New Zealand

     Michael Bassett has undertaken the noble task of educating me about New Zealand, and through me to make you WAISer. Among the books he has sent me is his own The State in New Zealand, 1840-1984 (Auckland University Press, 1998). New Zealand's social experiments have long interest those seeking a system free from the blatant defects of ordinary capitalism. The Introduction begins: "The British Fabian socialists loved New Zealand. After a visit in 1898 Beatrice Webb declared that, if she had to bring up a family outside of Great Britain. she would choose New Zealand. She had seen a commendable degree of comfort and independence among the working population, liked the country's new Arbitration Court, approved of New Zealanders' 'free and easy tone', and endorsed what she believed to be a search for equality."
     Another book sent me by Michael Bassett is the 755-page Oxford History of New Zealand. I shall be enlightened, and will serve as a moon reflecting the light to the WAIS world.

Ronald Hilton - 3/1/00