CONDITIONS OF PROGRESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1941, Page 7

CONDITIONS OF PROGRESS

THREE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS. It is undeniable, writes Professor A. D. Ritchie in the "Hibbert Journal.” that there has boon social and political progress, but it has been slow and difficult and the result of constant effort. In fact, without constant and welldirected offer; retrogression is likely to take the place of progression. It will bo generally agreed that for the healthy working of any political system three conditions are necessary which have never boon fully realised and may perhaps bo impossible to realise fully. They arc: (1> that the large jnajerity of the people should be po-

litically educated and politically responsible; (2) that there should be no privileged groups, that is to say. no people who succeed in claiming services and subordination from others which are grossly in excess of any corresponding functions to justify their exceptional position: (3) that the Government should possess and use powers sufficient for carrying out its policies promptly and efficiently, and yet bo subject' to effective criticism and public control, so that these powers are never mis-used, to do either too much or too little.