LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 92, 25 May 1914, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

NORTH RICHMOND. To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir,- —I quite agree with " Slate? Street's" remarks in your valuable l>aper of May 22. When the chairman of the Wainiairi County Council convened a meeting of ratepayers in this district last year, to discuss the ways an,d means te get asphalt footpaths and concrete channels, they said it was too late now, and told him not to .bother. They had seen the great reformer of Greater Christehurch, Mr A. S. Taylor. He told them something, "Ask and ye shall receive." He would give them miles of concrete channels and asphalt paths, that would be swept every morning before breakfast; the • dust cart would attend twice daily' if required, and as for the nightman, the residents would not tolerate him disturbing their ,iest-rthe sewage arrangements were to be done at once—as for the water supply, it was only a small matter. There were tons going to waste at the pumping station. But .Mr Taylor forgot to tell us about the unwritten law, "Wait and we .shall receive." -He told the same cant at Papanui, and also talked about the great asset they were losing in Elmwood Park (to the owner), but the residents had heard the- same before—before he was born. Some of them had lived at Sydenham under : Jthe . graduated tax since the city took ..command, where the wonderful water supply is like pea soup on a cold night, and if you do not smile and pay up, they soon apply the telephone act. "Wait and we shall receive." As soon as we get the new valuations, on the unimproved values, and pay up without saying a word, something may bo done. The printer will-put plenty ,of ink on the' rate notices, and the "great rephrases will-be plainly heard in : Slater Street, from the Aclirystall mound.—l am, etc., VOX POPULI. THE 800 T~INDT7STRY. To the Editor of THE SUN. ; Sir,—Kindly permit me,- for the last time, to reply to letters on the. above, by Messrs Badger and Williams. lam not a suspicious person, but it lookS' as though Mr Badger had conferred with the other writer, and, whatever the object, the result has diverted the argument. However,. I shall deal first with Mr Badger. This writer seeks to prove, from the letter of a "Retired Retailer, '' the following:— (1) That New Zealand manufacturers can hold their own against all countries, in the manufacture of footwear. . (2) That New Zealand- can give all other countries a start—can excel them. —-in the production of footwear. (3) That if New Zealand were to open up an export trade she would hold her own against all other countries. (4) That retailers who would stock only locally-made boots could retire from ■ business —time limit not specified. > 1 leave these propositions for the consideration of the retailer and intelligent public, both o$ whom should demand proof, as the judgment of both, as Well • as their national duty and responsibility, are therein questioned'. ' In the face of the above, may I ask, with due respect to the association which Mr Badger, represents, -Why is it that the leading manufacturers buy so largely of imported boots, and, in lhany instances, represent Home ; manufacturers?. - brand their goods "British make,", and other names indicative of English'production? There is an evident .lack of -some quality, or a preponderance of another. Regarding Mr Williams's letter I feel quite sad to think, that he would allow himself to write as he does.He either wilfully, or ignyantly, misinterprets my position. He tries to create a barrier between the workers and myself, but, as I am for, and not against, that army of men and women, his efforts are futile. HoAvever, I will accept the challenge issued by Mr Whiting, viz. ; "That he will undertake' to produce New Zealand-made boots > 'which, foi make, quality, and price, will compare with anything imported into the Dominion, '' and will communicate with Mr Whiting on the matter at once. Further, if the ease for locallymade boots be proven, I wiir undertake to submit to the manufacturers, a practical proposition, whereby, in four years from date, the importation ,of the class made in the Dominion will have become past history.—l am, etc., / - W.H.W.