OCR SYSTEMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1941, Page 6

OCR SYSTEMS

CONSERVATIVE LOOKS AHEAD. Whereas Socialism is a precise' economic doctrine with clearly-defined objectives. Conservatism is what its upholders like to make it. writes Mr Arthur Mann, forme" editor of the . "Yorkshire Pest” and the "Evening I Standard.” Landon. It is the good I fortune of the Conservative Party : that there is no basic and immutable principle with which it may be identified. What, one may ask, does it ex- | ’.st to "conserve?" The whole of the ' established order, or only that part ofjit that is adapted to contemporary i needs? The true aim of Conservatism I is surely to preserve only those instii tutions which, serve the public interest. In so hr as the party stands for the gradual evolution of a democratic society, it answers to something deeply ingrained in the English character and is capable of rendering outstanding services to the community. 1 would • appeal, therefore, io my fellow-Conser-I vaUvcs to consider proposals for social 'and economic reform on their merits. | and not to reject them out of hand | simply because they clash with prej conceived policy <:r are pul forward by ; a rival party. The economic system of j a .civilised community depends upon mutual s.rvic.’. Money is but tlie symbol of service, if there is nut a fair distribtiiicii cf tiie fruits of industry the ;■;.:■(am is b:;:t:i.l ti suffer because glnrin:; inequalities weaken the spirit cf c. -.;p.:-.”':n and goodwill that is ::.-:Svu;:: I to "o::l prosperity and progress. A s mnd copit ilist system should use and preserve for the service of the Stale th qualities ci enterprise and .■.'.ilvcnlt’"? th.:'.! ;.:n at tiie root of all progress; indeed, of civilisation itself. But it must buv;.’ also as a vital aim tlie s.if: ;;u:.rd‘ii'’ of ill.' self-respect, cf a people whose present steadfastness, endurance and valour are born of a healthy and proper pride.