CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 2

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

THE POLITICAL FUTURE

To The Editor

J. V. Macky in a recent lette- . seemed perturbed about the political ! future of New Zealand. I assim! him he need not be, as hisw • abounds with proof that in everv ■ crisis the British Empire has alwav« found the men and women to car™ through to successful and better con ditions. He says, inter alia, that it , is not possible for those he calk "gifted citizens" to serve their coun try, unhampered by the spectre of financial struggle. Does this mean that such persons put self and leisure and all other consideration* before service to their country anri its welfare? I don't believe it Hp also says that Ave get out of life what we put into it, and the value of ser vices received is commensurate onlv with the amount paid therefor Surqly this is queer reasoning. How is the value of service judged' Surely in the reflected conditions and happiness of the masses and their homes. Will Mr. Macky reflect on the miserable conditions of many millions in European countries in. eluding Britain, and compare such with the emoluments of office from the Prime Minister down and still say we get out of life what we put into it? History proves the opposite Mr. Macky further says that the tragedy is that while there are men in every way qualified to render a fine service to their country and form the backbone of a strong efficient Parliament, financial considerations bar the door to their entry into political life. So we see that unless politics can be made to payhandsomely in £ s d, Mr. Macky says New Zealand will suffer. Let me say that sincere service to one's country and all it means must come from a strong desire of mind and heart and certainly not from the pocket. Finally, Mr. Macky entirely forgets to compare the efficiency and quality of New Zealand's political services with other nations. If he would do so he might change his opinions about those who have put the nation's welfare first, and not selfish luxury. A. S. RICHARDS, M.P.