CORRESPONDENCE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15139, 1 December 1914, Page 10

CORRESPONDENCE.

Mtt BURTON AND THE DRAINAGE FARM. TO THE EDITOR OK "THE PRESS.'* gir,—l am surprised at a man in Mi* Burton's position taking notice of car.ard-flving in the district ai election time. One woul<s think that he was v candidate defeated by two or three votes (there arc only three votes of M-rtin.vo Farm employees). I s;\y d»>-]ifi.->sato!y that the employees were never approached in ♦ho matter of the election, let alone intimidated. —Yours, etc., H. .7. KNIGHT. Drainage Farm Employee. THE DRAINAGE BOARD. TO THE EDITOR OF "TH* PRESS.'' jiir,—I a.eree with ''Resident's" lettor appearing in ycur issue of the 27th, regarding Mr Ihirton's endeavours to inipr ovc the district. Hut why c\al! the sewage farm a "useless rato-producing xiiito" elephant." I cannot understand. I have always admired the frosli greenness of the reclaimed and irrigated paddocks in contrast with the dry and burnt appearance of the untreated Kind adjacent; and the cattle grazed on the irrigated paddocks are in a fat condition for the market, and should sell at good prices; also, the milking cows must a. good return for the small cost required to grass and flood the paddocks. I am not acquainted with the number of acres used for grazing purposes, but there must be sufficient available to graze some hundreds of head of cattle, which should give a handsome return for the small amount of wages paid to the few men employed to keep tho farm in working order; !«o I cannot sco why the farm should h.> called a white elephant.—Yours, CONTENTED. November 28th, 1914. SAMSON AND THE KAISER. TO THE EDITOR O*' "TOE PRESS." £j rr _S e eing that the Kaiser ha*, even beaten himself by offering money ! for the head of an honourable foeman—£looo was it not?—can juu not surest to our present-day Samson to send the next clipping of hi 3 hair to the Emperor William, and counsel patience? I feel sure the flying Samson will be quite sportsman enough to be willing to exchange heads with the : Emperor, so not only saving him £1000. but giving him a chance of peace with —well, one is afraid to say, honour, i where'he is conferred, but without ' further shame. Failing that, I hope greatly to hear of one of the brave Indians taking him captive. They are clever enough for even that piece of difficult work.—Yours, etc., H.R. I BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR OF "THK PRESS." Sir.—Mr Flesher, in a recent issue of "The Press," complained of the of candidates on the Bible-in-SchooLs question, particularly regarding the question of a conscience clause for teachers. The following will show that the ignorance is most marked among those who support the League's referendum. Mr G. D. Maeiarlane, nominated for Christchnrch East by the Reform Party and separately by the Bible-in-Schools League, declared at one of his meetings, last week, that a conscience clause for teachers was only fair, and wonderful to relate, wich a clauso was provided in the Bill!' Mr Toogood. another supporter of the League, said at Durham street that he favoured a conscience clause, with alternative service, for religious objectors to military service, but opposed any for teachers regarding the giving of Scripture lessons. He said that if the State so decreed, the teachers musb give the Scripture lessons. Canon Garland, during cross-exami-nation, told the' Education Committee of the House that the League's scheme contained no conscience clause for teachers ; that He could not say whether the League would oppose one; that he was not prepared to say whether the League favoured or opposed one; that he could not tell, if the scheme were enacted, whether the teachers would be compelled to give the lessons. He was finally asked whether he vvaa afraid to say publicly.what the scheme would work out to. If Canon Garland's. Mr Macfarlane's and Mr Toogood's statements aro compared. Mr Flesher will see ample room for enlightening these candidates supporting the Bible-in-Schools League.—Yours, etc-. J. CAUGHLEY. BEACH-RACING AT BRIGHTON. TO THE EDITOR OK "THE TRESS." Sir. —With reference to the collection taken up by tho North Canterbury Motor-Cyclists' Club, in aid of their racing fund, on the occasion of the recent races between a motor-cycle and car. I wish to"'protest on behalf of myself ami other motor-cyclists who contributed to the collection under the impression that the money was for the Belgian Fund. Several collectors rattled the boxes without showing or explaining what they were, collecting for, and it appears to have been a rather unfair, thing to collect money in this way for a mere "racing fund," seeing how much more, usefully money can be utilised just now. Other sports j clubs are helping the various patriotic funds, and it is up to this motor club to do tho same.—Yours, etc., MOTOR-CYCLIST. DEUS. ET REX. TO THE EDITOR Of "TUE PRESS." Sir. —I hope the above will be taken by the Citizens' Defence Corps as their motto. It should be apparent to all that it is tho duty of every adult male in New Zealand to join this new defence movement for the protection of tho mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters of the inhabitants of the Dominion. One has only to re.ad how the women of Belgium have .suffered at the hands of our enemy to be convinced of this. I think it would be a good idea if tho volunteers were divided into two classes —the first to consist of those under the age of 57 years, who would go in tor thorough military training. The second class to consist of men over the specified age, and others who are incapable through physical defect, to be formed into an honorary branch. Their being members would encourage the movement ; they could act as recruiting agents, and contribute as far as their means would . allow pecuniary assistance. The corps must be in need of funds as it is, as T have not heard of any subscriptions being asked for, and the time is coming when rifles and ammunition will be wanted. It is exoeediugly doubtful if the Government could supply the demand, and they have refused to do so in other towns. Would it not be advisable for the Mayor of Christchuvrh to call a public meeting iitkl yet a .signed requisition to the Minister of Defence, urging upon him the great necessity of his coTnnninic.itirm by cablegram with the Home authorities to supply us with tlie needful arms and accoutrements? I believe it would do a great amount of good at the present juncture. An old Latin proverb says: "Kill a man with his own sword." If. no o.ther means are possible. le> them send out. say. 20.0-'IO Gentian rifles with the necessary am-nv-nition. Switzerland has a small, but efficient army of "first-class shots. AFhy should not -we bo the same? —Yours etc., ' .F. G. M. BRITTIN. Papanm, November 30th.