rationalism is an attitude of mind that unreservedly accepts the supremacy of reason." Does Mr. Scott unreservedly accept the decisions of reason or does he mix

equal parts faith. Ideally there is no room for prejudice, bias or emotional instability in the formation of Rationalist opinions. “(Rationalism) aims at establishing a system of philosophy and ethics. . . .” Obviously tho« Rationalism is not primarily concerned with every aspect of life, but chiefly with systems of opinions—philosophy (of which religion in part is a branch) and social conduct in its widest sense. And now for the “sufficient differentia” which Mr. Scott fails to see. The Rationalist system must be “verifiable by experience and independent of arbitrary assumptions of authority.” That is the crux of Rationalism. It does not rely on authoritarian appeal however eminent if not verifiable by experience. The Rev. Mr. Scott implies that he could live up to this ideal and that the creeds of his church are pliable enough to permit it. What then becomes of “the truth once and for all delivered to the saints.” I challenge him to demonstrate that he can throw aside arbitrary assumptions of authority and retain his position as a Christian minister. Your correspondent misunderstands my use of the expression “the confines of the knowable.” I take it that everything that exists is potentially knowable, hence what is beyond the confines of the knowable must be nonexistent for all human purposes. A.E.C. FUR FOXES AND WILD PIGS Sir,— Mr. Robinson’s picture of the country being overrun by £SO silver foxes is after all, only a picture, but one which is calculated to do harm by arousing the passions of farmers against something that might be a national boon. 1 was not advocating or interested in fox-farming, but I am interested in any new industry that may help to remove the distress of povertv which overspreads our country. 'France, where there is a shortage of workers because employment is so abundant is, I believe, more active than any other country in the world in fur--1:li n 1 ing, slr . Robinson’s reference to wild pigs and their immense damage is interesting if he intends to advocate the complete abolition of pigs, or putthem under restrictions like those which apply to the harmless fur rabbits. If a farmer, by breeding in secure enclosures about 20 valuable c ;*i n ma -ke as much income as he would get for a whole year’s iS not an industry to X firmlv her lthOUt cabn examination i believe an escape of the silthnt f ° xes would bo extremely rare libertt h d not lons survive at liberty because of tlieir high value o tiappers, tile inclemencv of their and the absence of legal protection, and that they would be one of our most valuable industries for smallholders. Mr. Robinson says

we are too late, because Cmaciab’ now captured the trade. It was a cated two years ago, and t>loC “T some of the farmers. If Mr. j„ r and his Farmers’ Union block t another two years, we shall be ~r years too late. AVhat is spec"" needed in New Zealand is a small able body of disinterested. ‘ j thinkers, to discover and recouim desirable new industries. _ v ARTHUR SAINSBUK 1 -