THE NEW ZEALAND LABOR PARTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1918, Page 2

THE NEW ZEALAND LABOR PARTY.

To the Editor. Sir, —Undoubtedly it is a good tiling to spread the light. It would lie a good tiling if more people—everybody—had a clear idea of the aims of the .Labor Party. In the minds of reasonable people the opposition would vanish, or nearly so. The platform of the party as set out at the meeting in New ( Plymouth on 2uth October is lengthy and detailed, and, while some items might bo called in question, the aim of the party is manifestly just and right. Of course, it is what is called socialistic, and thus prematurely condemned by some. There are, however, two socialisms. There is tlio evolutionary socialism, and tsio revolutionary socialism. To the former class the Labor Party belongs, according to its platform and professions; but when its actions are observed it would appear to be revolutionary rather than evolutionary.. The evolutionary socialist needs patience, and an attention to small things—concentration on the separate items of the ■programme. The idea of some seems to be that the change can be brought about by ono great sweep, and in planning that out in all particulars no account is taken of wthat each step may teach as to what will ultimately be the best in the end. We can all begin to be evolutionary socialists in a small way; and it would be well for the impatient revolutionary -socialist to ask himself if ho is doing his little bit in the endeavor to bring a social state out of the present individualism. Take as an illustration the item in the platform which aims at nationalisation of insurance and coal mines. How many members of the Labor Party effect tlheir insurances —fire, life and tweident —in the State offices? Not all lam sure, and not many I fear. They give various good reasons in their opinions for neglecting the State enterprise, but at tho bottom it is self interest: the capitalistic institutions presents certain present advantages which the Labor Party man is not prepared to forego. The same applies to the State coal mines. How many use State coal, when they can get it? Of course Mr Man puts the responsibility in tlhis matter on his wife. But it will not do; he is also responsible for patronising a ■capitalistic enterprise. Then there is another way in which the revolutionary socialist is wrong. Ho likes to go to a meeting and discuss a platform and big party schemes while here again neglect- ! ing the small matters, mere items he J will say. Instead of all this, or in j addition to tlhe big scheme, he should put some energy into some definite item of the great programme and got that carried into effect and thus show to the doubting world at large that, at least, isomo parts of the Labor Party's platform are right and wise: for if the people at large saw that one part of the platform was right they would then bo more willing to try another step. My suggestion would bo to keep tlhe whole plan in mind, but just now concentrate on rating on unimproved value as a stepping stone towards a reduction of indirect taxation. If the Party went for this with determination they could carry it—and then the next thing. "One thing at a time is a very good !tule." —I am, etc., , "■ BEGINNER.