IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 6

IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

MOTHERHOOD ENDOWMENT HOMES AND BONUSES. (To the Editor.) Quito recently the Hon. Peter Eraser sawfit to comment upon the declining birth rate in New Zealand, hut at the same time offered no solution. He had hie opportunity, as we all have. I submit that the solution of the problem lies in the provision of homes plus a bonus and State subsidy from birth to fourteen years of age. When I speak of homes it is as applied to houses where couples may rear their families. The Government does not appear to be able to cope with the problem of providing homes for the majority, and I suggest that an amendment to recent Acts should be passed favouring the encouragement of private enterprise in the provision of houses. Under certain circumstances a bonus of £10 for each child should be available, and payments at the rate of 5/ a week should be made by the State. At the present moment many thousands find employment in the manufacture and sale of baby garments, food and toys —an increase in the birth rate would increase employment in this direction. The provision of adequate housing, bonus and child subsidy would tend towards home happiness. This is the foundation upon which rests the welfare of our country. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS.

REVALUATION OF THE FRANC.

I have been waiting to see a correction of the report of tlie address of Professor Rod well to the Creditmen's Association, as reported in your paper of November 11. Professor Rodwell is reported to have referred to the movement in the French franc as a "devaluation" instead of a "revaluation." I mention this I faet because it has boe-.i xeferred to in other places as a "further devaluation." The position is, however, that the value of the franc has improved compared to sterling from 124 to 105. France has realised what Xciv Zealand must realise, that a natim that artificially devalues its currency plays the role of a defaulting bankrupt, and therefore other nations cannot with confidante trade with it. Devaluation prevents imports into a country, and therefore automatically prevents the establishment of international credits in that country, which in turn prevents a profitable exchange of that country's exports. In New Zealand, for instance, there would be no need to-day for a guaranteed px-ice to dairy farmers, nor would there be any necessity for the Mortgagors Relief Acts if the primary producers of New Zealand received the full exchange value of what they export. Some day perhaps the New Zealand farmers will understand that 25 per cent exchange against New Zealand means 25 per cent in favour of Great Britain, and, as he exchanges 85 .per cent of his products through the medium of sterling, then he must be a very serious loser on that exchange. Any increase in internal prices, which was held out as an inducement to our primary producers, is of little advantage to him when one considers that he only sells 14 per cent of his dairy produce, 4 per cent of his meat and 3 per cent .of his wool within New Zealand. It is thfe external exchange value of his products which covers 85 per cent of his production which, is the greatest concern to the New Zealand primary producer. J. HISLOP.

TASMAN FARES.

As an exiled Aueklander resident in Brisbane I was very interested in an article by a contributor, "W.H.P.," in your issue of October 21 re the laying up of the steamer Monowai in Auckland and the high fares ruling 011 the Xew Zealand-Sydney run. I fully agree that there are hundreds of Xew Zealanders who would make this trip if the fares were more reasonable, and I can say that there are hundreds of Xew Zealanders living in Australia and Australians who would make the trip to Xew Zealand, and more often, if the fares were lower. For the life of me I cannot understand why there should be sucli a vast difference between the inter-colonial and Australian coastal rates. The Australian coastal steamers are more modern, have better accommodation and service, and the crews' wages no less than steamers on the Xew ZealandSydney service, and yet the fares on the Australian coast are nearly 50 per cent less, as the following comparison will show. The distance between Brisbane and Melbourne is approximately the same as between Sydney and Auckland, and here are the fares: Brisbane-Melbourne.' first class £S, second class £5 15/, third class £4 5/; SydneyAuckland, £12 10/, £10, £7 10/. In addition, on the bourne service there is a stay of two days in Sydney, with accommodation and meals at the ship's expense. Perhaps the shipping companies can offer a reason for the vast difference in fares. A.B. Brisbane.

I CASEMENT AICKIN MEMORIAL.

If ever a man deserved his memory to he perpetuated by a public memorial that man was the late Mr. Casement Aickin. As one of the many thousands who came into contact with this eminent surgeon on occasions when his services were personally required, I can truthfully say that Auckland has indeed sustained a grievous loss by his unfortunate passing at such an early age. His kindly, genuine sympathy, his understanding of the patient's apprehensions, and his assurances and skilful treatment have eased the minds and hastened the recovery of many a grateful sufferer. It has long been well known to his colleagues, his patients and his friends that in no case were his services withheld even where an unfortunate sufferer was unable to meet the cost of his services. His was the full and true conception, of a medical mail's services to .suffering humanity, and his passing will be deeply mourned by many. I trust that my suggestion of a public memorial of some suitable description be given the earnest consideration of the citizens of Auckland, and that a move in this direction be immediately undertaken by those, of whom he without doubt deserved so well. . ■ (MRS.'' SIDXEY GREEN.

HARBOUR BRIDGE.

Referring to the letter by "T. James," I wisli to ask him if the people living, say, north of Waiwera, are prepared to join in guaranteeing any loss in working the bruise by tolls. In any t-ase, sshould the bridge be built, it is those living in Devunport, Takapnna and portions of Birkenhead who will have to bear an increased cost for transport. What will the extra cost for transport to and from Auckland be? The journey to Auckland and back will be much longer and therefore more expensive than at present. _ The ferry steamers will not run if most of the residents use the bridge. On the other hand, if steamers stiil run from Devonport and serve alsio a considerable number of Takapuita residents, the loss on the bridge will be greater. Motor transport is the dearest form of transport. I think this aspect has been completely lost si<;ht of by those living across the harbour, and who are advocating the building of a bridge, and it is advisable that a' fairly reliable estimate be made of the cost of transport should the bridge bo built. , ■ 'C. M. WHIT J.