LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 155, 6 August 1914, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

ECONOMISING IN A GOOD CAUSE. To tbe Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —There is now no need to point out to.prudent men and women .the need for thrift during the troublous =times that must inevitably come. I have a suggestion to make in this direction,, and, with all due modesty, I venture to think that it will meet, with at least some approval. Next week.there is to be a Hunt Club Ball, and although I have never been treasurer" for such a function-I know the money that is spent on'balls"'of this description; Every man who goes to that ball pays one guinea for the, privilege .of ; enjoying himself. He spends that guinea solely wit*' that' ' idea, and usually goes to get Ms guinea's worth. Now, it is proposed to send away an expeditionary, force from New Zealand, and all.- the ■ money that can be spared will be wanted for the equipping of the men of -this force. In the near future—the immediate future . —we.will be.called upon to make.some -sacrifice, and the spectacle, of three or four hundred pounds being squandered, for that'word fits at a time like this, " for the mere pleasure -of people who .have so much to defend, is shameful. That sum would fit out a hundred men. It • would provide field dressings, antiseptics, instruments, and stretchers for three companies of field ambulances. Could not those in charge, of the arrangements think, twice before they" throw away this money to" the.accom* • paniment of popping corks and scraping fiddles? .Should not every, man willing to spend his money that way, be more willing to put his hand-in his pocket and take out a guinea for this greater : cause? If it must be held, then make the subscription two guineas and use the extra money for the purpose I have suggested. —I am; et£ 7 '