LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22920, 17 January 1940, Page 12

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TO CORRESPONDENTS Owing to the necessity tor conserving space, no letters of more than 200 words can be accepted for publication.—Ed. "Tbe Press."

GtT-8.. W.M.S., and C.R.N.M.—We cannot open another correspondence on tnat issue at present.

RECRUITING IO THE EDITOR OT THE PBES9 Sir,—Your article on "Patriotic Fund Response," in- your issue of Saturday, read in conjunction with NewZealand's recruiting results, makes interesting reading. In 1914 New Zealand was a prosperous country for most people. There was a small national debt, taxation was reasonable, there was no unemployment to speak of, rents were within reach of all, and above all, the people, especially the young men, had hope of the future. Every farmer had prospects of a good living, every businessman looked forward to a life of prosperity, and every boy leaving school had "great hope that he would get to the top. When war broke out New Zealand immediately offered an Expeditionary Force for service overseas, arid there was a 1 remarkable response of fit young men to join up.' There was also a great response to appeals to the patriotic funds, Belgium Relief Fund, Red Cross, etc. The money was here and the people gave magnificently throughout the war. To-day we find a people who have struggled through a world slump just getting on their feet again. Taxation is about the highest in the Empire (outside Great Britain), trade is restricted, the cost of living is 61 per cent, above 1914, rents are out of proportion to the rent-payer's salary, and houses are almost impossible to lease. Is it any wonder that there is not so much money to subscribe to patriotic funds?

And what of the young men? Today a youth, knowing what happened during and after the last war, hesitates to give up a job' which he has had difficulty in obtaining, without being reasonably sure that he will get it back when he returns from the war, instead of finding his job filled by a girl or a man who did not go. The general feeling seems to be that conscription should have been introduced as soon as war broke out; then there would have been equality of sacrifice and not a case of the volunteer offering to give up all and the slacker giving up nothing. It appears that out here we are overconfident. Censorship allows us to know very little. We are led to believe that Great Britain and France must win, that Germany is short of foreign credits, that she is short of supplies necessary for waging a war, that sh«» has a large minority against the Nazi regime, and that she will collapse under pressure of the Allied air forces, army," and navy, especially through the stranglehold -of the navy's blockade. Is this true? Time alone will prove. Meanwhile "are New Zealand's young men going to sit tight until it is proved that as an Empire we might go under? I do not think thai; the average New Zealander is any less patriotic nor less keen on doing his bit than the men of 1914-18, and I have great hopes that the 2nd -N.Z.E.F. will not call in vain for reinforcements.—Yours, etc,; AN ANZAC. January 16, 1940.

VO THE EDITOB OF rHB PRESS • Sir, —Does your correspondent, John Corbett, really imagine _ that the men who have enlisted for overseas service did so from any desire or for the fun of it? The Great War knocked all the glamour out of .that, business. Does he believe, -■. too; .that ■ the men " who decide that their duty is to remain here to. look after the women, and kindred attractions deserve equal credit for it?

New Zealand is perhaps -4he most favoured and yet the .most dependent part of the British Empire, so the reason is very strong why we should pull at least our own weight. Australia .has conscription well advanced. Why should we lag behind? I know it js hard for any Government to back down, but it is -the only way. Like "Main Body, 1914," I feel the Government should take charge of everything. A man could then feel that, whatever sacrifices he were called on to make, they would be for his country and its cause, and not for someone who did not deserve it.— Yours, etc., • T.A.S. January. 13, 1940.

ARMY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS »0 THB EDITOR OF THB PRE3B - Sir, —I was interested in criticisms of the army medical examinations by "Ex-1915,'' printed in this column some weeks ago.* Since that correspondence I have seen figures for other centres and find "Ex-1915'5" criticisms of the •medical boards in Christchurch amply justified. In one of the Wellington papers this week, for instance, the official report states that out of 2278 men examined there since September, 1637 were classed lit, 281 temporarily unfit, and 360 permanently unfit. The proportion permanently unfit is nearly 16 per cent, which seems to me the proportion one would expect. The proportion permanently unfit in Timaru (I think this was the centre quoted by "Ex-1915") was similar; but in Christchurch it is much below this figure.

It appears that the procedure of the local medical board should be revised to allow a sounder examination and classification to be made. —Yours, etc., DIGGER ALSO.

January 12, 1940. [When this letter was referred to the Regional Deputy, Organisation of National Security. Dr. C. T. Hand Newton, he had no fresh comment to make, but referred the writer to a paragraph in reply to "Ex-1915'5" letter published in "The Press" on October 23, 1939, which reads: "The apparent discrepancy in the figures for Timaru and Christchurch is probably due to the difference in the interpretations of grades 3 and 4. Included in grade 3 are large numbers of men who are quite unfit for overseas service but can be safely entrusted with some minor duty in New Zealand. There is a distinction between 'permanently unfit' and 'totally unfit,' which is shown in the Medical Board grading but not in the figures published in the newspapers."]

R.S.A. AND PACIFISM TO rHE BDITOB 0» TH» PBB9B Sir,—With reference to the pacifist 1 meeting held in Victoria square on Friday last* Mr E. Orchard is reported to have said: "I went there, and I saw parsons wearing civilian clothes." If this means that the "parsons" present were not wearing military uniform, it is so true and so obvious that it was not worth saying. But I'm afraid Mr Orchard' meant his hearers to understand that some of us were disguised, either through cowardice or for some sinister purpose. I therefore challenge him to name the men to whom he refers. I was there, with nothing to hide my clerical collar. The two chief speakers wore the same badge of their kind; one of them even called attention to the fact. I did riot see any others of the cloth present. Perhaps others were. Mr Orchard will tell us, and then perhaps the myster* of their disguise will be clearedup. I am .grateful to Mr H. W. Wilkinson for his delicate compliment. He said: *Td export these people the same way as* we do bur mutton." He was alluding, no doubt, to the well-known fact that only "the very best quality is exported. But I would that these gentlemen could realise that neither the clothes we wear, nor the treatment that-they-would mete out to us, has any

real relevance to the burning question of the rights and wrongs, of peace and war.- Pacifists (not all of them fools,

e.g., Bertrand Russell, Middleton, Murry" Maude Royden, Vera Brittain, and C. E. M; Joad) have put up a strong case which must be answered,- by reason and facts, not by'' and abuse --^ OUrS ' etC '' F.N.TAYtOR, ' January 16, 1940. : ,

TO TBI BDITOB' OI THB PRESS , Sir,—l consider that the executive of the Returned Soldiers* Association is to ;on the,stand taken on receipt of a letter representor-the Christian Pacifist Society and-signed bV B. P. Taylor. The suggestion that the association, would organise a party to break up a meeting ffthl Christian Pacifist Society is. absurd. The organisation stands high in the eyes of the community. It cannot be expected, however, to fall in fine withlhe pacifists, whose avowed object is to hinder recruiting.. ~ The issue .to-day is one which, reauires little consideration. It is whether the British Empire is engaged in a righteous struggle or an unrighteous straggle. K vie Tare engaged in a righteous struggle, it behoves fee churches to define their attitude.The President of the Methodise Church has stated the views of that Church, with no uncertain voice. Butjvhat is the attitude of the Roman Catholic, Anglican Presbyterian, and other churches? Do the leaders of these churches consider that the British Empire is engaged in a righteous struggle or an unrighteous struggle? Jtt .**. "* » righteous struggle then the these churches should define their denominational attitude to war. On the other hand, if the struggle is. unchristian, then they must show their adherents the way they must set their During the last war I remember that Bishop Julius, as an ardent, imperialist, left no doubt in the minds of. An r glicans as to the responsibility of thenChurch, to support a righteous cause. Is the cause of Britain ; any less righteous to-day? -■■•■•■.■ "•_'■,' I congratulate 'the Returned Soldiers' Association on the attitude ; it has taken; and I pray that the protest made by this association will be the cause of removing from our streets those whose avowed object is to prevent recruits- from enlisting and thereby supporting the rape of Poland and the aims of Nazi Germany.— Yours, etc., R.S.A.. MEMBER. January-16,-1940... . .

- - ' rc'CH! eortoß oi ra» eausß - Sir,—Mr G. Chisholm, to my mind, gave the obviously correct reply to the letter received by the executive of the Returned Soldiers' Association from the Rev. R. P. Taylor, when he said, "Let the ' other fellow have his^say. -In sharp contrast to the tolerance displayed by. Mr Chishohn . was the undemocratic and remark bv Mr W. H. Wilkinson,, when :hf said? "i had my way I'd export these people the same way,as mutton. Mutton is the- term used for dead sheep. The analogy is therefore suggestive. I. prefer, to believe, however, that these words were hastily and ill Ch Then there was the suggestion, that pacifists.should be swept off the street Democracy cannot be preserved by S dictatorial and Hitfer-hke abuse of the right of free speech. Dem6cracy can, however, be preserved by a little more tolerance on the part of .some People towards those with. conflicting but sincere views. We must too, have the desire and wililngness to improve democracy. If democracyjvere in better'shaped we would possibly not be in tr L^Vs Xg nJt n reactionary m our-thoughts and actions because we are at war.—Yours, etc.,. are ax war INTERNA TIONIST. January 16, 1940.

THE NEUTRALS' WAR to thb emTOB or rms pbbss Sir —ln your, article, "Six Weeks of the War in Finland," there occurs this sentence: "The one thing that can bring,the war against, Germany, to a rapid conclusion is a firm conviction on the part of the small nations that their one hope pf a free existence m a -free Europe lies in a victory of the Allied cause."- Surely there must be that firm conviction by now. It is thenactive support which is required; ■ and if they will not come in after the unprovoked attack on Finland, nothing is likely to move them. Finland's heroic defence,-aided by luck well deserved, has staved off.her tragedy long enough to give the Scandinavian nations time to'think and decide. . As you suggest, one animal at a time is enough for the Allies to look after, and the German wolf is a far greater menace than the Russian bear, which has turned out to be, in reality, a hyena, mopping up German leavings. A" united front by ;these .countries,

would scare it away. What can be expected, though, from these small nations who are apathetic while the Allies are trying to make their future safe for them? Swedish steel and Rumanian oil are reaching Germany, while the Low Countries are sending her the products of the: dairy industry which Britain has built up. How much longer will" these countries continue to watch, the Allies alone - straining their resources for the common safety of humanity? What hope for a future lasting.peace, if the making and keeping of it.has to be*entrusted to these knock-kneed onlookers? France has given her answer, that she will not lay down her arms until she is satisfied that the guarantees are safe. It is deeds that are wanted, not words, in this war against aggression. Between' them, the neutrals can shorten the war, and at the same' time earn for themselves the right to take part in the final peace discussions. To end the war and build up a peace are simple enough problems, perhaps; but how are they to ensure that the peace will be lasting?— Yours, etc., T.A.S. January 14, 1940.

FLYING PRACTICE OVER THE CITY TO THB EDITOR 01 < THB PEE9B Sir,—l would like to endorse entirely what "S" says, and feel sure many others feel the same. «f the flying as described is really necessary, we must, I suppose, put up with it; but if not, and I. too, do not see why it should be, then it should be an easy matter to alter things.—Yours, etc., F. January 16, 1940.

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL BATH i to CSS BDITOB OF CUB PRESS Sir,—The letters on\ this subject will cause many citizens to do some thinking, but alas, too late! The site has been acquired. Despite the housing shortage a row of houses (old, it's true) is to be demolished and the bath will be there pretty 'soon, protests or no. :I protest against the use of a fine site on Oxford. terrace, for such "Sa purpose,

and against the spending of .so much money to providevan additional amenity for a small; section-of the community already well served. The "burn your rubbish" slogan is absurd. An over-worked destructor s plant, instead of being extended, was ! demolished,, and .our rubbish; is, carted, J to various dumps. The quantity to be . dealt with,, seen in'the mass, has prob- •■: ably surprised our wise: men: hence, .: "Burn your, rubbish." But how? We have no ranges; in the summer time ;: we do not need. open -fires. Coppers— ; . and there are few of them now—arc ' only lighted once.a week. And so the J rubbish must just pile up. Despite the i covered waggons the method of col- .< lection leaves much to be desired. The < tins are heavy, and the men have to f heave them, up too high: result, a trail of paper, small tins, and vegetable matter left where the waggon has passed. In the main streets it is. unsightly to see the rubbish tins being emptied in the late morning. Rows of garbage tins along Hereford street are not exactly attractive. ■,■_,. Then there are our channels. It : there is heavy rain over the week-end, it's nobody's io'b to clear ttve gratings; result, flooded corners. The side channels are supposed to be regularly swept; yet it is no uncommon sight to find grass; .thistles, and dandelions flourishing in the sand and dirt left in the channelling. Recently new concrete was put down along some channels not 100 miles from the council yard; but the effect will soon be as it was. The cracks are showing twitch and the other growths already. It's unsightly and costly to let the weeds grow in these places. They aVe ultimately removed by other nifen with shovels and drays; Then the concrete is repaired again! ... It really is time we, as* citizens, . wakened up to the welfare of our city N and took a lively interest in the way 1 our money is -spent. Councillors are only'human and, like the rest of us, enjoy spending money. If we are not interested enough to attend meetings and express our opinions, we cannot or should not complain if Father Christmas gives us a swimming bath when we wanted a laundry, of a fountain, or a standby plant, or a town halL Next time let us make our protests before the job is under way, not leave it to others and then feel disetc., LOOKER-ON. : January lß, &S4& ..

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY FORCE TO THE EDITOB OF THE FBESS. ... •Sir,—So "Playboy No. 1" has been, told to go back to the farm! Is he an apprentice or bound in any way to his employer? Will the farmer keep him a day longer than his services can be profitably utilised? Farmers are already in camp; so why this discrimination? ~'.'.. ~_... . . Let the women get together and form a land army. Surely-we are no less competent and able than the women of Britain and Europe -to relieve the men for national service? As the public works programme must be carried on, there's ho immediate hope of-man-power being released/from that source, so it's up to us.— JUST A WOMAN ONLOOKER. January 16, 1940. INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT TO THE EDITOS OF TH» PRESS Sir,—Some weeks ago I received from the Income Tax Department a letter with the information that a certain item of income had not been included in my social security assessment statement. This letter was posted to an old address, and not to my present, which was included in my statement. It was found that the item was included in my statement; but not a word-of apology did I receive from the department, or any refund of stamps. What I cannot understand is this. If the department perused my statement, it most certainly would have known the amount in question was paid, and would also have found my correct address. ... A relative of mine also received information of an item of income of which nothing was known and the communication also was posted to a wrong = address, when the corre.ct address was included in the statement of income. , Why all the bungling?— Yours, etc., TDISGUSTED. January 8, 1940. A BENEFACTOR TO THE BDITOB OF THB PRESS Sir, —Will you allow me to thcnk the unknown donor who daily sends "The Press" to our camp, addressed to myself? I can assure you that it

is. pleasant to get "The Press" punctually each day.—Yours, etc., J. BECCONSALL. i Y.M-C.A, Camp, Awanui, Jan. 12,1940.