SOCIALISM. 579 



in the first instance we had to clear enough land to get money to live 



on. Why have you not utilized the land ? Because of the difference 



of opinion. . . . We want more [money]. ... I think if the advance 



were increased to 100 [a head] it would do. Can you manage on 



that ? Yes, with unity . . . but not with the diversity that exists 



now. &quot; 



Thomas Myers testimony was more decided. 



&quot;My opinion is that the present communistic system of living will 

 end in failure. I do not think it will succeed even with the advance 

 fixed at 100 . . . Because there is not sufficient unity. We do not 

 work harmoniously together . . . There has not been half as much 

 work done as might have [been] if we had worked amicably. . . . Two 

 years ago I was the strongest advocate of communism ; but to-day I 

 am satisfied it is an absolute failure.&quot; (p. 70.) 

 James Holt, villager, gave more favourable evidence 



&quot; Do you think if the Commissioner had power to direct expenditure 

 this discontent about individualism would be removed? I fail to 

 see it. Has the settlement up to the present time been as satis 

 factory as you expected ? Yes. I do not think any settlement has 

 done the work that Pyaphas done, notwithstanding all the grumbling. &quot; 

 (pp. 76, 77.) 



&quot;William Bates gave evidence as follows. 



&quot; Are you for individualism? Yes; from the bottom of my 

 heart. . . . Did you read the rules before you came here ? I do not 

 know. I attended three meetings. The likes of the carrying on here 

 would shame the devil and all his workers. You have changed your 

 opinions since you came here ? Yes, because I have seen so much 

 cut-throat business. Did you believe in communism when you came 

 here? I was an advocate of the land for the people. I thought 

 this was going to be a grand thing. I thought we were going to live 

 like brothers and sisters, and that this would be a heaven below. 

 * You have found out that communism will not work ? Yes. The 

 man who works the hardest gets no advantage ? No. &quot; (pp. 79, 80.) 



At Holder, Patrick John Conway, chairman of the settle 

 ment, said: 



&quot; I think if settlers could work individually for themselves they 

 w r ould make a success of it . . . the land is really good, and with irri 

 gation you could grow almost anything. Have your difficulties here 

 been of a very intense character ? Not very intense. Has it got 

 further than words? Yes, it has come to blows frequently. . . . 



