MR WILKS AND SOCIALISM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8504, 7 August 1907, Page 6

MR WILKS AND SOCIALISM.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I have read Mr George Wilks' letter, also a fair amount of Socialistic literature, and have studied the question with an unbiassed mind. The tons of Socialistic literature which Mr Wilks has gone through has not, in my opinion, removed the scales from his eyes, which, perused by an unbiassed mind, must have been the case. He tells us it is a lot of trash. Well, I defy him to prove his assertion. The Socialistic propaganda is purely and simply the world for the benefit of all, not merely a portion of the populace as at present (and a very small proportion at that). The earth is bounteous and will provide more than a sufficiency for everyone, and while that is so, many hundreds of thousands are on the verge of starvation. Has Mr Wilks no heart that he will be a party to the slow starvation of hundreds of little children, while some people lavish every luxury on dogs and cats, leaving pigs out of the question. A friend, recently returned from England, told me that it is a common sight to see pigs and other animals taken to fashionable restaurants to dine with their master or mistress. Surely such an illustration as this, ought to appeal to all right-minded people. It is also a fact that diamond collars adorn the necks of the canine and they don't stop short at dog's tea-parties or elaborate funerals. But we could go on for a long time giving similar illustrations [of the terrible and wanton waste, ! while helpless children are crying for bread. As for the various illustrations which Mr Wilks quotes—Paraguay and Zion City—they were neither of them illustrations of what is intended of Socialism. Zion City had an unscrupulous leader, who scooped the pool and left the com- | munity to go to the dogs or anywhere else they liked so long as his pockets were well lined. Those who are not blind must see that reform is needed, and the high prices of living in this country will probably do more for Socialism than most people think. It is only a matter of time and education when the people will 1 assert themselves and fight for their 'just rights. Socialism wants all i workers and no parasites, and wants . everyone to get the full fruits of ! their labour. I would appeal to all • advocates for reform to study both I sides of the Socialistic platform with !an unbiassed mind, and they will ', then be able to give a fair verdict. , Mr Wilks may some day have his mind . opened, and then he may through ■ his tons of Socialistic literature ! once more and may come io a different opinion. I would ask Mr Wilks and those of a like kidney if State or Municipal Socialism does not cater for the people better than private | enterprise. In conclusion, Socialism i means "do unto others as you would ; they should do unto you," the foundaI tion of Christianity.—l am, etc., I • W. MARCUS JONES. ■ Masterton, August 6th, 1907.