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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Introduction

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Introduction.

It is impossible at the present time to conceal from ourselves the approach of a great conflict between Wealth and Poverty—between the classes who own the wealth of civilized communities and the poor. The rapid growth of population in Europe, whose increasing millions must find food and homes in less densely populated countries, or starve; the unprecedented accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few; and the terrible uncertainty of food for the many; the seething and bubbling fears and aspirations of great majorities in the different nations—are all signs of the times which he who runs may read. Every mail which reaches us from England and America, almost every daily telegraphic summary of news, contains the record of occurrences which show plainly enough the tremendous forces operating beneath the surface of society, and that we are in truth, as Mr. Hyndman has said, "in the dawn of a revolutionary epoch." There are two causes which conduce to revolution—oppression and want. In Great Britain both causes operate largely; in the colonies as yet neither to any great extent. We, however, in New Zealand should remember that we are merely laying the foundations for future generations. Here unfettered by ancient prejudices or customs, and as yet possessing wide territories of public lands and sparsely populated private estates, we should endeavour so to shape our course as to avoid the dangers which threaten older countries, and find a means of banishing poverty from the land. Our political privileges are already great—they can and will become more comprehensive, and we should now unite in the attempt to build up a system of social economy, that will ensure general prosperity and cause want to be unknown. To enable the mind to plan for the future it is necessary to look back at the course we have travelled, and mark its principal social and historic features. Thus tracing the causes of our present position and the principles which have guided our short Colonial existence, we shall be able—as I trust—to see a way which may lead to safety and prosperity.