NEW SPIRIT IN ENGLAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 132, 25 November 1911, Page 4

NEW SPIRIT IN ENGLAND.

If one asks the ordinary traveller who has returned to Xew Zealand from a visit to England what are his impressions, he generally mentions some quite unremarkable matter, such as the size and beauty of the London police, or the number of motor 'buses, or the fact that village cottages arc luUt 011 the roadline. The real observer who can tell us what is doing in the cradle of the race is a much more valuable person than the municipal councillor who returns to say that "Xew Zealand can learn nothing from the Glasgow corporation," and that the streets of Rua Kukura are cleaner than those of Manchester. We do not know whether Dr. Fitchett, of Australia, who lias reached Auckland, is competent after a short sojourn in England to declare that a "new England is being evolved," but it is at least more refreshing to hear this than an old story about, the London police or the tipping system in the hotels. ''England," he says, "is growing more wisely and nobly democratic." That is merely by way of saying that at last the democracy is not so absolutely controlled by the aristocracy and plutocracy. It is not that either the aristocracy or the plutocracy have been either "noble or wise," but that public opinion Ims forced them to concede a greater personal equality and right. The new political and social England is due to public demand, and a recognition by the people of their strength. The erstwhile rulers conceded nothing until forced, not even Parliamentary representation by men "of the people." The "fuller partnership" spoken of by the Australian journalist is becoming real only because it has been forced and the under dog lias only come to regard himself to be entitled to rights because of the awakening of the thinkers among the under dogs. As yet class is sternly arrayed against class in the Old Country, and it is only because the greatest class is numerically stronger and able to "stop supply," so to speak, that the smaller class concedes anything. These concessions may in time come to .be voluntary, and not forced. One thing is certain. Tlie new England is not a voluntary and joint creation, but tlie result of a stern war of wits, the implacable fighting of organisations, and Hie training of the under dog's intellect.

"'The slri'iiyth anil resources of the. nation will be multiplied" because of the new spirit, of confidence among tile ii:as~es. it spirit that makes them feel thai they are no longer bond-slaves, and that, they can demand and obtain rights withheld from them for centuries.