LABOUR’S METHODS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20494, 10 May 1938, Page 9

LABOUR’S METHODS

APPEAL TO MABB MIND HON. A. HAMILTON’S OPINION (By Telegrapn.—Press Association* WELLINGTON, Tuesday “Labour’s policy Is to encourage, and develop mass-mind phychology, even to the point of coercing the minorities into submission,” said the Hon. A. Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, in his speech at Wellington last evening. “They would crush individual Initiative until men and women become only a cog in the great State machine. Compulsory unionism is a typical example. “We stand for the wisdom of democracy, and majority rule, in the sphere of politics. This does not mean that majority rule shall control and dominate all branches of social and private life. Minorities have rights that must be sacredly safeguarded. For example, the majority lias no right—in our opinion—to dictate wliat church we shall attend. "We recognise to the full, the duty that individuals owe to society, and New Zealand has always been in the forefront in the matter of social services. Our pension and hospital systems were amongst the most liberal in the world. Social duties are certainly very important, but the rights of the individuals to develop their own personality and character, and carry their own responsibility, are among the most precious gifts to mankind. "We say that society becomes great by being peopled with men and women of individuality, personality, initiative and character, rather then by the domination of the mass-mind. These constitute Hie finer sentiments of our nature, that are the basis and strength of our British patriotism.